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Ever wondered what it's really like to sit in the captain's seat? A flight simulator puts you at the controls of a Boeing 737 or an F/A-18 jet, no licence required. It's realistic, it's exhilarating, and it's a gift that gets talked about long after the wrapping paper's gone. Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary or just because, a flight simulator experience turns "I've always wanted to try that" into a story they'll tell for years.
Flight Simulator Experiences
A flight simulator gets you as close to flying as you can get without leaving the ground. Full motion, real cockpit controls, and an instructor by your side who knows every switch and dial. Choose your aircraft, choose your airport (there are tens of thousands to pick from), and take off. For someone who's always dreamed of the pilot's seat, this is the gift that puts them in it.
Flight Simulators in Australia
RedBalloon offers flight simulator experiences across several states, from commercial jet simulators to fighter jet cockpits. Here's where you'll find them.
Flight simulators Sydney
Sydney has some of the country's best flight simulator options, based at Bankstown Aerodrome and Marrickville. Take command of a Boeing 737 in the Boeing 737 Flight Simulator, First Class Flight, flying to your choice of destination in a full-scale cockpit replica. Prefer something faster? The F-18 Super Hornet Simulator Experience, 30 Minutes puts you through combat manoeuvres in a genuine fighter jet simulator at Marrickville's Air Combat Centre.
Flight simulators New South Wales
Outside the city, there's a couple of standout options. In Charlestown, the Jet Flight Simulator Experience, 2 Hours gives you serious time in the pilot's seat, with take-off, cruising and landing all under your control. For something with real history behind it, the Supermarine Spitfire Flight Simulator Experience at Temora Aviation Museum puts you in a full-motion replica of the iconic World War II fighter.
Flight simulators Melbourne
Melbourne offers a couple of great ways to step into the captain's role. The Boeing 737-800 Flight Simulator, 30 Minutes, Melbourne is a fast-paced introduction to flying the world's most popular jet airliner. For a longer session, the Flight Simulator Based on Boeing 737-800, 60 Minutes in Kew East gives you a full hour of take-offs and landings at airports around the world.
Flight simulators Perth
Perth has a strong lineup of flight simulator experiences. The 45-Minute 737 Simulator and 15-Minute F-18 VR Experience in Northbridge lets you fly a commercial jet, then strap into a virtual reality fighter jet cockpit. Out at Bibra Lake, the Jet Flight Simulator Perth, 60 Minutes Plus Bonus 15 Minutes gives you extra time behind the controls.
Flight simulators Adelaide
In Adelaide, the Flight Simulator Based on Boeing 737, 60 Minutes puts you in command of a full-scale 737 replica, choosing from over 24,000 airports around the globe for take-off and landing.
Looking for More Flying Experiences
Looking for more ways to get airborne? Explore hot air ballooning for a slower, quieter kind of flight, or paragliding if you'd rather feel the wind properly. For the ultimate rush, skydiving and indoor skydiving both deliver serious freefall thrills. Prefer to stay a little more grounded (but still off the ground)? Check out scenic flights, helicopter flights, seaplane flights and flying lessons, or browse the full range of flying experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are flight simulators?
A flight simulator is a replica aircraft cockpit that recreates the experience of flying, using real controls, instruments and often full motion, without leaving the ground. Simulators range from commercial jet cockpits like the Boeing 737 to military jet setups modelled on aircraft such as the F/A-18.
What are flying simulators used for?
Flight simulators are used for two main things: training and entertainment. Airlines and defence forces use them to train pilots on procedures, emergencies and specific aircraft types without the cost or risk of real flight. The same technology is also used to let everyday people experience what it's like to fly, no licence needed. The Airline Pilot Flight Simulator Experience, Perth, 1 Hour is a good example of the experience side, giving you a genuine feel for cockpit procedure and control.
What types of flight simulators are there?
Broadly, there are commercial aircraft simulators (like Boeing 737 replicas), military jet simulators (such as F/A-18 setups), and virtual reality simulators that use a headset rather than a physical cockpit. Some, like the 30-Minute Flight Simulator Experience, are fixed-base, while others use full motion platforms to replicate turbulence and G-force.
How realistic are modern flight simulators?
Modern flight simulators are built to a genuinely high standard. Cockpits are modelled on real aircraft dimensions and instrumentation, visuals are drawn from thousands of real-world airports, and full motion platforms replicate the sensation of take-off, turbulence and landing. Many commercial simulators are also used for actual pilot training and licence renewals, which says a lot about how close to the real thing they are.
Are flight simulators good for learning to fly?
Yes, to a point. Simulators are widely used in real pilot training for procedures, instrument familiarity and handling emergency scenarios, and a simulator session can give a genuine first taste of what's involved in flying an aircraft. They're a great introduction or supplement, though they don't replace the hours and certification needed for an actual pilot's licence.
What is the best flight simulator for beginners?
Look for an experience with a strong pre-flight briefing and an instructor who tailors the session to your experience level. Shorter sessions, such as the F/A-18 Jet Flight Simulator Experience, 120 Minutes, still include full guidance throughout, so no aviation background is needed to enjoy it.