Hang Gliding
Association of WA
Avon Valley Sites Guide
Area Overview
This page will cover sites within about an hours drive of Perth, these
include low coastal dunes near the city, Inland ridges around Toodyay,
Northam and York, Towing in the same area, and more inland ridges North
and South of Perth on the Darling Scarp.
Index of Avon Region Sites
Toodyay Area
York Area
Inland
Toodyay Area
This area, about 1 hours drive from Perth offers a number of small-
medium
hill flying sites facing most wind directions. Sites are listed from
North
to South
Noondeening Hill - Closed
A fairly heavily wooded NE site in the Avon
Valley halfway between Toodyay and Northam. Offers a combination of
ridge lift and thermals. Can be a good site but can also be difficult
due to the trees, and the takeoff location at the head of a gully. The
farm's owner's, Bruce and Carolyn are generally very supportive of
flying and other recreational activities on their property.
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (PG)
|
Rating (HG)
|
Take off Altitude
|
Inland Ridge
|
NE
|
Novice with Advanced
Supervision/ Intermediate with Site Induction
|
Novice with Intermediate theory + 15
hours |
500ft AGL
|
Getting There:
Site currently closed
- contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club or the Hill Flyers Club (See the
main page for club contacts), to check on the current access
arrangements. This site is privately owned, and the current owner have
not granted permission for pilots to enter or fly from their land..
Be very careful driving, the owner’s
request that you keep your speed right down and your eyes open because
they ride motorbikes on the property. Heavy gravel trucks also
use the road.
Camping.
The owners are quite happy for club members to
take advantage of this great site and camp over. Please ask permission
first, leave no rubbish and drivecarefully on the property.
Hazards:
As with all inland sites, thermals can generate
considerable turbulence and heavy sink. Maintain adequate clearance at
all times.
The trees extend far in front of the hill in
places, and care must be taken to ensure you always have a safe glide
to landing in case of heavy sink.
The location of launch at the back of a gully
makes it very hazardous in a cross wind and makes determining the true
wind direction difficult. Seek advice from a pilot experienced at the
site if unsure of conditions on take off.
Flying:
This site offers a great bomb out for beginners
and challenging thermal flying for more experienced pilots, however the
site has the potential to be dangerous. Be sure to follow free
flying’s number one rule: don’t fly alone. It is essential
to have an intermediate or advanced pilot give you an induction on this
site.
The take-off is at the head of a long gully
behind the lower part of the front ridgeline and can be subject to
serious turbulence if the wind is not straight up the gully. Always be
certain of the true wind direction before taking off. It is very easy
to be tricked at this site as the wind can be coming more from the N or
E and it will still seem on take off as if it is coming straight up the
face. It is at these times that the most danger exists. Always check
the direction on the ground, then go to the N end of the ridge (at a
high - clear point) and get an accurate wind direction. Do not take off
if the true wind is not blowing directly on the take-off.
The large paddock in front of takeoff makes
for a good landing area for paragliders when not in crop, but it does
have a substantial slope and is full of large rocks. If on a paraglider
allow for the extended glide. If you are flying a hanglider it is
recommended to land in the flatter smoother paddock to the left of the
house, the same paddock should be used by paragliders when the other
paddock is in crop, check for crop before driving up the hill.
Top landing is difficult and dangerous. There are clear areas behind
the ridge where it is possible to land if trapped, but the landing is
very committing and there may be significant rotor. On the day you fly
check for the owner’s preferred landing sites, which may vary
with location of livestock.
The ridge is very convoluted and does not tend
to produce good ridge lift. The location of the takeoff also
concentrates winds and makes launching a paraglider difficult when
there is enough lift to ridge soar. Usually there will be lift on the
windward side of the spurs if the wind is a little cross. This
site catches the morning sun and often produces good thermal activity
early in the day, which can be good for a long xc with an early start,
or deposit you on the ground a few km behind the hill because nowhere
else has started working.
In light wind conditions thermals will tend to
break off at the tree line at the base of the hill and not come through
takeoff at all. A nil wind launch can be very rewarding if you
time it right to hit a thermal in front (watch for trees moving,
eagles, and other pilots you persuaded to go first).
