Australian National Site Guide - East Inland

Victoria - East Inland

Eagle Rise

Large inland ridge. Hang gliding only.

Takeoff

Landing

The paddock directly in front is sensitive and landing there could result in the site being closed. The original Pines landing paddocks are still to be used. They are to the right of launch (west) across Zig Zag Road, with the dam and windsock. Land parallel to the road but to the west (i.e. to the right) of the dam. Ensure you land there or well away from the immediate bombout options in front and to the immediate east. 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. Bombout elevation is 800-900'/250-270m asl.

Flight

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

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Gundowring (Savhill)

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 NEVHGC (Whatsapp) or MHGC forums.

Access

The access track from the Gundowring Road is passable only for 4WD vehicles (high or low clearance). All other vehicles are to be left at the front gate. Trailers may be taken to the LZ but not up to launch. Use low ratio drive when ascending to launch. This is to prevent damage to the track.

Gundowring weather station

Any flying or driving on the property is at your own risk. This is a free site but all pilots must be current members of SAFA. Membership of other clubs is not required.

This site was established by Bob Saville who ran it for some 10 years before selling to Adam and Kristy Szabolics in 2018. The new owners are very happy for us to continue using the site provided that we follow the usual courtesies:

• Leave gates as found
• Leave no litter
• Strictly no smoking on the property and no fires
• Use only 4WD vehicles on the property and do not take trailers beyond the LZ
• Do not park vehicles in long grass during the fire season.
• No camping

The site is only available to us because of the generosity of the owners. If they are on the property take time to say hello and thank them for their support.

Takeoff

Landing

The nearby blue-zones (preferred landing areas) are owned by Aaron and Ange Ibbott and their neighbours. The Ibbots live in the main farmhouse directly in front of launch. They are happy for anyone to land on their property but out of courtesy we avoid their driveway area and its associated power lines. Again, take time to have a chat with them if they are nearby. The area to the north 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 south nearest the hill is reasonably flat, has a windsock and there is an unlocked gate on the border fence. They ask us not to land in the smaller paddock in the middle if there are cattle in it. All the farmers in the vicinity are happy for an occasional landing, the exception being a large red (no landing) zone some 6km to the south. Please observe all the usual courtesies so that we can continue to enjoy the many landing options all the way to Mt. Beauty.

Flight

Cross country, ridge and thermal soaring.

For paragliders if you arrive early and the wind is picking up get ready to launch. The wind can be quite strong at midday then eases off around 13:30 or 14:00hrs. Thermals come through consistently and it is possible to launch to the west even when the wind is from the north. Take care if top landing near the end of the day, the winds can quickly become katabatic and catch you out.

Hazards/Comments

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. Do not leave the cut track. Use low ratio when ascending to launch. While on the property have your radio on CH 28 Tone 97.4. If there are others on the hill they will be monitoring which will 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 traffic on the hill. There has been much work completed recently (2019-20) to improve the track which now needs to bed down so please take care and drive responsibly.

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Landscape

A mountain ridge overlooking Seymour Township with north and west facing ground ramp launches. Currently suitable for hang gliders only as there are no PG landing areas.

As per landowner agreement:

• No more than 8 pilots at any time
• No more than 10 cars (minimise cars and carpool from LZ)
• Flying in winter discouraged (due to wet, soft track, but it's a thermal site anyway)
• Only use designated access path per description UNLESS emergency
• No dogs allowed
• SAFA members only

Takeoff

Landing

The only available bombout is north accross the river (not in safe gliding distance for PG). This is a fair glide out so be aware and also familiar with the bomb-out option.

Top landings (possible but not recommended) 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

Locksley Field

Locksley Field (YLCS) is located 33km north of Seymour on the Hume highway. Freedom Airsports maintain two dragonfly tugs available for towing endorsed HG pilots on most weekends. Contact Peter Holloway and get put on the notification list.

Aerotow endorsements can be arranged if you need one.

The strip is almost 2km long & 100m wide, ground towing is also sometimes conducted, contact MHGC/FA if you wish to ground tow.

The usual plan of action for each day of operations is for training and aerotow endorsements to occur in the early mornings & late afternoons with general tows from midday(ish) onwards.

Takeoff

Flight

Long distance XC flights, and triangles are often completed. A good road system with many townships in the area , enabling easy pickups for those not able or wishing to return to the field.

