Sydney Seaplanes is a multi-award winning aviation transport and tourism provider*.

Our number one priority is the safety of our customers and staff. As such our pilots are some of Australia’s most experienced seaplane pilots and all undergo extensive and frequent training. 

Our fleet of DHC-2 ‘Beavers’ and the C-208 ‘Caravan’ are immaculately maintained and presented to the highest of standards. Our Beavers, to this day the most versatile and popular seaplane ever built, undergo a complete overhaul and rebuild every 3-4 years.

In 2007 we took over direct management of the Seaplane Base in Rose Bay, under a lease from NSW Maritime. Soon afterwards we submitted plans for the redevelopment of the site, including new docks and a new terminal building. In 2009 we received approval to replace the seaplane docks, and this work was completed in mid 2009. Click here to see old dock vs new dock. Plans for a new terminal building were approved by NSW Maritime on the 21st of January 2011. Click here to see the design. Sydney Seaplanes truly appreciates the support our submission received from the overwhelming majority of the local residents of Rose Bay. As the only location zoned for aviation facilities on Sydney Harbour, our investment in this world class infrastructure will benefit the community for decades to come. Within the new facility we plan to incorporate an area dedicated to commemorating the fascinating and important part Rose Bay has played in Australia’s aviation history.

In 2008 we commenced scheduled services between Rose Bay and Newcastle Harbour, and in doing so became Australia’s only certified and CASA approved scheduled seaplane operator, which involves an extremely high level of CASA compliance. In addition, at this time we developed and had approved an Aviation Transport Security Plan, a requirement of the Department of Transport.

We provide a wide range of aviation consultancy and training services. In 2010 we assisted two Australian seaplane companies start their businesses from scratch. This included providing comprehensive and practical operations manuals, government approvals advice and pilot training. These companies are now in operation, both having received their CASA issued Air Operator’s Certificates. We have also been engaged by India’s first seaplane company to provide pilot training and coverage for their start-up operation. See www.floattrainingaustralia.com.au for specific information on our range of training services.

In addition to scheduled flights our Sydney based charter operations encompass our very popular fly/dine packages to sensational destinations in the Hawkesbury River & Palm Beach areas. Restaurants such as the Cottage Point Inn, Berowra Waters Inn, Peats Bite or Jonah’s Whale Beach are always a hit, and offer world class service, cuisine and location. We also operate scenic flights from Rose Bay in and around Sydney Harbour and Beaches.

We have a wide variety of customers, both Sydneysiders and international guests as we are heavily featured in many international travel brochures as an iconic Sydney experience. We greatly enjoy serving this diverse client base, and particularly relish the opportunity of meeting some of our more famous guests such as US Vice Presidents and numerous Hollywood movie stars.

*Our professionalism, quality products and services have been recognized by winning many awards, including:
- 2007 NSW Tourism Award Best Tour/Transport Operator.
- 2007/2008 Australian Newspaper Tourism Award Most Innovative Tourism Experience.
- 2009 NSW Tourism Award Best Tour/Transport Operator.
- 2009 Australian Tourism Award Best Tour/Transport Operator.

We're very honoured to support a number of Australian charities which have included the Bone Marrow Donor Institute, Herbie Hass Memorial Golf Day (Motor Neuron Disease), Redkite (children's cancer fund), Royal Flying Doctor Service, The Heart Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Children's Cancer Institute of Australia.

Key Contacts:
Managing Director
Aaron Shaw
aaron@seaplanes.com.au

Chief Pilot
Adam Holt 
adam@seaplanes.com.au

Operations Manager
Matthew Starrett
matthew@seaplanes.com.au

Reservations
Yvonne Hoelzel
Yvonne@seaplanes.com.au