VHPA Site Guide - New South Wales

New South Wales - Canberra

Lake George (Collector)

Lake George is an excellent inland soaring site. The collector launch is at the northern end of the ridge. If the conditions are a little more thermic this launch is a bit better than Geary's Gap as you have more height.

Weather station: Triggered by 3 short transmissions from a UHF radio on Channel 19. Each transmission should be about 1 second. To minimise unwanted transmissions some safeguards have been incorporated into the system. If you fail to trigger it wait at least 10 seconds before trying again. The information is available via mobile phone on 0447 691 805.

Article: Flying Canberra

Takeoff

Landing

Immediatly in front of takeoff or anywhere on the lake.

Hazards/Comments

Powerlines. Airspace starts at 4500' ASL so there is not much room over launch to get high. Make sure you check the current Visual Terminal chart before flying.

Map information

New South Wales - Canberra

Lake George (Geary's Gap)

Lake George is an excellent inland soaring site.

Weather station: Triggered by 3 short transmissions from a UHF radio on Channel 19. Each transmission should be about 1 second. To minimise unwanted transmissions some safeguards have been incorporated into the system. If you fail to trigger it wait at least 10 seconds before trying again. The information is available via mobile phone on 0447 691 805.

Article: Flying Canberra

Takeoff

Landing

Anywhere on the lake.

Flight

Generally most pilots turn left immediatly after launch. It is not too high and it is pretty easy to bomb out.

Hazards/Comments

Powerlines to the right of launch, and then again near the first rest stop about 3 km to the North of launch.

Airspace starts at 3500ft/1060m ASL so there is not much room over launch to get high. Make sure you check the current Visual Terminal chart before flying. Once you push north past the first rest stop airspace goes up to 5500ft (1670m) ASL. If you push south over the highway towards Bungendore then airspace goes up to 4500ft (1370m) ASL.

Map information

New South Wales - Canberra

Lanyon

Generally takes a west. If the wind is too strong at Spring Hill it may be on at Lanyon. But if the day is too hot then the northerly valley breeze at Lanyon may make it unflyable.

Article: Flying Canberra

Takeoff

Landing

Landing options are pretty good for a paraglider; for a hang-glider you will need to glide out to some of the flatter, clearer landing areas.

Hazards/Comments

Watch out for planes flying overhead. Airspace starts at 3500', just 1000' or so above launch. Check the current Visual Terminal chart.

Map information

New South Wales - Canberra

Pig Hill

Pig Hill is an excellent thermal site when conditions are easterly. Weather station: Triggered by 7 short transmissions from a UHF radio on Channel 19. Each transmission should be about 1 second each. To minimise unwanted transmissions some safeguards have been incorporated into the system. If you fail to trigger it wait at least 10 seconds before trying again. The information is available via mobile phone on 0448 591 960.

Article: Flying Canberra

Takeoff

Landing

The primarly landing is on the far side of the road.

Flight

XC and flights are common. Glasses off nicely in the afternoon.

Hazards/Comments

Airspace starts at 4500' ASL so there is not much room over launch to get high. Make sure you check the current Visual Terminal chart before flying.

Map information

New South Wales - Canberra

Spring Hill

Spring Hill is the primary site for the Canberra region. It takes SW to NW winds. When the wind talker is in the range 10 - 18 mph you can easily soar the ridge. At other times it is often a thermal soaring site. If the wind talker is gusting greather than 22 mph then conditions are likely too strong to fly.

Weather station: Triggered by 5 short transmissions from a UHF radio on Channel 19. Each transmission should be about 1 second. To minimise unwanted transmissions some safeguards have been incorporated into the system. If you fail to trigger it wait at least 10 seconds before trying again. The information is available via mobile phone: 0447 693 502.

Article: Flying Canberra

Takeoff

Landing

The primarly landing is in the paddock to the right of the dirt road that leads up to launch.

Flight

XC and ridge soaring flights are common.

Hazards/Comments

Airspace starts at 4500' ASL so there is not much room over launch to get high. Make sure you check the current Visual Terminal chart before flying.

