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Where can you skydive in Australia?
Australia is full of wonders and lucky for skydiving enthusiasts, it also has a range of skydiving dropzones. From cityscape to natural formations, idyllic vineyards to sparkling beaches, you will be spoilt for choice. Here are some popular dropzones in Australia:
Sydney
Known as the Emerald City of Australia, Sydney is the most populous city in the country and sits on the east coast. Historical buildings, world-famous beaches and a stunning city skyline, you will always find something new to explore in Sydney. Some skydiving dropzones in or near Sydney are:
- Newcastle: At this port city close to Sydney awaits the perfect beachside skydive for you! The sparkling sand, the glittering sea and stunning views of Lake Macquarie will surely take your breath away.
- Wollongong: Set in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, skydiving in Wollongong will give you an experience to cherish for a lifetime. You’ll get unique views of the North Beach as well as the entirety of the stunning New South Wales coastline.
Melbourne
Victoria’s Melbourne occupies the northern and eastern sides of Port Phillip Bay. It is a center of art and culture and is also known for some iconic spots like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, National Gallery of Victoria, the Shrine of Remembrance and others. Some of the most popular zones for skydives in Australia are located here:
- 12 Apostles: This dropzone is well-known for its views of limestone stacks and forest land. Near the Great Ocean Road, you can spot landmarks all along the coast like the Bay of Islands, the Loch Ard Gorge and others. The 12 Apostles dropzone is popular all year round.
- Yarra Valley: At an hour’s distance from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley skydive will let you soar over colorful vineyards, rolling meadows and lush green forests. In the distance, you may also spot the beautiful Shire of Yarra Ranges and Dandenong Ranges.
- Great Ocean Road: One of the most striking landmarks of Australia is the 240-km long road that rims the southern coast of Victoria. There are a ton of natural formations along the road and you will get stunning views of the open sea when you skydive at the Great Ocean Road dropzone.
- St Kilda: This spectacular beach in Melbourne offers the only beachfront skydive inside the city. Get unparalleled views of Port Phillip Bay and the cityscape of Melbourne when you glide down to this dropzone. It is a busy spot and gets thousands of tourists every year.
Before your dive
Weather
Skydiving is a completely weather-dependent sport, so a low cloud cover and moderate wind speed is essential for skydiving. You won’t be able to dive if it is too cloudy or raining. If the weather is unsuitable, your dive may be canceled and rescheduled to a different date of your choice.
Therefore, it is important to check the weather report a few days before your dive and reschedule if it seems unfavorable. We also recommend that if you’re on holiday, it is best to schedule your skydiving session at the beginning of your travels so that there is some room for emergency rescheduling.
Other adventure sports
If you’re going scuba diving or doing any other forms of deep sea diving, you should let at least 24 hours pass before you skydive. The pressure and altitude changes can affect the body in both sports and will be unsafe unless there’s a 24-hour gap between the two.
Food and attire
- You might want to put on something loose and comfy when you go skydiving. Athletic wear is ideal but jeans and other casual clothes are also fine.
- You’ll have to wear closed shoes for this activity. Heels and hiking boots are not allowed.
- It is very important to keep yourself hydrated before your dive, so prepare yourself accordingly.
- Don’t skydive on an empty stomach. A light meal before the dive is good. Fasting may make you feel sick and nauseous.
Training session
There are a number of positions that your Tandem Master might ask you to get into, so pay close attention to the training session before your dive. Use the session to ask any questions you may have and get all your doubts cleared. Ask for tips and make sure that you check all your gear according to instructions. Pay special attention to communication signals as they will help you in talking to your instructor mid-air, when hearing each other may be difficult.
Once you’re done with all of this, you’ll be ready to enter the plane and soar up to the skies to begin your experience!
Plan Your skydiving experience
Timings
Best time to skydive in australia
Transfers
Age & weight requirements
Health requirements
Tips
Skydives in Australia are best done early in the morning, when the weather is pleasant and the clouds are low. This will also give you time to adjust in case of rapidly changing weather. You may want to schedule your entire day around skydiving because the experience itself may not be very long but the training, checks and preparation may take 3-4 hours. Traveling to the dropzone and back will also take some time.