The site can frequently produce valley release
type thermals in the late afternoon, where there is lift everywhere on
the whole length of the ridge, but it requires a bit of luck to be in
the right place at the right time, nonetheless several pilots have
experienced their first taste of serious thermalling here in such
conditions.
The Northeasterly wind is also often strong in
the morning before dropping dramatically around 10 O'clock.
Site Records:
PG:
Open distance- 113km, Mike Dufty, Oct 2000:
Triangle- 29km, Mike Dufty, Mar 2000
Out and Return-16km Dave Humphrey 2001
HG:?
Back to Top
Masters' - Site Closed
This is the northwesterly face at the western end
of Noondeening hill. Fairly small, but a nice open site with
surprisingly good thermalling. The big top landing and side
landing possibilities make it a viable site in very light and very
strong winds for paragliders, but the lack of access to suitable bottom
landing areas makes it a less attractive site for hanggliders.
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (PG)
|
Rating
(HG) |
Take off Altitude
|
Inland Ridge
|
NW
|
Novice (Intermediate when
in crop)
|
Advanced (closed when in
crop) |
400ft AGL
|
Permission/Log in:
The first pilots on site each day must contact
the owner to ask permission. If the owner cannot be contacted you may
not enter the property. Access to this site is often denied depending
on fire risk, crop and stock conditions, please do not take access to
this site for granted. Access to this site has traditionally been
through Noondeening Hill which is now closed. It is not known if the
owner is happy for vehicles to be driven on his property, you will need
to check specifically before doing so.
Getting There:
Site currently closed
- contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club or the Hill Flyers Club (See the
main page for club contacts), to check on the current access
arrangements. This site is privately owned, and the current owners have
not granted permission for pilots to enter or fly from their land..
It is located in the Avon Valley near Toodyay..
Hazards:
As with all inland sites, thermals can generate
considerable turbulence and heavy sink. Maintain adequate clearance at
all times. The face, although clear of trees is steep and rocky.
Side landings are possible but can be dangerous especially for
inexperienced pilots.
If the bottom landing paddock is cropped
considerable skill is required to land before it and the site is not
suitable for novices or for hanggliders in such a situation.
Flying:
As the site is small the usual practice in light
conditions is to kite the a paraglider on launch until there is enough
lift to go up. The gully to the right of launch often generates
lift, but has trees in front so watch out if it doesn’t.
The best thermals to get away from the site seem to come off the ridge
at the far right leading to the summit of Noondeening Hill.
The big paddock behind launch provides a good
bail out option, if you follow a thermal behind launch then lose
it. The small flat topped spur to the left of launch makes a good
landing option that will save you some walking if you drop below take
off.
Site Records:
PG:
Open distance- 73km, Eric Metrot, Mar 02
HG:?
Back to Top
Windmill Hill, Toodyay
This stunning house perched above Toodyay used to belong to a Cloudbase
club member, but no longer does. It's a small site spoilt by
powerlines
and restricted landing options.
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (PG)
|
Rating (HG) |
Take off Altitude
|
Inland Ridge
|
NW
|
Intermediate with Site Induction
|
Advanced (not recommended) |
300ft AGL
|
Permission/Log in:
The first pilots on site each day must check in with the owner
before flying, this site has not been flown since the last change in
ownership, the owner needs to be approached with this in mind.
Getting There:
If you haven't been here before, contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club or
the Hill Soarers Club (See the main page for club contacts), check on
the
current access arrangements, and organise your first flight with a club
member who has good knowledge of this site, and where the powerlines
are.
The site is located in the Avon Valley near Toodyay, about 1.5 hours
drive
east of Perth.
There is an uncontrolled railway crossing of the main trans
australia
line on the way in, take the stop sign seriously. Access is 2WD
but
very steep, parking at TO is limited.
Hazards.
As all inland sites, this site has the potential
to be treacherous. The site at its best requires a northwesterly wind.
