Paragliding in Australia - The Best Locations for Tandem to Advanced

Australia is a vast, expansive country with lots of great locations for paragliding. Despite this, most are located in the south east part of the country. This is mostly due to the weather – it’s slightly cooler here with suitable cloud coverage for most of the year. Fortunately, it’s also the most accessible, with most locations accessible within a one to three hour drive of either Melbourne or Sydney.

Here we have listed the best places to paraglide in Australia. A fine collection of internationally renowned paragliding destinations, as well as a few favourites with the locals. There’s mountain paragliding, some hilly thermalling and coastal paragliding with views of stunning coastal scenery.

Best Mountain Paragliding Locations

Bright, Victoria

Bright is a mountainous location about three hours north of Melbourne. This beautiful alpine country is popular for outdoor sports such as cycling in the summer and is close to the ski/snowboarding slopes in the winter. Fortunately you’ll still get some nice sunny, yet cloudy weather where you can pick up some strong thermals.

It’s recommended to closely monitor the conditions as it can become windy. New tandem paragliding pilots have even reported feeling motion sickness!

For experienced paragliders, particularly locals in Victoria, this is one of the best mountain paragliding locations in Victoria, even Australia wide. For beginners and tourists, it’s a memorable way to spend your holiday. There’s lots of opportunities for XC, just make sure you’re familiar with the forbidden landing zones.

Mystic Hill

The best place to paraglide in Bright and one of the best places to paraglide in Australia is Mystic. It’s situated 2 kilometres south of the Bright village, off the road to Wandiligong.

This site has fans across the world and has hosted the 1998 and 2018 Paragliding World Cup. While this does mean it can get busy, fortunately this paragliding park is expansive enough to accommodate a large crowd of pilots.

The take off area is close to the road in an area which has been cleared of all trees and obstructions, and layed with astroturfed, creating a launching area about 100 metres wide.

Before flying here for the first time it’s a good idea to ensure you’re familiar with where the landing zone is, as it’s hidden from view at the take off area.

The lift here can be pretty strong in Summer between midday to mid-late afternoon.

As this is a premier paragliding facility, it’s one of two locations in Australia which requires local club membership (NEVHGC) in addition to SAFA membership.

Mount Buffalo

Mount Buffalo is a large granite mountain with expansive views across the valley. The paragliding launch site is a Reid’s lookout. This is basically a sheer drop, and is only recommended for experienced pilots as there is no room for launching errors. Pilots can fly in any direction as long as the wind isn’t too strong. In good conditions, pilots can fly XC as far s Myrtleford, which is approximately 18km away. Most pilots land at the Porepunkah airstrip in the Buckland Valley. There is a bombout known as “The Burrs” directly infront of the launch.

Tawonga Gap

The Tawonga Gap launching zone is close to Bright Gap Road, but very well concealed. Look for the steep dirt track opposite the higher lookout and drive for about 1.2km if you have a four wheel drive (or alternatively walk).

The launch is a narrow but well maintained ‘L’ shape through a gap of trees, without too steep a drop-off. Like Mystic, the landing zone isn’t visible from launch. There are also powerlines which run along the side of the valley, these are visible from the launching area. Pilots can glide across the valley to Bright and Mount Buffalo in good conditions.

Tandem Paragliding at Mystic and the surrounding alpine areas at Bright: http://www.alpineparagliding.com/tandems/

Manilla, Mount Borah, New South Wales

Manilla is located near Tamworth, about 350km north of Sydney. The expansive area contains small hills, ridges and flatlands, making it ideal for XC with enough dependable thermals to keep you in flight.

To get to the launch zone, drive to Mount Borah and there is an unsealed road to the top of the hill. A four wheel drive is best here, otherwise a shuttle service to and from the launch and landing zones can be arranged with Manilla Paragliding School. Most pilots do a west launch, however an east launch can sometimes be performed in the morning

Mount Wellington, Hobart, Tasmania

Mount Wellington provides plenty of rewards for pilots who make the journey to Tasmania. Situated just behind the capital city of Hobart, launching zones can be reached within a 20 minute drive from the city.

While there are paraglider pilots in Tasmania, the population here is low and the state is not really known for it’s adventure tourism. Therefore there isn’t a dedicated paragliding launching zone on Mount Wellington, but if you’re a confident pilot looking for adventure, don’t let this deter you. There are roads, and small lookouts and clearings which are easily accessible on the drive to the top of Mount Wellington which can be used. This is not recommended for the inexperienced.

Conditions are light northerly to easterly winds. It’s recommended that pilots aim for a smooth launch and are at least flying or moon walking before hand, as there are few opportunities to safely bombout. If flying from November to January, lookout for wedge-tailed eagles, who have been known to attack and destroy paragliders.

