Fly a seaplane from the Hawkesbury to the Hunter, and head on to Cottage Point
If you want to romance a Sydneysider, you’ll need to do something pretty special in this harbour city. A seaplane date is the ultimate for budding young lovers. Glancing down at the never-ending blue is the perfect start to a date before landing at a secluded restaurant where lunch awaits.
Marramarra Lodge in the Hawkesbury
The exclusive Marramarra Lodge is as mesmerising as the Hawkesbury River surrounding it. Sydney Seaplanes can fly you north from Rose Bay over the enchanting waterway before landing and floating to the waterfront ‘doorstep’ of this luxury retreat.
Under a canopy of towering eucalypts, the lodge provides an authentic Australian bush experience, with accommodation in Peninsula Tents featuring large riverstone bathrooms, air-conditioning and decks with river views.
Former chef to royalty Paul Macnish creates gourmet meals at Budyari Restaurant, and the luxe experience continues with a tour to a nearby pearl farm, pampering at the lodge’s Iyora Day Spa and the opportunity to forage for bush tucker and explore rock carvings with a local Aboriginal Elder.
Seaplane to the Hunter Valley, NSW
One way to beat the traffic is to fly over it. For an unforgettable experience in the Hunter Valley, Sydney by Seaplane flies north from Sydney to Cessnock in an hour for an exquisite day in this world-famous wine area.
Take off from Rose Bay and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Sydney Harbour, the Northern Beaches and the Central Coast before landing in Cessnock to visit Piggs Peake Winery.
Savour ‘unique boutique’ wines at the cellar door and then it’s time for lunch in Pokolbin at Yellow Billy Restaurant. The day ends with a spectacular figure-eight flight in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
Lunch at Cottage Point Inn, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Cottage Point Inn, which is hidden away in the rugged Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is one of the most charming restaurants in Sydney, and a front-of-house ‘splash down’ arrival with Sydney by Seaplane guarantees a head-turning entrance. From humble beginnings in the 1950s as a boathouse, general store and post office for the Hawkesbury River community, the inn is now a fine-dining destination.
Taking in the view of the passing river traffic is like watching a magical slow-motion film, and be sure to look skyward to see magnificent sea eagles soar high on their daily patrols. As the final flourish, the Sydney by Seaplane flight home ends with a fly-by of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
