VHPA Site Guide - East Inland

Victoria - East Inland

Gundowring (Savhill)

The hill is privately owned by Bob Saville, who in 2009 opened it as a free flying site for all. Bob welcomes anyone to fly from the hill as long as the flier is a member of the HGFA, this insures both yourself and him. The hill is not associated with any club therefore no other membership is required. Bob only asks that you follow the normal rules of courtesy as listed below.

This site has huge potential with reliable valley winds and thermals. If you fly the hill let people know by posting on the Victorian forums such as Topica, MHGC and NEVHGC forums.

Bob's Savhill site guide

Takeoff

Landing

All the boxed areas are owned by Ralph and Wilga Clark. They are happy for anyone to land on their property. The power line leads to their house. Take time to have a chat with them if they are nearby. The area to the right is slightly sloping down towards the main road. (That's the paddock you have to drive through to get to the hill.) The paddock to the left nearest the hill is reasonable flat and there is an unlocked gate on the border fence. They ask not to land in the smaller paddock if there is cattle in it. Bob has spoken to all the farmers on the east, hill, side of the main road and as long as everyone behaves themselves they are happy. There are plenty landing options all the way to Mt. Beauty.

Flight

Cross country, soaring.

Hazards/Comments

Bob has been working hard over the last eight months to clear the launch areas and create a driveable track from the main road, Gundowring Road, to the top of the hill. This is very near completion and requires only a few corners near the top to be opened up. There will be some blasting on the hill mid June, 2009, the corners will be opened up then the track will be graded. It should be possible to drive 2WD cars to the landing areas but 4WD only up to the top. There should be a safe 4WD track open for all by the end of June, 2009.

Strictly no smoking while on the property. Please take all your rubbish home with you. There are no toilets on the hill. Please be discrete. Ideally dig a hole, do the toilet and fill in the hole.

Driving on the property is at your own risk. Be careful if at any time you have to go off the cut track, there are many wombat holes on the property.

While on the property have your radio on CH 31, if Bob is there he will be monitoring that channel. It will also be useful for avoiding other traffic, there are not many passing places on the track. Before making a journey either up or down make a radio call to check if there is any other trafic on the hill.

This is a new track and it will take some time to find out where wash outs / problems etc will occur so please take care and drive responsibly. If you see any problems on the property with the road/cattle/fences etc please email Bob.

All the local land owners are happy for pilots to land on their property. Please show them the greatest respect, be polite and follow the normal country code.

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Landscape

A mountain ridge overlooking Seymour Township with North and West facing, ground ramp launches. Suitable for hang gliders and paragliders.

Takeoff

Landing

North landing: The main North LZ's are, 1. Directly in front of launch across the road, 2. Across the river to the North East of take off. These are a fair glide out so be aware and also familiar with the Bomb-Out option. The Bomb-Out is the sloping paddock to the left (west) of the vineyard at the end of the spine. Set up over the back left hand corner (SW corner) of the vineyard and land between the dam and shoulder. If you think you are going to over shoot, an option would be to turn up the spine and land up hill, possibly light tail wind.

West landing: The main West LZ is across the road from the West take-off (on the north side of the road). It is not hard to reach, unless you are low. This is a long flat paddock 'between the river and the road', (across the road to the right of the homestead). This paddock now has groups of saplings (surrounded by circular bared wire fences) planted within it, and may have horses (pony’s). Landings are still possible but judgement and correct technique is required. The Bomb-Out (this should only be used for Emergencies) is to the right of the homestead, there is a dam in a gully, set up over it and land across the gully, or on to the uphill slope (be careful as this will be across the slope).

Top landings: Are available behind the tower near the north launch, and in the valley behind the west launch. The following is strictly a guide, pilots must appreciate that turbulence increases expediential as the wind strength increases. 18 knots is said to be the limit. There will be a band of rotor to go through at about 130ft above, this should subside at about 80ft to 70ft, but be careful & ready. From the air you must access the current conditions and choose the sweet spot. If uncertain take the less convenient but conservative (SAFE) option and choose one of the bottom landing areas.

Hazards/Comments

A single wire Power Line runs from the tower (to the East of the North launch) down the spur and across the river. It has marker balls on it but can still be difficult to see.

If travelling South toward Melbourne, DO NOT infringe on controlled airspace. Controlled airspace is at C LL 8500 over launch and drops to C LL 4500 at Broadford less than 10km South.