The most obvious hazard here is the powerlines. There is a high-tension
powerlines running across the base of the hill to a power pole near the
shed, and then up the face to the house. THE POWERLINE TO THE
HOUSE LIES DIRECTLY ACROSS THE NORMAL RIDGE SOARING FLIGHT PATH AND IS
VERY HARD TO SEE. Don't fly to the right of the gully unless
you can see the powerlines. The powerlines also cuts across the
landing
area at the bottom of the hill. Be sure you know where they are and
plan
a landing area before taking off. The landing area also has a
downhill
slope. Do not fly this site unless you know you can land exactly where
you want to. If you have enough height it is possible to fly over
the powerlines and land near the dam. The landing areas are not
suitable
for hanggliders due to limited space and slope.
Flying:
This site is quite small, it can crowded very easily in light
conditions, there are numerous dead trees on the face that could catch
lines, harness etc if scratching too close, a power line up the
ridge, and the landing here is a serious business due to the
powerlines. Expect rough thermic conditions in summer, especially in
strong winds due to the hills in front. Aside from that it's
quite good fun, with a fantastic view down the Avon Valley to Toodyay.
Take off. Nice grassy takeoff.
Landing: Powerlines apart from those it's not too bad, can be
turbulent due to the railway, trees and hills in front in stronger
winds.
Normally if the winds still blowing you can top land on the nice
takeoff
area. One of the few sites where a top landing is safer than a
bottom
landing.
Site records:
The tree behind takeoff.
Back to Top
Mt Nardie, Toodyay - Closed
A nice big hill, but oddly shaped. excellent
possibilities and views, but generally inconsistent flying, can produse
excelllent smooth evening flights when there's no wind elsewhere..
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (PG)
|
Rating
(HG) |
Take off Altitude
|
Inland Ridge
|
N-NE
|
Intermediate with Site
Induction
|
Advanced (not
recommended) |
700ft AGL
|
Getting There:
At the time of writing 1 May 2004 access to this
site is closed. Contact Cloudbase
Paragliding Club or the Hill Flyers Club (See the main page for club
contacts) to check on the current access arrangements. The site is
located in the Avon Valley near Toodyay, 1.5 hours drive east of Perth.
There's gravel road access up a steep slope to the top. Some two wheel
drives will have difficulty making it up even in the dry.
Log in:
This site is currently (June2002) closed to
general use. Contact the club for current access details if
you wish to contact the owner please go through the club.
Camping. NO
Hazards:
As with all inland sites, this site has the
potential to be treacherous. The site is at its best requires a
north-north easterly wind. The most obvious hazard here is the
powerlines, which surround the landing field. Landing area is the same
as for windmill hill (see above). Inspect the landing area from the
ground before flying. Be sure you know where the powerlines are
and plan a landing area before taking off. Do not fly this site unless
you know you can land exactly where you want to. If you have
enough height it is possible to fly over the powerlines and land near
the dam. The landing area is a fairly long glide over trees and
powerlines. Be sure to leave early enough and allow for possible
sink. Don't fly here if you are unable to land in very confined
areas amongst trees and rocks, this may be necessary if you encounter
bad sink and can't make the landing field. The landing areas are
not considered suitable for hang gliders.
Flying:
Site currently closed, August 2003
General. This site is has a north south spur running out to
the left of takeoff. If there is any west in the wind the spur will
create rotor, and rough air in front of launch, although people have
launched in slightly NNW conditions and glided across to windmill hill,
it's not recommended. In the evenings the flat top of the spur
can produce a surprising amount of lift, even extending out over the
road on occasion. Stunning views and some cross country
potential, although not a great ridge soaring hill due to it's
convoluted shape and flattish slopes.
Take off: Very small takeoff towers behind and trees either side,
you won't have more than a couple of feet between your wingtip and the
trees at the back of the takeoff, but it opens out in front. Good
ground handling required. Currently considered unsuitable for
hangliders.
Landing: Same as Windmill hill - powerlines powerlines powerlines
apart from those it's also a longish glide and could be turbulent due
to the railway, trees and hills in front in stronger winds. The obvious
big field straight in front of launch is out of bounds at the moment,
and also has a well concealed powerlines across the middle. Land over
to the right below windmill hill. Top landing is possible but not
easy. The take off is quite small, but there are numerous areas of low
scrub and blackboys on the top half of the hill offering landing
possibilities for the adventurous. Warning - the scrub is taller than
it looks, be prepared for some time spent untangling. Again, not a
recommended option for hangliders.
