Newcastle Flying Experiences

Flying experiences in Newcastle come in two kinds: scenic helicopter flights for two over the city's foreshore, and tandem skydives from up to 15,000ft over Lake Macquarie and the coast. One is a sightseeing flight of 12 to 15 minutes; the other is a freefall of up to 60 seconds.

Scenic helicopter flights over Newcastle

The 12 Minute Newcastle Scenic Helicopter Flight For Two flies over Nobbys Head, Bar Beach and Merewether Baths, with a chance to spot marine life from above. It runs seven days a week, and you get a guaranteed window seat and in-flight commentary.

The Newcastle City Sights 15 Minute Helicopter Flight adds a little more ground. It flies past the foreshore towards Nobbys Head, then south along the Anzac memorial walk, over Bar Beach and the Merewether Baths, before taking in Glen Rock Lagoon and McDonald Jones Stadium. Several sessions run through the day, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes before yours. See also our Newcastle scenic flights page.

Tandem skydives over Lake Macquarie and the coast

Skydive Newcastle runs tandem jumps of up to 15,000ft from Belmont Airport, with up to 60 seconds of freefall and views of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the beaches. Choose the weekday skydive, the weekday skydive with transfers from Sydney, or the weekend skydive. The Newcastle skydiving page has the drop zone and getting-there details.

How the Newcastle flying options compare

Time is the big difference. Both helicopter flights take 12 to 15 minutes in the air and are booked for two passengers, while a skydive takes about four hours from check-in to landing and is booked per person.

Both helicopter flights lift off from Mayfield West, and the skydive drop zone is at Belmont Airport. The two are in different places, so don't plan them back to back without allowing for the drive.

Frequently asked questions

How long are the Newcastle helicopter flights?

The Newcastle scenic helicopter flights run for 12 minutes or 15 minutes, depending on which one you book. Both are listed for two people.

Where do the Newcastle helicopter flights depart from?

The Newcastle scenic helicopter flights depart from 10 Laurio Place, Mayfield West. The City Sights flight asks you to arrive at least 15 minutes before your session.

What can you see on a Newcastle helicopter flight?

Newcastle helicopter flights pass over Nobbys Head, Bar Beach and Merewether Baths, and the 15-minute City Sights flight also covers the Anzac memorial walk, Glen Rock Lagoon and McDonald Jones Stadium.

How long does a skydive in Newcastle take?

A Newcastle tandem skydive takes about four hours in total, with up to 60 seconds of freefall. Skydives operate daily from 8am.

How old do you have to be to skydive in Newcastle?

You must be 16 or older to skydive in Newcastle. There is no maximum age, though reasonable fitness is required.

Local tip: if you're doing both, put the skydive on one day and the helicopter flight on another. A skydive takes about four hours, and the helicopter base is a different spot from Belmont Airport.

A helicopter over Nobbys Head or a jump over Lake Macquarie: either way you're seeing Newcastle from a new angle. Check the sessions and book. All good days are waiting.