Guidelines:

The club recommends that the site is only suitable to "Advanced" rated pilots, or suitably experienced "Intermediate" rated pilots with:

• Suitable Mountain XC experience.
• The judgment & skills to fly appropriately (read safely).
• Supervised (onsite) by an "Advanced" rated pilot with current local experience.

The site has limited (approved) landing zones which may not always have guaranteed glides to. For this reason it is only suitable to mountain XC experienced pilots, that have the judgment & skills to fly appropriately (read safely).

Victoria - East Inland

Mt Broughton (Thistle Hill)

Large grassy hill. Nov 11: The new weather station is now operational. A summary web page is also available. There is no SMS, phone or radio access to this weather station.

Takeoff

Landing

Paragliders

The PG landing paddock is located directly at the base of the hill. GPS: 55 H 0358715 UTM 5888504. Access to it is off Newell Rd via Switzerland Rd. Follow the laneway from the cattle yards on Newell Rd. directly toward the base of the hill. This is an easy glide for PGs providing they head towards the landing paddock once they descend to the tree-line, the best thermals are often found around the landing paddock itself! This site is suitable for novices but they are warned to avoid the strong thermic conditions that occur during the peak of the day in the summer.

The farmer, David, is friendly and frequently on site. Vehicles are to be left near the cattle yards during periods of fire danger (most of the summer period) however vehicles can access directly the LZ at other times.

David does not want anyone to land on his property during total fire ban days. This effectively means we cannot fly there on total fire ban days.

Hang gliders

The regular landing paddocks south of the road are available without notice. Another landing paddock north of the road is available provisional to daily permission - check with contacts.

Flight

Ridge soarable in a moderate south westerly, thermals can be expected during the warmer months. Flights from here on Leonardo

Hazards/Comments

Turn around is approximately half an hour by car. Many single wire (SWER) powerlines are in this area.

Victoria - East Inland

Mt Buffalo

Mt Buffalo is a large granite mountain. The Gorge ramp launch suitable for hang gliders. Reid's lookout suitable for paragliders.

Takeoff

Landing

Porepunkah airstrip in the Buckland Valley to the east or anywhere in the valley. Nearest bombout is 'The Burrs', alongside the park entrance directly in front of launch.

Before going XC, please check the map for allowed and forbidden landing paddocks in the area.

Flight

You can fly Buffalo in any wind direction as long as it is fairly light.In summer the wind is generally N-NW in the Ovens Valley and there is usually a light wind blowing up the gorge when the sun is out and the wind is light. This makes it 'on' at takeoff on a large percentage of days, but don't be surprised if you find yourself drifting away from the mountain while thermalling, or landing in a SW wind! On strong days the thermals blast through at 18-25knots or more, this indicates lift of 1000+/min and comparable sink. The worst winds are probably South Easterlies which roll around from the right and can produce some radical turbulence out from takeoff.

The XC potential is very good. (eg. the 1988 World championships held here). To the North the ridge peters out at Myrtleford, 18kms away. South, the valley disappears after 16 kms into rugged country with no landing areas. West, you could fly over the plateau into the next valley, but it can be difficult to get there. One direction is east, over Bright and the Tawonga Gap and onto Mt Beauty and Mt Bogong, but this requires a lot of height. Other directions include flying straight up the Kiewa Valley towards Albury, or up the valley past Myrtleford and then out into the flatlands towards Benalla.

Hazards/Comments

Minimum pilot rating is advanced for this site, however intermediate rated pilots supervised by an advanced pilot may launch. Action will be initiated against pilots launching illegally.

A powerline cuts the corner of the 'Burrs' paddock to power the toll station. If you land anywhere else in the valleys, keep out of tobacco fields and, as always, watch for powerlines, fences, etc. Remember that this is mountain thermal country, and winds are unpredictable in landing areas.

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Mt Dandenong

Takeoff

Landing

Landing paddocks are very limited, and it is critical that you contact the local club for the latest details. It is also necessary to check the potential options prior to flying.
The best LZ's are private paddocks owned by the Salvation Army. The Pavitt Lane portion of this is a long skinny strip. The remainder of the area is subdivided into smaller paddocks (by fences). Care and an appropriate landing technique is needed for these areas. (See the picture in "Maps & Site Pictures" for a rough guide but please check these prior to flying.)
Besides the Salvation Army LZ's there are very few other potential landing areas. It is imperative to maintaining this site that you find out which are allowable and inspect them before flying. The main thing to remember on approach is to be very wary of horses in the area and not to spook them. This is an environmentally sensitive area, a lot of trouble and effort has gone into getting the Mountain as a flying site, and so we must be on our best behaviour at all times.