Map information

New South Wales - New England

Crescent Head

There used to be a HGFA sign on the headland at the E launch. This is now gone but Kempsey Shire, the local council, are still OK with us using both launches. Some good flying from both sites. S launch is more for novice pilots, E launch is out over sea and landing near the golf course (to the north) so more for experienced pilots. No contacts needed...just do it!

Takeoff

New South Wales - New England

Manilla - Mt Borah

There are flatlands right in front of the Mt Borah site. This area of Northwest NSW is perfect for cross country (XC) flying in that there are some small hills and ridges dotted in amongst the flatlands. This makes for reliable thermal triggers, easier navigation on big XC flights and virtually no problems with lee side. The countryside is also well covered by UHF CB repeaters providing excellent radio coverage.

Takeoff

Landing

The landing zones at the bottom of the hill are at 400-450m / 1200-1350ft. Hangies should be aware that the W bombout slopes down significantly to the SSW. Top landing at Mt Borah is possible for PGs in the large cleared areas behind the launches, but watch out for the sink cycles. Landings can be made anywhere in the region provided you observe the standard rules of leaving gates as you find them, don't drive off established tracks and avoid landing in cropped fields. Say hello to the farmers if you see them – you never know they might invite you in for a cold beer and then give you a lift to town!

Hazards/Comments

There are no peculiarities other than to land in the designated bomb out areas directly infront of launch (refer to the site guides on launch) and to avoid flying in the middle of the day during summer if you are inexperienced and don't want a rollercoaster ride.

Map information

New South Wales - Northern Beaches

Cooks Terrace

A large grassy park atop a sandstone cliff which faces almost due east but has a turn towards the north west at the northern end. This is a great fun site that is very popular due to the large grass park and non-metered parking right next to the site. It will be very busy with paraglidiers if the breeze is not too strong for them. Contact a club member before flying.

Takeoff

Landing

HG: Mona Vale beach, Warriewood beach or on the relative flat grassed area north of launch and between the vegetated sand dune and the line of trees behind.

PG: The beaches to either the north or south of the headland. The park at the northern end when the wind has little to no south in it. Top landing is very easy, simply approach from the appropriate direction for the wind and make your landing in the front half of the launch area. Take care to look out for spectators as this is a very popular park. Once you've landed, please drop your wing to make it easy for others to also launch or land.

Flight

Lower Level of controlled airspace is at 2500'.

Hazards/Comments

HG: There is considerable turbulence behind the tree near the wooden bench. Its nature is related to the wind direction bias and strength.

PG: There are often many many spectators. There is rotor behind the bush on top of the cliff near the northern end. When conditions are crowded and there are hangliders in the mix, things can be very 'busy'. Keep an eye on the wind direction. When the wind is to the south don't fly the north east facing part of the ridge. However it is possible to fly into the bowl behind Warriewood beach (though best not to go into the lee of Warriewood headland). If the wind moves more to the north the reverse becomes true.

Radio control aircraft often operate on the northern end of the ridge. There are powerlines on the other side of the road and between the surf club and toilet block on Warriewood beach. It's an unleashed dog park.

New South Wales - Northern Beaches

Long Reef NE

A relatively straight ridge facing NE with a moderate slope. The ridge runs from the rock platform at the eastern end, up to the crown of the headland and then turns slightly more north and continues in an north westerly direction for approximately half a kilometre. It then turns sharply to the west becoming more cliff like. It is covered in a mixture of tussock grass and low bush, with some small trees. This is a good site to build up your hours with easy ridge soaring and great views north to Whale Beach. Take care on summer days as the sea breeze will nearly always strengthen. Contact a club member before flying.

Takeoff

Landing

Out on the point on the sandy spit, be prepared for the stronger wind in this compression zone. On the beach in front of the golf club next to the lower car park (you only need to be above the ridge at the north western end to make the glide to the beach). Be prepared for boats launching on the ramp, kite surfers and people walking on the beach by looking prior to your departure from the main ridge. Watch the pine trees though, their lower branches reach out over the sand. The boat launch is a raised concrete ramp and quite hard!

PG: If you should get low then it is possible to bomb out on the various bits of sand in front of the takeoff. However at high tide the area of sand is rather narrow. Top landing is relatively easy, approach from the north west, or south east as appropriate for the bias in the breeze. Take care to look out for spectators as this is a very popular walk.

