Site guide

VHPA Site Guide - Index of Closed Sites

Please contribute by sending updated or new site information to the webmaster.

You can show both open and closed sites or show only open sites.

Area Closed sites
Victoria - East Coast 5
Victoria - East Inland 2
Victoria - West Coast 3
Victoria - West Inland 4

Victoria - East Coast
Name Location Type Closed
Berry's Beach, Phillip Island Phillip Island. Coastal dunes & cliffs 2003: Threat to Mutton Bird burrows
Cowrie Bay Phillip Island. Coastal 1985: Mutton Bird Colony present
Mentone 20km S of Melbourne. Coastal

Within controlled airspace around Moorabbin airport. As per Section 4.7 (e), Section 6.5.10 and Section 6.5.11 of the HGFA Operations Manual, flying within 16 km of a controlled aerodrome or below 3000 feet within 8 km of an aerodrome with regular public transport services is prohibited. This is regardless of whether flights are below 300 feet or greater than 25 metres from roads or buildings.

In 2010, the VHPA applied for an exemption for this site. CASA declined, stating: "The area surrounding Red Bluff and Mentone is one of high traffic density with both fixed wing and helicopter traffic transiting, often at 500 to 600 feet, as well as being in close proximity to final approach of the NDB A approach. Given these circumstances and the potential impact on the safety of other airspace users CASA cannot approve the establishment of hang gliding and paragliding operations at these locations, even with the controls proposed in your application."
Phillip Island 85km SSE of Melbourne. Coastal No flying on any site on Phillip Island if a bird or seal colony is present.
Red Bluff In suburb of Black Rock, 20km S of Melbourne. Coastal

Within controlled airspace around Moorabbin airport. As per Section 4.7 (e), Section 6.5.10 and Section 6.5.11 of the HGFA Operations Manual, flying within 16 km of a controlled aerodrome or below 3000 feet within 8 km of an aerodrome with regular public transport services is prohibited. This is regardless of whether flights are below 300 feet or greater than 25 metres from roads or buildings.

In 2010, the VHPA applied for an exemption for this site. CASA declined, stating: "The area surrounding Red Bluff and Mentone is one of high traffic density with both fixed wing and helicopter traffic transiting, often at 500 to 600 feet, as well as being in close proximity to final approach of the NDB A approach. Given these circumstances and the potential impact on the safety of other airspace users CASA cannot approve the establishment of hang gliding and paragliding operations at these locations, even with the controls proposed in your application."

Victoria - East Inland
Name Location Type Closed
Myrtleford Hill Myrtleford, 210km NE of Melbourne. Inland 1988: Closed as pine plantation has obscured launch
Warrigal Rocks Near Yea, 90km NE of Melbourne. Inland 1992: No suitable landing areas.

Victoria - West Coast
Name Location Type Closed
Barwon Heads (13th Beach) 90km SW of Melbourne, Via Geelong. Coastal 1999: Dune Erosion
Clifton Springs 70km SW of Melbourne, via Geelong. Coastal 1999: Dune Erosion
Fishermans Beach Near Torquay, 90km SW of Melbourne. Coastal 1995: Dune Erosion

Victoria - West Inland
Name Location Type Closed
Grampians 220km WNW of Melbourne. Parks Victoria do not currently allow hang gliding or paragliding in the Grampians National Park due to past problems with pilots needing to be rescued from the difficult terrain. For more information see the site management plan, section 6.11. The sites around Ben Nevis, some 70km to the E, offer an alternative.
Mt Elephant Derrinallum, 130km W of Melbourne. Inland The Mt. Elephant management committee currently does not allow any sports including hang-/paragliding.
Mt Langhi Ghiran Near Beaufort, 140km W of Melbourne. Inland 1997: Road Closed
The Escarpment Near Beaufort, 140km W of Melbourne. Inland 1995: Considered too dangerous to fly.