Sydney from the sky: The best way to take in Australia's most iconic city

I won't lie: I thought seaplane adventures — the ones where you get whisked into the air on a tiny plane to see breathtaking views that you usually only see in movies — were either for people madly falling in love being filmed on a possible TV show called The Bachelor or for tourists who are visiting Australia and want to do that whole 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience.

It's easy to not think about treating yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime experience when you live in one of Australia's biggest cities. Regardless of how beautiful you know it is, we all get caught up in the everyday rat race of life: work, gym, seeing friends, taking up a sporadic hobby, dropping that sporadic hobby, suffer our way through numerous appointments like the physio (if you're over 30, you know what I'm talking about), and all the other little things that make up our adult lives.

I've been in Sydney for 10 years now and I'm pretty bad at being a tourist in my own city. Minus the odd apartment move every couple of years, I frequent similar bars, cafes, gyms, and beaches, and I will sporadically be brave and venture outside of my usual areas every few months or so... but not in the way you appreciate things when you're out there travelling.

After doing a month-stint in Europe earlier this year (yes, sorry to be that girl but I had a wedding I had to go to and no I still haven't financially recovered), I came back to Sydney with a vow to appreciate it more. To get out myself of my comfort zone. To do things in this great city I call home instead of just spending my weekend watching Real Housewives (which is also important, don't get me wrong).

Sydney from the sky

That's how I found myself heading to Rose Bay to go on Seaplane adventure, all easily done via RedBalloon.

On a stunning sunny Sunday, my sister (my date of choice) and I departed Rose Bay to fly high into the sky over Sydney's Northern Beaches, including, you guessed it, a birds-eye view of Summer Bay. If I squinted closely enough I thought I could nearly see Alf stomping down the beach in the hot pursuit of someone who wronged the diner.

Drinking in the sights of Manly, Pittwater, and looping back around to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House was a stunning experience. The view from above makes even the older iPhone (I'm out here still repping a 12) pics come out looking like you're a professional photographer. And the overall experience was so spectacular it made me forget that the last time I had been on a plane, there had been hectic turbulence. If you're a nervous flier (me), the seaplane was actually an amazing experience and I had no fear while we were departing, landing, or in the sky for that matter.

Are you stuck for a last minute Christmas gift?

Last year RedBalloon reported that over 50 per cent of Aussies couldn't even remember what they received for Christmas last year — and we can't blame that on your crazy Aunt's frozen margaritas, because 40 per cent stated that they expect they'll unwrap another forgettable Christmas present this year too.

If you're anything like me and leave things last-minute RedBalloon has a bunch of options for Christmas gifts (or any gifts really!) ready to go to spoil even the fussiest people in your life. And if you're anything like me and want to be part of the adventure, why not buy your significant other, your brother or sister, or your cousin's best friend's fiancé an experience you can both share? It's time to reclaim your spot as the favourite grandchild, child, or sibling.

Not only is the experience like the seaplane adventure completely unforgettable, you get to knock off some quality time with a loved one if you participate too. It's hard to argue with that.

Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of Rose Bay Seaplanes and Red Balloon.

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