The area is mostly flat farmland to the W,N & S with hill country to the E. Locksley is just on the 10NM boundary to Mangalore airfield located to the SSW. At April 2017, class E airspace LL 8500. A VHF radio is preferred, particularly if heading south to Mangalore. VHF is not mandatory if outside vicinity of a registered or certified aerodrome. The airspace is infrequently used by GA aircraft, movements are few, sometimes GA conduct precautionary circuits, most often they are passing overhead to Mangalore. It is worth keeping alert. The tugs will always provide info to the overflying aircraft and radio HG when necessary.

The Melbourne Hang Gliding Club often has fly-ins and club competitions throughout the year here. There are camping, cooking facilities and shower blocks on site, additionally the township of Avenel has pubs and roadhouse eateries. If staying overnight, a small fee is payable to the airfield owner.

Victoria - East Inland

Manny's

Large inland ridge.

Takeoff

Landing

Official landing zone is marked with Green box in image (Old 'Pines Launch' landing zone). Blue area also a suitable landing option but Green area preferred. Vehicles can be left at the gate (beside the shed) on the green box landing area. Access to the turnoff for the track marked with red line and dot on same image.

Flight

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

Hazards/Comments

Be aware that the site is a tree slot therefore it is advisable to not launch in cross wind conditions. Also be aware of strong SW winds that could cause rotor from the bare hills to the SW of Launch. Also, please drive slowly around farm houses in the area, the area can be quite dusty and minimizing speed will minimize dust for the local land owners. Also, please leave all gates as you find them.

Lastly, be aware of Eagle attacks to the right of launch, especially in Spring. The flats out the front often work and if an Eagle is in the vicinity then moving away from the hill may be preferable to eagle strike.

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Mt Broughton (Thistle Hill)

Large grassy hill. A weather station is available. There is no SMS, phone or radio access to this weather station. Another weather station is situated about 3km W of launch. This page shows base height estimate above 600m.

NOTICE May 2020: Thistle hill remains open, but due to erosion, the landowner has temporarily closed track up to launch. So until further notice, please park at the bottom gate and walk up.

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 200m along Newells Rd where it turns right, 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.

There have been herds of nervous steers which get spooked by paragliders and even pilots walking through the paddocks. Land as far away from the cattle as possible, and avoid walking near them.

The farmer, David, is friendly and frequently on site. Vehicles are to be left 200m along Newells Rd where it turns right. 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.

The LZ farmer has requested that he be notified immediately of any issues. The process is to contact either the HG or PG site rep immediately. See below right for contact details. In the past, issues such as spooked cattle breaking through fences, pilots in trees, crop damage, etc have caused concern to the farmer.

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.

Be careful scratching below the tree line off launch in a paraglider. Sink can be brutal and there is a risk of not making the landing.

Retrieve Note for landing east of launch if you bomb before Molesworth: Switzerland Rd ends at a locked gate about 1.5 km east from Newells Rd. So if you land on the north side of the river, and less than 4 km to the east, walk west, and the retrieve vehicle can continue east along Switzerland Rd to get you, and meet you at the locked gate. But if you are more than 4km east along the ridge, especially further down the east end of the ridge, walk east until you connect with Fullertons Rd, which starts at a farmhouse and heads east, and joins up to the Molesworth-Dropmore Rd. The retrieve vehicle can get there via Highlands Rd, or via Yea and Molesworth.

Map information

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) and permitted for emergency use only. 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.) We must not enter or exit vehicles or walk or carry anything within proximity of the residences. So exit over fences etc on the public roads beside the paddocks. Ensure the paddock is free of active farming activity prior to driving to launch.

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 Andy Phillips 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.

The previous LZ has changed ownership and was no longer suitable due to trees growing too tall around the perimeter. The new paddock is on Mc Namaras Rd in Milgrove next to the strawberry farm. There's a combination lock on the gate and a gravel track that takes you to the LZ which is the second last paddock before the Yarra River. It's a 5:1 glide from the launch and it's a big flat paddock with no obstructions. This is the closest decent paddock from launch. The owner of the LZ is ok with landings there as long as pilots contact the site contact Todd Wisewood first. Todd can give you the combination for the lock.

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 8500' 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.

Map information

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. It is the highest mountain launch in Victoria. A weather station has been installed on launch.