The Cascade Brewery have been kind enough to allow pilots to land in the gardens surrounding their brewery and function centre. For this arrangement to continue, it’s critical that pilots contact either Rob on 0418 146 137 or Gil on 0407 516 845 before launching, as they often have functions or people using these grounds. They have been happy to accommodate paragliding pilots as long as the appropriate communication has been made.

While it may sound like paragliding in Tasmania is more difficult than other locations, advanced pilots shouldn’t be deterred. The scenery is amazing and the lack of crowds is quite refreshing. Make sure you try the local seafood, cheese, beer and wine when you visit!

Lake George, New South Wales

Lake George is a great inland paragliding location which offers great soaring. It’s found south of Sydney, about 30 minutes from Canberra. Most pilots launch from the southern end, by accessing the Weereewa Lookout carpark. The launch at the northern end is often referred to as ‘Collector’ and may be more suitable when conditions become more thermic. Landing is done on or around the lake. Airspace is low due to the proximity of Canberra Airport. It’s also advised that pilots who are new to this site make contact with the local club (ACTHPA) to discuss a site briefing.

Mount Tamborine, Queensland

Not far inland from Brisbane and the glamorous Gold Coast is Mount Tamborine. It’s one of the best paragliding locations in south-east Queensland and in general is a great place to visit. It has a real peaceful and clean-air feeling which pilots find refreshing and enjoyable.

Most of the time the wind blows in a westerly direction, making the conditions nearly always suitable. The weather conditions are suitable throughout most of the year and is known to give pilots a very smooth glide from the top of the mountain to the bottom.

The launch site is regulated site which is only for the use of CHGC members or visiting pilots who are in the company of a CHGC member. It’s easy to drive to, just off Main Western Road.

The official bombouts include a property on Wagon Wheel Road and the adjacent land, or pilots can use the Hugh Mahoney Reserve. It is important that pilots land in either the landing area or the bombout. There are many hazards outside of these areas such as trees and roads there can be infringements for those who fail to land in either the landing area or bombouts.

Best Coastal Paragliding Locations

Rainbow Beach, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Rainbow Beach is another great Queensland paragliding location, just above the Sunshine Coast and about 180km north of Brisbane. The beach has huge 100 metre high sand dunes which go for close to 10 kilometres. Pilots can soar along these sand dunes and take in amazing views. The area in general is suitable for those with intermediate experience and is a little more forgiving than some of the others listed in this guide. Landing can be done on the beach, except for the swimmers/sunbakers area between the flags. This leaves plenty of beach space for bombing out if necessary.

Tandem Paragliding at Rainbow Beach: http://www.paraglidingrainbow.com/tandem.php

Bells Beach, Victoria

Bells Beach isn’t just popular for surfing, it’s also a great place for paragliding. It’s popular with those in Melbourne as well as tourists travelling along The Great Ocean Road who wish to try tandem paragliding in a picturesque location.

There are two sites, with paraglider pilots recommended to take off from the Jarasite launch. Advanced pilots can take off from the Southside launch, but should be careful due to rotor from the cliff’s edge.

Landing can be done on the beach or on top at Southside. Be careful of tides if landing on the beach. In good conditions, XC paragliding south-west past numerous beaches to Angelsea and beyond is achievable and will reward pilots with views of some of the best coastline in Australia.

Tandem Paragliding at Bells Beach and The Great Ocean Road: http://www.paraglidingvictoria.com/

Albany, Western Australia

While Western Australia is incredibly large, it’s lesser known as a paragliding location, as in most parts it’s very flat and lacking in suitable clouds. However, there are a handful of locations in the south-west that buck this trend, such as Albany.

A popular launch site here is just on the edge of Albany, about 400km south-east of Perth. It’s great for hours upon hours of coastal soaring. Popular launch areas include Mutton Bird and Shelley Beach which are suitable for beginners and Point King, Sand Patch which are less forgiving if the take-off goes wrong and are more suitable for intermediate to advanced pilots.

Tandem Paragliding at Albany, Western Australia: http://waparagliding.com/

Newport, Sydney, New South Wales

Newport is a favourite paragliding destination for those in Sydney. It’s close enough to be accessible and not cause travel time to cut into your air time, but not so close you feel like you’re in the city.

Most pilots launch from the flat grassy area in the park above the beach. You will have to fly close to get up properly. Also be mindful of wind shadow caused by the hill behind. Be careful of hazards such as the road and houses. There is little room here to bomb out, the beach really is the only place to land. Even here you will need to look out for people walking on the beach, particularly in warmer months.