Flight

Lower Level of controlled airspace is at 2500'.

Hazards/Comments

Strong compression at times, getting blown over the back would not be good for your health. Usually there are many many spectators. This is a very popular walking track and lookout. Radio controlled aircraft often fly here.

New South Wales - Northern Beaches

Long Reef SE

A relatively straight ridge facing SSE with a steep to very steep slope. The ridge runs from beach level at the western end, up to the crown of the headland and then turns slightly south east down to sea level at the eastern end. It is covered in a mixture of tussock grass, low bush, exposed rock and shale. Little to no trees survive on the ridge due to the salt air. This is a good site to build up your paragliding hours with easy ridge soaring and great views down to Manly. Not often flown by hang gliders as it's a fair walk to carry your kit. Contact a club member before flying.

Takeoff

Landing

A planned landing on the beach to the South West is the easiest option. If you should get low then it is possible to bomb out on the various narrow bits of sand and tidal rock shelf in front of the takeoff. However at high tide the rock shelf is covered by shallow water. You will be able to stand, but the wave action means you could lose your kit. When landing towards the main beach, there is a low spur which intersects the beach. Crashing into the spur is not recommended. There is a sandy beach out at the point on which you can also land, however there is some compression around the point.

PG: Top landing is relatively easy, however do NOT drift too far back as the rearwards sloping nature of the land means that some rotor is present behind the launch. You can avoid this by setting up your landing to touch down in front of the path. Lose height at the lower western end of the ridge near the beach then approach the launch along the ridge from the west. If you should get 'blown over the back', make distance towards the west away from the higher ridge and land in the golf course. You will not be popular with the golfers but you should be OK.

Flight

Lower Level of controlled airspace is at 2500'.

Hazards/Comments

This site is a favorite with model aircraft or RC flyers. More of an annoyance than a serious hazard, however please try and keep relations amicable with these fellow 'flyers'.

PG: The two main hazards with this site are the launch and the small areas to land below the launch at high tide. If you choose to scratch here in light conditions at high tide, you will probably get your gear wet. On launching, the steep slope means that your wing will quickly overshoot attempting to fly parallel with the apparent wind coming up the face. You need to be prepared to check it early. The normal approach is to just kite the wing and walk backwards up the slope a few steps back onto the level ground before turning and taking off. However should you fail to control the overshoot be prepared to become airborne facing backwards. In light to moderate conditions launching is relatively easy, however good ground handling skills are required in strong conditions. Novices are encouraged to get some help with their first few launches from this site. By having another pilot hold the leading edge of the wing up, the need to be standing down the slope is reduced and thus the chances of the wing overshooting is negated. When the wind is from the west of south conditions become more gusty and the lift becomes uneven. It is strongly recommended that novices do not fly this site in these conditions.

New South Wales - Northern Beaches

Mona Vale

A south to south east facing cliff, with a gently sloping tussock grass and bush slope above. A deceptive site for paragliders, quite small and affected by compression. However popular with hang glider pilots who in easterly breezes fly around the corner into Bungan. Contact a club member before flying.

Takeoff

Landing

On the beach, which often has a very steep slope. Space is limited at high tide. Be aware of the power line running out to the pool. HG: There can be a severe slope on the beach running down to the water. If the wind has an easterly component in it then, as your glider slows on final approach it will weathercock and could put you in the water. Top landing is OK for paragliders, but there are areas of rotor near the footpath.

Flight

Lower Level Airspace at 2500'. Don't fly over the houses.

Hazards/Comments

HG: If the wind should change direction towards the west the landing zone will be in rotor. Sometimes there is severe compression out on the point and a significant wind gradient in stronger conditions. PG: The steep cliff lower down on this site creates a wind gradient that can mask the true wind strength. After taking off pilots find themselves climbing into the stronger wind and struggling to push forward. Over the back on this site is a sheer cliff with serious rotor. Don't get blown over the back! If you do the only good news is that you'll be over water, everything else is bad. There is also sometimes severe compression out on the point. Don't fly this site when the wind is from the West of South as the landing on the beach is in the lee of the pine trees.