Records.
PG: Open Distance 16km Mike Dufty, May 02
HG: ? About 200km a long time ago, was national record.
Whitfield
Hill (sometimes called Wicklow)-Closed
This site is closed to hanggliding
and paragliding from 1 May 2003 until further notice as a result of
change of ownership. Please do not tresspass on this private property
Small easterly wind site near Toodyay
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (PG)
|
Rating
(HG) |
Take off Altitude
|
Inland Ridge
|
E
|
Novice
|
Intermediate theory + 15
hours |
300ft AGL
|
Getting There:
Site currently closed - contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club or the Hill Flyers
Club (See the main page for club contacts), to check on the current
access arrangements. This site is privately owned, and the current
owner have not granted permission for pilots to enter or fly from their
land..
It is located in the Avon Valley near Toodyay, 4WD access or walk
from landing area.
Flying:
This is a fairly small site, the shape is not
particularly good for producing lift, but it makes a good training hill
and is quite soarable when the wind is right. A large flat
plateau behind take off allows thermals to be followed back in relative
safety as you can top land if you lose it.
Take-off:
Generally good, but rocky in places, be careful of rotor from spurs
either side if wind is cross. Gully to left has a venturi effect
in strong winds.
Landing:
Good landing area, but beware of fixation on the farm dam in front of
the hill which is deep and has already claimed one victim (fortunately
rescued quickly).
Hazards.
As all inland sites, this site has the
potential to be treacherous; the small height of the hill makes it
particularly hazardous in strong thermic conditions.
The rocks at the top can make launching hazardous if the lift is not
good, be sure to have a look over the edge at your intended launch
point before setting up.
Beware of rotor behind the small knob in front - if you get low fly
left to the landing area which has a clean airflow.
(If anyone has a good photo of this site for
the guide, please e-mail mikedufty@yahoo.com)
Back to Top
White Lakes Farm, Toodyay
Light wind novice site near Toodyay
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (PG)
|
Rating (HG) |
Take off Altitude
|
Inland Ridge
|
SE
|
Intermediate with Site Induction
|
Intermediate theory + 15 hours |
70ft AGL
|
Permission/Log in:
The first pilots on site each day must check in with the owner
before flying.
Getting There:
If you haven't been here before, contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club or
the Hill Flyers Club (See the main page for club contacts), check on
the current access arrangements, and organise your first flight with a
club member who has good knowledge of this site. This site is privately
owned, so is sensitive and could easily be lost.
It is located in the Avon Valley near Toodyay, 2WD access plus
walk to takeoff.
Flying:
The site is situated in a large bowl, with hills of various heights
surrounding
it. This site is good when the wind is relatively light -
generating
some ridge lift and good thermal development. There are many
trees
and fences (some electric) to be aware of and some power lines.
Take-off: generally good, in clear farmland. If wind is more easterly,
be very careful, as there can be a lot of turbulence behind the hills
in
front. Always check the true wind direction at a high point.
Landing: the ground is all sloping and winds can be quite variable
on the ground. Use a windsock. Glide angle can change very rapidly with
patches of lift and sink. Your landing position will rarely be where
you
think it will be. Watch out for stock (in particular the bulls).
Hazards.
This is a good novice site although the
continuous downwards slope can be a little intimidating for those who
have never landed on a slope before. The paddocks are small with lots
of fences. The top strand is electric. As with all small sites that may
give limited lift, be sure to take in all the obstacles by having a
good walk around the site before you fly.
Wind flow will never be completely uninterrupted
and any associated turbulence will be worse in proportion with the wind
strength. The area can be very rough in spring, summer and autumn.
(If anyone has a good photo of this site for the guide, please
e-mail mikedufty@yahoo.com)
Back to Top
The Range, Toodyay - Site Closed
Due to change of ownership from 30 June 2007 the previous arrangement
for permission to use this site has lapsed. The new owner has
requested no-one enter the property. HGAWA representatives
will be meeting with the new owners to try to get permission to use the
site for flying again. In the meantime no-one is to enter the
site. Please spread the word to pilots who may not be aware of
this, to ensure no-one inadvertently enters the site without
permission. This web page will be updated as soon as the status
changes. Check with the HGAWA (Rick Williams) or your club if you
want to check on the current status.
