Christmas is looming and the heat is on to one-up family and friends in the gift department. Thankfully, it’s surprisingly easy to give someone a unique and unforgettable experience with or without the ‘thrill seeking’ intensity factor via Adrenalin, one of Australia’s leading experience sites. The team have put together all sorts of exciting, inexpensive activities online as part of their #GiveAdrenalin Christmas campaign, including everything from Sky Diving and Rally Driving to gourmet experiences such as Seaplane Fly & Dine packages and Champagne tastings.
Amongst their offerings is a 20 minute scenic helicopter flight over Sydney Darling harbour, a perfect excuse for anyone who isn’t familiar with the city to gain a bird’s eye view of what makes it such a beautiful place to visit and for locals a chance to soak up their hometown from a different perspective. Departing from Mascot airport, the private or shared experience passes over iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as a long stretch of the coast encompassing infamous Bondi Beach.
Hosted by Sydney Heli Tours, the ride begins in their VIP terminal where guests can munch down on complimentary refreshments and take advantage of free wi-fi whilst receiving a safety briefing from any of the charming and knowledgeable pilots on hand. Passengers are then led out to the tarmac to board one of the fleet. For a flight of four passengers, an additional bonus of a EC120 Eurocopter means unobstructed views when 1,000 feet off the ground.
Helicopters coming in whilst we wait to board ours
Our accommodating pilot Cameron ensured everyone’s comfort and safety, as well as pointing out some of the cooler aspects of Sydney. Of course, there was a breathtaking fly over Sydney Harbour Bridge, picturesque imagery of luxury yachts floating in the harbour against a backdrop of the city’s skyline, including Centrepoint tower, the smooth white sails of the Opera House, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. Stunning mansions including the Prime Minister’s Kirribilli homestead were also pointed out, as well as Rosebay’s Shark and Cockatoo Islands, popular concert venues and historical landmarks.
Inside the cockpit our awesome pilot Cameron takes us through Sydney Harbour highlights
Moving over the harbour and towards the coast presents an opportunity to showcase one of the best parts of being in Sydney during summer, the sandy and blue salty swells of Manly, Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, La Perouse and every other beach in between. Curving back towards base allows for an uninterrupted view and appreciation of Sydney’s sunny coastline. Harking back to Australia’s military past defensive facility Fort Denison rests peacefully north-east of the Royal Botanical Gardens. as well as a bunch of harbour lights and markers including the stand-out red and white striped Hornby Lighthouse.
A surprisingly relaxing and enjoyable experience, a scenic helicopter ride ($149 per participant for a 20 minute shared flight over Sydney Harbour) is one of Adrenalin’s top 10 experiences and well worth checking out. Whether it’s getting something for the whole family or dropping unsubtle hints around your loved ones (you know to ease the agony of gift giving), Adrenalin makes it easy to give something different with a little bit of that wow factor.
Gifts come presented in a beautiful brushed metal gift box pictured below (order by the 21st of December), or vouchers can be emailed directly to your inbox – so you can Click, Print and Give even on Christmas Day! Check out what’s on offer at adrenalin.com.au with specials and promotions online daily.
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