Sydney by Seaplane: Point Inn, Harbour Bridge Climb and Blue Mountains

A seaplane lunch in Ku Ring Gai, a 442-foot Harbour Bridge climb, and a Blue Mountains spa retreat. Sydney's most romantic hotels and bucket-list views in one trip. In World Class we check into the Observatory Hotel in the heart of Sydney, where romance, business and family needs are equally indulged. Children borrow goldfish for their rooms, honeymooners find four poster beds sprinkled with rose petals, and junior suites open to city or harbour views. Guests unwind in the complimentary Observatory Spa Club with gym, whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms, from volcanic stone therapy to a skin caviar cream massage beneath a fiber optic, star-lit pool dome. Then we take to the skies on a 20 minute flight into Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park for lunch at a waterside inn you can reach only by plane or boat. The chef keeps things simple and seasonal, leaning into sparkling-fresh seafood alongside game and meat, with minimal heavy sauces. Back in the city, we clip on for the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb with guide Ralph Langley. At 442 feet above the water on a solid, 3 metre wide arch, even the height-anxious find confidence thanks to thorough training. Hear how nine years of construction, from 1923 to 1932, and six million rivets made it, as Ralph jokes, twice as riveting as the Eiffel Tower. Prefer the water? Skipper Gary Taylor proves how approachable sailing can be on this clear, rock-free harbour. With a short coaching session, you can be cruising at around 15 knots, or charter 33 to 47 foot boats for a relaxed day with friends, starting from about $600. A two hour drive brings us to the Blue Mountains and Jamison Valley. At Lillian Fell's, a five star country retreat perched on the cliff tops, floral rooms breathe cool mountain air and look over manicured English-style gardens or plunging valleys. Therapist Amanda Jones guides a signature mandarin, lime and cranberry body scrub and a Body Mud using desert salts and native bush plants, including an uplifting lemon myrtle blend. Guests choose by touch and scent, learning about Aboriginal culture and philosophy. Dine at Darley's Restaurant in the heritage home of Frederick Darley, where Executive Chef Hugh Whitehouse sources seasonal produce from local growers. With wildlife treks led by Reg Prowse, rare plants tended by head gardener Kylie Adams across temperatures from about minus eight to 37 degrees, and discreet butler service perfect for proposals, this Sydney escape earns a World Class stamp of approval. #Sydney #BlueMountains #LuxuryTravel #WorldClass #BridgeClimb #Seaplane #BoutiqueHotel #Australia