December to February is the peak skydiving season in Australia. Since skydiving is so weather dependent, it is best to choose a month during Summer or Spring, as the weather changes are less frequent around this time. You might also want to choose a weekday instead of a weekend as many locals might crowd the dropzones during the weekend.
Many experiences do offer free transfers back and forth from a major city. Be careful, as these are schedule bound, so you may want to keep an eye on the timings. For those that do not offer transfers, it is best to get a car and drive down to the dropzone, although public transport connections are also fairly well-distributed.
As in every adventure sport, skydiving comes with its risks, therefore it is absolutely essential to have certain limits with regard to weight and age.
- Guests under 16 are not allowed to participate. Those who are between 16 and 18 need a parent or guardian to be present during the dive.
- There usually isn’t an upper age limit, but the ground safety staff will determine if you’re fit to dive.
- The maximum weight allowance is 110 kg. A surcharge will be levied for those above 95 kg and higher for those over 105 kg. Approximately AUD50-AUD75 may be charged.
When skydiving, there are many changes and fluctuations in the body, so fitness is essential. Before the dive, you must declare any recent injuries or surgeries, any chronic illness like hypertension or epilepsy and any other issues that you may have like back pain, sinus blockage or others. Remember, mobility and flexibility are important because you may have to get into different positions mid air. Free medical insurance may also be included in the package.
Hydration: Make sure to stay hydrated before your dive. This will help avoid dizziness, nausea and muscle cramps.
Sleep: Get a good night’s sleep before your dive so you can be fresh and active during your dive.
Planning: Do careful planning when it comes to your skydive. You’ll have to check the weather, keep some time for possible rescheduling and avoid skydiving within 24 hours of scuba diving.
Washroom: Make sure to use the washroom before putting on your gear.
Training: Pay close attention to the training. This will teach you everything you need to know about your experience — the gear checks, communicating tools, skydiving positions and more.
Doubt clarification: Do not hesitate to ask questions and voice your doubts. Talking to your instructors can make a huge difference, especially when safety is concerned.
Relax: Amidst all the excitement and adrenaline rush, do not forget to relax and have fun. Your instructor is well-trained and Tandem skydives are extremely safe!
FAQs on planning your skydiving experience
How do I pick the dropzone I want?
Think about the kind of experience you want to have — if you love beaches, choose one that highlights the sea view. Also keep in mind the proximity to your own location. Remember, the whole experience including training takes around 3-4 hours, so you may want to pick a dropzone close to you.
What height options are available for skydive?
There are a number of height options available, but the most common height for skydives in Australia is 15000 ft. Others include 8,000 ft and 10,000 ft.
Can a pregnant woman, someone with mobility issues, or epilepsy, etc. go skydiving?
Pregnant women are advised to not participate because the pressure and altitude changes can cause risks. Those with mobility issues may not be able to get into the many positions that are required during the activity. It is also risky for guests with chronic conditions like epilepsy to opt for skydiving because there may be fainting issues.
I only have a blocked nose but no fever. Can I still go skydiving? - please do at your own risk
Sinus blockage and cold symptoms may posit some issues. Please visit at your own risk.
What is the rescheduling policy on my skydive tickets?
Your tickets may be rescheduled to a date of your choice because of weather conditions. Cancellations are usually not available.
Can I wear jeans while skydiving?
Yes, jeans are allowed while skydiving but the best option is loose, comfortable clothes. Make sure to bring something warm because it may be chilly when you’re at a higher altitude.
Can I film myself with my GoPro?
Personal recording devices like GoPros are not allowed because it can be dangerous for those who do not have experience. Photo and video packages are available for most experiences. Photographers trained and certified in aerial photography will helo you memorialize the experience.
Is skydiving safe?
Skydiving is perfectly safe, as long as you take proper precaution. In fact, according to some reports, Tandem skydives have one fatality per 500,000 tandem jumps!
I can’t see without my prescription glasses. Can I skydive?
Yes, you can wear your glasses while you skydive because they will be protected by goggles.
Why should I pay a surcharge if I am over 95 kgs?
Specialized instructors, with enough experience, are required to jump tandem with guests who are over 95 kg. Plus, the equipment must also be maintained more frequently. Hence, the surcharge is necessary.