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (PG)
|
Rating (HG) |
Take off Altitude
|
Inland Ridge
|
WSW-WNW
|
Novice
|
Intermediate theory + 15 hours |
300ft AGL
|
Permission/Log in: - Site Closed from
30 June 2007 until further notice
The first pilots on site each day
must check in with the owner
before flying. Contact the owners if you are
the first
person to arrive at the site. All pilots must log in at the log in box
at the house driveway, please enter your details, read the site rules,
and leave a donation for the owners, $2 is standard.
Note that flying alone is
strictly forbidden on this site, and dogs
are not allowed on site, even inside vehicles. If an attempt has
been made to contact the owners, but they are not in it is acceptable
to fly, providing of course that all site rules are followed.
Access to this site is
currently being threatened by a few pilots who
have been flying alone and not logging in, anyone caught disobeying
these rules will be disciplined in line with HGFA rules.
Getting There:
If you haven't been here before, contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club
(See the main page for club contacts), check on the current access
arrangements, and preferably organise your first flight with a club
member who has good knowledge of this site. This site is privately
owned, so is sensitive and could easily be lost. The site is located
near Toodyay, 1.5 hours east of Perth.
Parking. There is no
problem with parking at the top of the
Range
but common sense dictates keeping clear of the take off and landing
area
Camping. The owners are quite happy to have
pilot’s
camp over
night. The usual courtesies apply. Don’t leave rubbish.
Hazards:
As all inland
sites, this site has the potential
to be treacherous; the small height of the hill makes it particularly
hazardous in strong thermic conditions. The site
is at its best with a westerly in the evenings.
Care should be
taken to avoid being blown back
at the far north or south end of the site that due to the shape of the
ridge develops a rotor.
There is
a large bush/tree on the bottom
of the ridge (just left of take off line), which always generates
turbulence.
This turbulence can extend right up the face of the ridge so give it
plenty
of room. There's also often a patch of funny air to the right of
take off, possibly due to the large gum trees in front.
The rocks at
the top can make launching hazardous
if the lift is not good, be sure to have a look over the edge at your
intended
launch point before setting up.
Flying:
This site is generally safe to
fly, but being a low inland sites it
is much more dangerous in the warmer seasons. The turbulence
generated at this site in summer - even on a cool day
with a good westerly wind can be significant. Only fly this site
in summer if you have a lot of inland experience.
There is now a weather station on
top of the hill. You can get a
wind report by dialling 0410392664 or 4 clicks on UHF channel 12. the
station only operates in daylight.
Landing:
There is a good bottom landing for
paragliders immediately in front of
launch- avoid big bush/tree at base of ridge. This paddock does have
considerable downhill slope however, and can be tricky for hanggliders.
The owners have requested that all flyers land in this paddock if
possible, and that no-one drive by the house to pickup pilots and gear
(October 2004). IN future when this bottom-landing paddock is in
crop permission may be given to land in the paddock near the house.
Beware of the slope on that paddock, and rotor from trees at the upwind
end.
Top landing is good, with
minimal rotor and turbulence behind take
off area. Never attempt to land behind or even approach behind the hill
right of take-off. In fair weather the large bottom and
top-landing area facilitates an excellent trainee and novice site with
light weather bomb outs good for directions north to southwest.
General Flying:
Keep a good clearance from the
hill at all times, remember this is not
a coastal site, sink and turbulence are not unusual and the rocky
hillside is very unforgiving if you hit it.
Advanced pilots can launch
from the far southern end of the ridge in
northwesterly winds, the lift there is good but the takeoff is
hazardous as it is flat and rocky.
Threads of lift can often be
followed well upwind out over the
farmhouse or even as far as the road. It is difficult to get away
cross country as the small height of the hill means it is mostly
flyable when the wind is too strong for good thermal formation, but it
is occasionally possible to get over the back for some good cross
country flying.
Site Records:
PG: Open distance Eric Metrot
100km+
HG:?