New South Wales - Northern Beaches

Newport

A south to south east facing cliff, with a grassy park above the beach. Contact a club member before flying.

Takeoff

Landing

On the beach. Top landing: not an option for HG, not recommended for PG as the trees have grown up around the site. The football field is not a landing option because of power lines and rotor.

Flight

This site has two halves, the section below the road, and the much larger hill above. Hang gliders: To undertake the run up the coast, you need an east south east breeze. Lower Level Airspace at 2500'. 100' clearance required to fly over the road and houses.

Hazards/Comments

HG: The beach is popular in summer, make sure you have a landing spot.

There is a sewer vent pipe below launch and power lines on the eastern side of Barrenjoey road. When the breeze is too far to the south for safe soaring, "darkies" appear on the water behind Bungan Headland.

New South Wales - Northern Beaches

Turimetta

A complex set of cliffs and slopes with a lot of changes in direction of the cliff face make what appears to be a simple site quite tricky with compression and rotor in various places depending on the wind direction and strength. This site is not very popular with hang gliders. Contact a club member before flying.

Takeoff

Landing

On the beach in front of launch. Top landing is possible but requires accurate flying. Do not fly over the road!

Flight

Lower Level airspace is at 2500'.

Hazards/Comments

The nature of the site requires careful attention be paid to changing conditions as areas that were safe become affected by rotor and vice versa. When on the northern cliff face it is a fair way back to the beach. When the wind increases there is much compression on the launch, take care not to be blown over the road when launching or top landing. If in doubt land on the beach. When the wind swings to the east / southeast the launch is in rotor and you will experience difficulty inflating your canopy. This is a deceptive site that looks very benign but has a lot of gotchas.

New South Wales - Northern Beaches

Warriewood

A north-east facing cliff, with a lower section on the western end that is less steep and covered in coastal scrub and a higher vertical cliff face towards the ocean end. Pilots fly over the "blow hole", a sea cavern that runs though part of the headland. A popular and enjoyable site due to the height that it is possible to attain, and the 360's and other manoeuvres it allows for paragliders. Contact a club member before flying.

Takeoff

Landing

HG: At the northern end of the beach near the end of the road.

PG: Warriewood beach. Top landing in the clear area to the left of launch is a relatively easy, however take care in strong conditions as the bushes in front generate some turbulence. Top landing on the launch is possible but requires accurate flying. In either case do NOT fly over the road.

Flight

Lower Level Airspace at 2500'. Don't fly over the houses.

Hazards/Comments

HG: Power lines along the road between the surf club and toilet block on the beach. If you start to see "darkies" or wind gusts on the water behind Mona Vale Headland whilst in flight consider the need to land soon, this signifies that the breeze is veering to the north. Pilots making the return run from Cooks Terrace will come around the Northern end of the ridge quite low and cannot be seen from the take off.

PG: It's a long way to the beach if the wind is light. Don't cross onto the main face until your body is level with the sandstone lookout. Lower down on the face there is a often a dead zone and you may find you are not climbing, it's truly a long way back to the beach from this situation. If the wind moves to the north, the landing on Warriewood beach becomes affected by rotor from the Cooks Terrace headland. Pilots making the return run from Cooks Terrace will come around the Northern end of the ridge quite low and cannot be seen from the take off.

New South Wales - South Coast

Cambewarra

This information is old and very possibly out of date, and needs to be checked before flying here. If you can provide additional information about this site, please contribute it via the 'Submit update' link.

Landing

Please refer to the map for the location of the landing areas.

Flight

Height limit 7500ft asl within 15km radius from take-off, except for south of the Shoalhaven River naval air space restrictions no. R437.

Hazards/Comments

Beware of turbulence below and in front of take-off on thermic days and in crosswind conditions.

Map information

New South Wales - South Coast

Hill 60

Hill 60 is a great flying site when the summer north easterly winds are blowing! Located just 25 minutes south of Stanwell Park, Hill 60 is almost surrounded by water, overlooking beautiful swimming beaches, the five islands of Wollongong and Big island, a bird sactuary just offshore. So you'll be sharing the air with sea birds, large and small, and the north easterly winds make for warm sunny weather.