Flight

The site is sufficiently inland to produce good thermals in a variety of conditions from light and variable to moderate wind. In summer it is frequently flyable, however it comes under the influence of the sea breeze. In winter the takeoff is often just above cloud base.
It is a convenient site because of its closeness to Melbourne and its turn around time.

Hazards/Comments

Due to this sites closeness to Melbourne's main airport it is critical for pilots NOT to infringe on controlled airspace. Controlled airspace is at C LL 4500 over launch (only approx. 2000' above takeoff) and drops to C LL 3500 in the suburbs out in front of launch. Pilots must carry altimeters and strictly observe these restrictions.

Guidelines

The club recommends that the site is only suitable to "Advanced" rated pilots, or suitably experienced "Intermediate" rated pilots with:

• Suitable Mountain XC experience.
• The judgment & skills to fly appropriately (read safely).
• Supervised (onsite) by an "Advanced" rated pilot with current local experience.

It is mandatory that pilots new to this site contact and fly with a pilot who is experienced in the site before flying it for the first time. (The club recommends Andrew Medew, Andy Phillips, Paul Tanner, or Adam Stevens.) This site has specific no landing zones so check with one of the club's committee members or a regular local pilot for details.

Other notes

The site has limited (approved) landing zones which may not always have guaranteed glides to. For this reason it is only suitable to mountain XC experienced pilots, that have the judgment & skills to fly appropriately (read safely).

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Mt Donna Buang

Ramp take off through a relatively long and narrow slot in tall trees. Faces south overlooking the Warburton Valley.

Takeoff

Landing

It is of PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE that you are completely familiar with the properties we are allowed to land in. Failure to do so could place this site in jeopardy as there are properties we have been specifically asked NOT to land in. Please make sure you use the contacts below or make sure you talk to an experienced local pilot for these landing options prior to flying.

Flight

Ensure the wind is straight up the slot and then with a good launch technique there will be no problems. In thermal conditions or in wind directions other than a southerly it is essential to wait for a lull or a cycle to straighten the wind in the slot. This involves careful observation of the streamers and trees on either side of the slot making sure they are moving equally, otherwise strong rotor can be encountered.

This site can be flown in a number of wind directions giving a diverse range of flying conditions. In cooler Southerlies (10-15 mph) expect relatively smooth ridge soaring with occasional light cycles. Warmer days and light Southerlies can see more lively thermals but possibly the best conditions for thermal activity can be found in very light winds (0-5 mph) and light Northerlies (up to 10 mph) with healthy thermals triggering off the lee face. With the Northerlies some turbulence and associated sink has to be expected and unless in a thermal it doesn't pay to stay too close to the ridge but head straight to the logged area directly out front where a thermal can often be found.

Hazards/Comments

Controlled Airspace starts at 7500' asl above launch, with Jumbos flying directly down the range, check current VTC. Flying directly over the back will leave you with approx. 25 km of forest before the first landing.

Guidelines:

The club recommends that the site is only suitable to "Advanced" rated pilots, or suitably experienced "Intermediate" rated pilots with:

• Suitable Mountain XC experience.
• The judgment & skills to fly appropriately (read safely).
• Supervised (onsite) by an "Advanced" rated pilot with current local experience.

Victoria - East Inland

Mt Elliot

Ground ramps through tree slots.

Takeoff

Landing

Bombouts directly in front of launches.

Flight

Regularly the location of the Corryong Cup and Victorian open. This mountain flying is the best around, especially in the later season. 9000' agl is not uncommon. The valley system makes the flying spectacular and the retrieves easy and quick.

Extensive cross country possibilities are possible to the N, W, and S.

Hazards/Comments

Landings are invariably nil wind or tail. Powerlines are located throughout the valley. Beware the lines alongside the bomb outs. There is a hard to see powerline accross the bowl to the right of launch, so don't enter the bowl unless you know exactly where the wire is.

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Mt Emu

Mt Emu is a large mountain ridge overlooking Tawonga in the Kiewa Valley

Takeoff

Landing

Landing areas are plentiful in the Kiewa Valley at the base of launch. It is best to check with the locals as some areas are likely to be out of bounds and it is essential that local landowners are not antagonised.

Before going XC, please check the map for allowed and forbidden landing paddocks in the area.

Flight

Once airborne it is best to stay on the ridges to improve your chances of locating thermals. Since the launch is at the Mt Beauty end of the Kiewa Wall, you can follow the ridge for about 40km to the NNE. This is especially convenient for out and return flights. Flying in the other direction is limited as the valley ends at Mt Beauty after about 5km.