Back to Top
York Area
Mount Bakewell (top launches)
Probably the best thermalling hill within 1000km of Perth, nice high
takeoff, and good cross country possibilities. Can be dangerous due to
some very violent thermals in summer, also adorned with numerous
antennas. Very sensitive site due to some surrounding landowners
and council has been lost to paragliders before. There are 3 launches
and it is important to use the correct launch for the conditions
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (PG)
|
Rating (HG) |
Take off Altitude
|
Inland Ridge
|
S-E
|
Novice with Advanced Supervision/ Intermediate with
Site
Induction
|
Intermediate theory + 15 hours |
840ft AGL
|
Permission/Log in:
All pilots are required to log in at the box by the house, donations
for the landowner can also be left at the box $2 suggested. It is
recommended to advise the skydiving operation of flying operations
before you go up the hill. It is not compulsory to contact the owner of
the access road, but it is polite to do so occasionally, especially if
you see him while passing through the property. There is a strict
30km/h speed limit on the access track at the owners request.
Please respect his wishes and keep your speed very low. Walking pace is
an appropriate speed near the house and sheds.
Please refer to lower launch access details below if accessing the
top launches via that property.
Getting There:
Mt Bakewell is near York in the Avon valley, about 1.5 hours drive
east of Perth, access requires a 4WD or a long climb on foot.
If you haven't been here before, contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club
or the Hill Flyers Club (See the main page for club contacts), organise
your first flight with a club member who has good knowledge of this
site. Access to this site is through private land. The site is very
sensitive and could easily be lost.
Please engage 4WD on the track to minimise damage to the track, and
observe the 30kph speed limit (much slower near the house). Access is
now also possible from the lower launch (see below).
Launch Options
There are three launch options on the top of
Bakewell, as well as the lower (Lou's) launch (see next entry).
These are
- Top (East South East) Launch
- Middle (South) Launch
- Bowl launch (not recommended)
The top launch is generally preferred and is
the biggest launch area. It is best with an ESE wind direction, but is
usable as far around between east and south-east. If the wind is from
the SSE or there may be rotor in front of launch. If the wind is strong
from the south then conditions may appear perfect on the ESE launch
when they are far from it – check the wind on the bowl or S
launch too, if the wind is howling up the bowl and gentle on the ESE
launch it is because the ESE launch is in rotor.
The middle (south) launch takes wind
directions from south east to south and is best on a south south
easterly. It is safe and pleasant in SSE conditions when the top launch
is in rotor, but is a little lower.
The Bowl launch faces SSE and is conveniently
located to the main top launch, but is very small and committing with a
cliff in front and surrounded by trees. It is recommended that this
take off not be used, the middle launch provides a safer alternative.
If you choose to use the bowl launch be particularly wary of rotor on
the takeoff, which is in a gully. The wind can appear to be coming up
the gully when in fact it is coming from the southwest. Expect
severe rotor in this gully if the wind is from the southwest or
southeast and do not launch if you are not sure the wind is correct.
Even in good conditions the bowl takeoff is
difficult due to limited space and the cliff. On a paraglider expect to
be lifted off the ground before turning if there is wind. It may not be
possible to abort a launch once started so make sure everything is
right before inflating. It can be difficult on a hangglider as
well as the cliff launch creates a pocket of dead air where the glider
is.
Hazards:
As with any inland site this hill can feature
strong lift, strong sink and turbulence.
Beware of powerlines and aerials, with
attendant guy wires near the top launch. In addition to the obvious
powerlines on the spur to the right of the east-southeast launch there
is another running up the gully to the left of launch, this powerlines
has very few poles and is very difficult to spot.
There is a strip of paddock in front of launch
west of the powerline and east of the gravel pit access. This is
not a permitted landing area, as the constriction of powerlines and
trees
on three sides and a significant slope mean it is easy to get into
trouble
if your approach is not perfect.
The gravel pit landing is very small and has
numerous large painful obstacles it should only be used by intermediate
pilots. All pilots should inspect the gravel pit on the ground before
flying Bakewell for the first time.
There is a large commercial skydiving
operation
behind the hill. Watch out for the plane and don't fly over the
airfield,
which is also the drop zone. It's a good idea to check in at the
skydivers before flying to let them know you are in the area.