This is primarily a hang gliding site due to the nature of the NE seabreezes which get quite strong in the early PM, up to 25 knots. Local knowledge is essential, so contact the locals before flying.

Landing

Landings are best on the beach below take off for novices and there is a landing in the park, but be aware of the rotor from a headland.

New South Wales - South Coast

Stanwell Park - Bald Hill

One of the world's great coastal sites. Best when it's between S and E at 10-20kn for hang gliders and 5-15kn for paragliders. The Bureau Of Meteorology's Bellambi observations give you a good idea of what the conditions will be like.

Please check the Stanwell procedures document.

Takeoff

Landing

Pilots are requested to land in the area adjacent to the lagoon known as 'the chute' or the coned off landing area on the beach.

An alternate landing area is located at the south end of the beach if landing in the regular designated area is inappropriate/unavailable. Pilots are requested not to land in the shaded area but paraglider pilots may collapse their canopy on this area.

The white lines show the usual approach routes to the landing areas.

South Face Top Landing

Pilots intending to top land here should ensure that site markers are in place and that the duty pilot has opened the area for top landing on the day. Only suitably endorsed pilots may attempt top landings. See safety officer for details.

East Face Top Landing

Shaded areas designate the No Fly Zone.

Pilots may not fly over this area of the hill at ANY altitude. Pilots are asked to fly only in front of the Hill or behind the Hill. Do Not Fly Directly Over the Hill. This is a regulation requested from Wollongong Council to assist in the deterrent of any mid air collisions affecting the spectators below

Flight

Set-up is pretty easy in front of the car park at Bald Hill (Remember there must be cones marking out the set-up area) but it can get a bit crowded at times. Make yourself known to the Safety officer on duty. If you're not a member of the club you must obtain a temporary membership before you fly. If you are not an HGFA member (e.g. you're from overseas) and want to fly the site then get temporary HGFA membership before coming to the site.

Once in the air on a good day you can cruise up and down the coast from Garie down past Bulli. But you should know the limitations of the conditions and your glider. There are areas where you can land in an emergency but there are also rocks, trees and the sea waiting for you. Talk to the local pilots and keep a close eye on the weather conditions, they can change very quickly and ruin your whole day! Do not land in the sea - ever! If you do then you're pretty much ****ed.

The main landing area is down on the Stanwell Park beach. It's not particularly difficult but it's surprising how many visiting pilots stuff it up. If the wind is strong and from the S or the E/NE watch for rotor coming off the spurs to the N and S of the 'chute'. The most significant danger is the close proximity of the public using the beach. The landing area has to be marked with cones/flags but people commonly stray into it, so watch out and make your approach with this in mind. Top landing is common for the paragliders and possible for hang gliders when conditions are suitable. You must be suitably endorsed for this.

All pilots note: The launch sites near to the pie shop in the National Park are reserved for aero-model flyers and are off limits for all SPHGPC pilots. Also please give these areas a wide berth when flying past.

There you have it. On a good day it's an awesome place to fly. So what are you waiting for!

Hazards/Comments

Katabatic Winds

Especially prevalent during the winter months, Katabatic winds occur right along the escarpment commencing from the deep south near Bellambi and extending north towards Bald Hill. Their occurrence is indicated by smooth water or glass-off along the waterline and on the lagoons in the landing areas.

It is hard to imagine that a 20 knot S/E will be stopped in its tracks as this quiet unassuming but effective meteorological factor works it’s way through.

So keep and eye on the shadow as it makes it way across the landing area.

Those that understand the demon and know their abilities can be seen making their approach from the ocean towards the park. For those yet to experience or experienced enough to pick or predict the katabatic factor, the most conservative and percentage approach is to fly straight down the beach.

Sometimes these diametrically opposing winds can provide some quiet smooth lift in the form of convergence. But be prepared for the spin and rinse cycle as you descend and fly through the mixing layer.

Map information

New South Wales - South Coast

Tongarra

Approximately 15 km from the coast with a mixture of coastal and inland flying conditions.

Takeoff

Landing

Bottom landing is on the north side of the Illawarra Highway. It's the second paddock south of the dairy shed (milking shed). This is a private property and we have a good relationship with the farmer. Top landing is possible but expect some turbulence being so close to the escarpment.

Map information