Extensive cross country possibilities are possible by working up the Kiewa vally, or to cross over in the direction of Bright (noting there is a large stretch of trees for several km in this direction).

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Mt Mittamatite

A large flat rockface.

Takeoff

Flight

Good thermals are generated in the valley below and channelled up the valley to the left of takeoff.

Hazards/Comments

A proposal has been submitted to PV in March 1999 to rebuild the launch ramp and remodel the set up area.

Victoria - East Inland

Mt Terrible

Landing

Nearest landing Kevington, 5 km to the ENE.

Victoria - East Inland

Murmungee

Ground ramp through a tree slot. The bottom landing is PG only due to conditions placed by paddock owner.

Takeoff

Landing

All PG landings should be made in the paddock to the left of the road. Paragliders MUST land in a small corner of the paddock near the road and close to the powerlines. Fly with local pilots if you are not sure. This paddock is slightly undulating. HG plots cannot land at the bottom and must be sure to get away.

Flight

Paragliders should not fly up the valley to the left unless you are sure you have enough height to make it to the safety of the landing paddock.

Hazards/Comments

It is difficult to judge wind strength and direction on launch because of its sheltered nature. This is especially true in cross winds - be careful.

Beware of the local eagles.

Controlled airspace exists over launch C LL 4500. It is essential that you check the Albury VTC or Melbourne VNC for changes before flying.

Victoria - East Inland

Mystic

Mystic Hill is an excellent site which is often on because it faces the valley wind and cooks up some strong thermals. It is located 2Km south of Bright just off the road to Wandiligong. One of the most popular Victorian Inland Sites which has hosted numerous state, national competitions including a Paragliding World Cup event in 1998. There is a weather station on Mystic Hill; CH 21 UHF (Click transmit key 3 or 4 times to actuate).

A Mystic flying pass must be purchased before using this site, and can only be obtained over the NE Vic HG club web site at www.nevhgc.net. A Paypal account or credit card is necessary. Flying Information can be obtained by meeting local pilots at the bomb-out on the Wandiligong road or at the Outdoor Inn camp site.

For accomodation there is a backpackers in town (which also acts as a local flying centre), the Outdoor Inn not far from the landing ground, and numerous other types of accomodation are available. There is also a hospital in Bright (should it be needed!).

Takeoff

Landing

For paragliders and hang gliders (if they can tolerate the relatively short approach), there is a new landing ground on the right hand side of the road on the way to Wandilagong. A car park is situated at the end of the landing ground.

The main bombout for hang gliders is across the Wandiligong rd, east of the smaller paddock. Look for the stile over the fence. The main dangers are the trees (normally) upwind producing turbulence, as the valley breeze blows most of the time from the NW. Expect turbulence on any normal summer’s day.

Before going XC, please check the map for allowed and forbidden landing paddocks in the area.

Flight

Ridge soaring, once above the height of the trees behind launch is quite easy (but sometimes bumpy). In order to get to that height, passes across the launch bowl in the best lift are often required. Once below launch height, head towards the landing paddock and you may be lucky and catch a thermal above the spur on the way down. When thermalling there are a number of places to head for. Thermals seem to gather above the spurs to the left and right. In general, the whole hill is a trigger point so be prepared for some monster lift straight away. During summer, the lift is quite strong and rough between 12 and 3:30pm. It is safer and more enjoyable to launch before or after. Many excellent XC flight have been achieved after launching as late as 5:30pm. During other seasons Bright hill can be flown almost anytime.

The site is centred amongst prime alpine flying country, so excellent XC flights are possible. Over the back to Harrietville, right to Tawonga Gap and the Kiewa Valley, or left to Porepunkah Hill, the Ovens Valley, Mt Buffalo, Myrtleford and onwards. On epic days try for Wangaratta or the McDonalds on the Hume Highway SW of Wangaratta.

Waypoints for the Bright area can be found here or here (under 'WayPoints').

Hazards/Comments

Strong lift in summer during the middle of the day. Power lines along road beside landing ground. Large expanses of 'tiger' country to South, and between Pyramid Hill and the Kiewa valley.

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Tawonga Gap

A large inland ridge. Located on the Southern side of the Kiewa Valley.

Takeoff

Landing

The landing paddock is out of sight when on launch. It is located along the northern side of the main road travelling into Mt Beauty township approximately 2km from the Bright turnoff.

Before going XC, please check the map for allowed and forbidden landing paddocks in the area.