Flying:
Takeoff:
There are 3 takeoffs on top, -see Launch Options above. On the
ESE launch it is usually easier to inflate a paraglider as far back
from the edge as possible, the airflow near the edge causes the glider
to overshoot and requires a sharp run toward the edge before the glider
is flying properly.
Landing:
Preferred landing area is on the Racecourse, if you can’t make it
there the paddock in front of the ESE launch, east of the powerline was
available for landing in 2004 when not under crop. (Check current
access before landing).The racecourse is a decent glide away, so with a
paraglider you really need to head out as soon as you drop below take
off height. The gravel pit is also an authorised landing area, but is
very small, and surrounded by non-landable paddock and trees and parrot
bush and old crushing machinery. It is only suitable for intermediate
plus paraglider pilots with good spot landing skills, it is not
recommended for hanggliders.
Hanggliders also often use the landing field below the lower launch
(see entry below).
DO NOT LAND ON THE PROPERTY IN FRONT OF TAKE
OFF TO THE RIGHT OF THE GRAVEL PIT; you may cause loss of access
to this site.
Lift:
Thermals may be very strong; in thermic conditions the thermals will
generally overwhelm ridge lift. If you are sinking out, flying
away
from the hill and trying to connect with a thermal in front is often
more
effective and is much safer than scratching close to the hill side. In
light winds thermals will pop off from the tree line and may not come
over
take off, so nil wind launches may be required to connect with thermals
in front. The gravel pit, the bowl, and the knoll on the ridge to
the east of the S takeoff all provide relatively good thermal
triggers.
The site works best with a reasonable amount of wind to bring thermals
onto the hill from the flatlands ESE winds produce little ridge lift
but
bring the thermals in nicely.
Airspace limit is 8500ft
Often in summer you will get evening glass off or "magic lift" in the
evenings where a huge area of smooth lift extends in front of the hill,
making for perfect soaring conditions on the hill. The site is
suitable
for novices in these conditions with suitable supervision from advanced
pilots with experience of the site. Good skills are still
required
to launch due to the cliff launch. Due to the steep face a
delicate
touch is required to inflate a paraglider in stronger winds, as the
glider
will surge as it comes through the wind gradient if not controlled.
Site Records:
PG: Open distance 168km Mike Dufty Feb 2003
HG:Open distance 290km Ray Chatfield Feb 1984
Back to Top
Mount Bakewell (lower launch)
This alternative launch on Mt Bakewell is much lower than the top
launch,
but has easier road access from takeoff to bomb out, making it more
popular
with hanglider pilots, it can also provide a safer launch when the wind
is south or ssw or strong.
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (PG)
|
Rating (HG) |
Take off Altitude
|
Inland Ridge
|
SSW-SSE
|
Novice with Advanced Supervision/ Intermediate with
Site
Induction
|
Intermediate theory + 15 hours |
400ft AGL
|
Permission/Log in:
Permission must be sought from the land owner before entering the
property. Everyone entering the property must check in with the
owner unlike most sites. The owner would appreciate a small gift to
show your appreciation. One bottle of wine or softdrink per vehicle is
appropriate, green ginger wine is a favorite. If for any reason the
owner can not be contacted you may not enter the property. While
checking in you may get a key to the gate which provides access through
to the top launch. Please keep the gate closed at all times and ensure
the gate is locked and the key returned at the end of the day.
Getting There:
Mt Bakewell is near York in the Avon valley, about 1.5 hours drive east
of Perth, steep access track is passable by some 2WD when in good
condition
and dry or a moderate climb on foot.
If you haven't been here before, contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club or
the Hill Flyers Club and organise your first flight with a club member
who has good knowledge of this site. Access to this site is through
private land. The site is very sensitive and could easily be lost. Take
the keep out signs on the gate seriously if you don’t know the
current access arrangements.
Hazards:
As with any inland site this hill can feature
strong
lift, strong sink and turbulence.
The Launch is very small with a tree on the right
and many trees in front. Glide out over the trees in front is
marginal
on a paraglider, so a launch into lifting air is very desirable.