Takeoff

Landing

Landing areas are plentiful in the Kiewa Valley but there are some landowners which don't want us to land on their properties. It is best to check the map and/or speak to the local pilots before flying. It is essential that local landowners are not antagonised.

Currently, the closest two landing paddocks for Mt Emu are Baird's and Granma Roper's - see the map for locations. Baird's is not visible from either launch and can have horses in it. If you must land there, just land away from them. This is the ONLY paddock where it is ok to land near horses. Granma Roper's is a better LZ for HG and is visible from Emu 1 albeit further away than Baird's. Baird's might suit PG's better. There is a power line running north-south along the eastern boundary to Granma Roper's. Ensure you inspect it before landing there and when you do give yourself enough height when arriving to keep clear of it. If landing at Grandma Roper's don't fly low over the triangular paddock immediately east, as there can be horses here. The recommended approach is to keep to the south of the Mountain Creek Rd bend when approaching to land into the north or west avoiding the horse paddock and powerlines as well.

The Mt Beauty airstrip is a good place to land but watch for glider and GA traffic. If arriving high, lose height and land on the west side of the runway only. Gliders will do the same on the east side. Be aware that gliders may be towing into the north using a stationary winch. In that case, stay clear of the airspace immediately above the airstrip until the glider has released and the cable has been wound in.

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 flights are possible by working up the Kiewa Valley, or by crossing over in the direction of Bright (noting there is a large stretch of trees for several km in this direction and also unlandable paddocks).

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.

Takeoff

Landing

All PG landings should be made in the paddock immediately to the west of Buckland Road and north of Lee Morrison Road. Paragliders must land in a small corner of the paddock near Buckland Road and just north of 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. Do not land in the paddock immediately to the west of Buckland Road and south of Lee Morrison Road. Do not land in the paddocks directly below launch and east of Buckland Road. See map.

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.

Map information

Victoria - East Inland

Mystic

Mystic Hill is an excellent site which often works because it faces the valley wind and generates some strong thermals. It is located 2km south of Bright just off the road to Wandiligong. Mystic is one of the most popular Victorian inland sites, which has hosted numerous state and national competitions as well as the the Paragliding World Cup in 1998 and most recently, 2018. Current weather observations can be accessed via the Mystic weather station.

Financial Membership with the NEVHGC is required before flying Mystic, and can only be purchased from the club website at www.nevhgc.net using a PayPal account or credit card. Links to social media groups can be found on the club website, otherwise most pilots meet at the LZ on Morses Creek Road to car-pool up the hill.

From December 2019 restrictions have been introduced to reduce traffic on the access road to Mystic launch. NEVHGC members are still given free access for the purpose of flying and vehicle retrieve but will not be admitted if there are bikes in the vehicles. Access to launch is only via the principal Mystic Lane entry. All other access tracks have been closed off.

For accomodation there are many options available in Bright, ranging from backpackers hostels, to caravan parks and luxury cottages. Camp Crusty (with cabins and camping) is the closest option to the landing zone of Mystic.

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.

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 tree slot launch on a large inland ridge. Located on the western side of the Kiewa Valley.

Takeoff

Landing

The Tawonga Gap LZ, Iaria's Paddock, quite often has stock in it and the trees around the southern boundary have gotten quite tall. There is a fence running west to east dividing the paddock in half. It is highly recommend pilots have a good look at it before committing to land there and before travelling up to launch. Hang gliders generally land at the Mt Beauty airstrip instead.

The landing paddock is out of sight when on launch. It is located along the eastern side of the Kiewa Valley Highway travelling into Mt Beauty township approximately 1km 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 opposite of the Kiewa Valley. Much like Mt Emu, the entire Kiewa Valley and beyond can be explored. Crossings to Bright and Mt Buffalo are possible.

Hazards/Comments

The LZ can't be seen from launch. 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. Launches are suitable for hang gliders or paragliders. 4WD access only (as at Nov 2013).

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

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 here.

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. There is a windsock on an orange PVC pole on the ground by the fence. Put it in the footing in the paddock, and the last person to leave can place it back by the fence and put the marker pole back in the hole. Terry (owner of flowerdale) has asked that the wind sock hole be made visible when not in use for safety reasons. The footing for the windsock is at co-ords S 37.29094 E 145.27245. Or, simply start at the green EMP pole located in the PG car parking area by the fence and walk 105m towards the notch in the hills on the horizon to the east.

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 8500' 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.