Flight

This site is often 'on' much earlier than Mt Emu located on the Northern side of the Kiewa Valley. Much like Mt Emu. The entire Kiewa Valley can be explored, and crossings to Bright and Mt Buffalo are possible.

Hazards/Comments

Bomb out is out of visual range. High tension powerlines run along this side of the valley and are visible from launch.

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

The Paps

Large double hill, with two-wheel access. Launches are suitable for hang gliders or paragliders.

Takeoff

Landing

The surrounding country consists of rolling hills with many trees. Landings can be made anywhere you can find a location large enough, however beware the many trees and powerlines and be aware you may have selected a downslope. Familiarise yourself with the local area before flying.
The Northerly launch has a LZ immediately in front of launch. It is recommended that all pilots assess the suitability and landing approach options of this LZ, specifically considering, the slope of the ground, obvious obstacles, and the expected wind direction on landing. Alternate outlanding LZ's may be available but please check with locals and consider the nature of the local terrain. To get to any alternate LZ's you may need to fly across roads, trees and/or power lines.
The South, SE, East, and SW takeoffs use the same bottom LZ (currently the dry lakebed). This LZ cannot be clearly seen from the E and SW takeoff's, so it is IMPORTANT that new pilots are shown these on the drive up the hill, so they have a clear location and visual picture of this prior to launching.

Flight

Flights from this site logged in Leonardo and the Paragliding Forum

Hazards/Comments

On the Eastern face there is a TWO-STRAND POWERLINE running from the top to the bottom of the hill. You should have a clear understanding of the location of this hazard prior to flying.

Victoria - East Inland

The Pines (Buckland Ridge)

Large inland ridge.

Takeoff

Landing

The bombout is directly in front of launch in the paddock with the dam and windsock. Land parallel to the road but to the west (i.e. to the right) of the dam. Observe usual gate etiquette and don’t drive into paddock. Drive slowly on dirt road to minimise dust when passing houses. Before going XC, please check the map for allowed and forbidden landing paddocks in the area.

Flight

Controlled airspace exists over launch C LL 4500. You must check current Albury VTC or Melbourne VNC for any changes.

Hazards/Comments

4WD only

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Three Sisters (Flowerdale)

A smooth grassy double sided east / west ridge with both the north and south sides soarable and trees below the south launch. Automatic weather station: Dial 0402 683 074 and listen, or hang up before the phone answers and listen on UHF channel 21. Currently defunct.

Takeoff

Landing

North : The paddock is large but slightly sloped away from the hill and as such your approach should be as low as comfortable into the paddock to give you plenty of room. Be aware of possible turbulence from other hills, especially in NW winds. In very light or nil conditions an uphill landing can be successful. South : The landing area is along the Strath Creek Rd in one of the first three paddocks immediately over the creek. Check these paddocks before flying for stock or other obstacles and possible dangers (possible flooding in wet months).

Flight

This site is normally an easy site to fly to the North although can become quite turbulent in strengthening winds or if the wind swings. To the South you need to be careful on takeoff due to the turbulence produced by the trees in front of launch. Cross Country has potential, but works best when some initial height can be gained from ridge lift before having to work and possibly commit over the back in thermals. Flights from this site logged in Leonardo and the Paragliding Forum

Hazards/Comments

As mentioned above, All pilots must be current financial members of the Melbourne Hang Gliding Club or Skyhigh Paragliding Club. This site was only recently re-opened (February 1998) so please respect the site rules as arranged with the private owner of this property. In summer, drive very slowly along the dusty track from the highway to the LZ, because in a N wind, the dust blows onto the two or three houses along the way. There is a power line directly below the northern launch at the foot of the hill. There are also power lines in alternative landing paddocks on the south side. This site can become very turbulent in NE or NW winds, be extremely careful when low either side of knolls. This site is on the edge of a 4500' to 7500' controlled airspace step.

Victoria - East Inland

Yarragon

A low rolling grassy hill, south of the township of Yarragon.

Takeoff

Landing

It is ESSENTIAL to check the landing area out before flying. Landings are made on a large paddock that has a house on the right of it and a water pump building on the left when looking from takeoff. The landing area is a long way out. The landing area is flat but can be muddy during winter and may have cows on it, usually towards evening as the cows use the paddock after being milked

Hazards/Comments

A SEVERE HAZARD exists in the landing area. There are two power lines running through the paddock. One is in the MIDDLE of the paddock running parallel with the road and the second runs to the water pump building. Land before the power lines if in doubt.