The spur to the left of takeoff can generate
rotor on launch in an ESE wind and disguise the true wind direction.
There is a powerlines in front of launch to the
left of the house.
Flying:
Because the launch is so low with trees in front it is necessary to for
paragliders to launch into a thermal or exceptionally good wind
conditions
if you are to get up. Hang-gliders are able to fly the site more easily
in conditions too strong for paragliders.
Once flying try to work up the ridge to the summit.
Landing is directly in front of launch beside Lou’s
driveway.
If paragliders encounter sink they may be unable to safely cross the
powerlines
and be forced to land to the left of the house.
Otherwise the same as Bakewell top launch (see above).
York Silos/Gwambygine Hill
This small rocky hill facing north east is mainly used as a training
hill but is soarable in the right conditions.
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (PG)
|
Rating (HG) |
Take off Altitude
|
Inland Ridge
|
NE
|
Novice
|
Intermediate theory + 15 hours |
200ft AGL
|
Permission/Log in:
The first pilots on site each day must check in with the owner before
flying.
Getting There:
Gwambygine is near York in the Avon valley, about 1.5 hours drive east
of Perth, access track is possible by some 2WD although rocky in
places.
If you haven't been here before, contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club or
the Hill Flyers Club and organise your first flight with a club member
who has good knowledge of this site. Access to this site is through
private land. The site is very sensitive and could easily be lost. Take
the keep out signs on the gate seriously if you don’t know the
current access arrangements.
Hazards:
As with any inland site this hill can feature
strong lift, strong sink and turbulence.
The Launch is very small rocky, the slope is
shallow and rocky.
Flying:
Because the slope is shallow it is difficult to maintain a safe height
it is recommended this hill is only flown in smooth conditions such as
early morning and evenings. Noondeening Hill is a generally better
flying site for this wind direction..
York-Greenhills Towing
Several tow paddocks near York are used by Cloudbase for tow
operations.
Operations are based from a property owned by club member John Salmon
where
the club tow equipment is typically stored. The property is also well
equipped
with overnight camping facilities including a fridge.
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (HG&PG)
|
Take off Altitude
|
Tow Paddock
|
All
|
Novice
|
0 ft AGL
|
Permission/Log in:
Although a daily log in is not required at any of these sites, the
paddocks are not always available. If in any doubt as to the current
permission status for the paddocks contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club
and/or the site owner. Towing on any paddock is not permitted during a
total fire ban, paddocks in crop are obviously out of bounds, and
paddocks should not be driven on if they are so soft that deep ruts and
bogging may occur. John Salmon's place is often locked.
Getting There:
All these sites are on private property, and may be closed at any time,
particularly due to crop, fire hazards or wet ground. Contact cloudbase
paragliding club (see main page) for detailed directions, current
access arrangements, and keys. There are 3 paddocks in regular use in
the Greenhills area.
John Salmon’s
Drive through York turn right to Quairading rather that left to head to
Northam. At about 24 Km you will find a crossroads with a sign
indicating green hills to the
left. The left hand road (Penny Road) is bitumen and the right
(Greenhill’s Road) is dirt, there's a small wooden church before
the junction. About 100 meters pass this intersection is the driveway
to Johns on the right. You will be able to see his house up on the
rise. There's usually a streamer on the gate, the house is well back
from the Road. There's a fairly fuzzy map if you click below. If
contact the cloudbase cllub for access details before you go(locked
gate).
Click here to view Map
Penny’s Tow Paddock.
Near John Salmon's. Site -
Closed. Paragliding and Hanggliding towing from this property is
currently not permitted..
Humphrey’s Tow Paddock.
This paddock is several km north of John Salmon’s Place.
Copes with wet conditions better than Penny's paddock Check for current
access arrangements before going here as the paddock is often closed to
flying depending on crops, livestock and fire risk. No Access to this paddock for any
pilots (or anyone else) is permitted for the entire fire ban period
(2nd week of November to 2nd week of March) every year. If any pilots
enter the paddock during this period future access may be denied to all
pilots.
York Airstrip.
Permission has recently been obtained to conduct towing operations
from the York Airstrip opposite Mt Bakewell. The strip runs NE-SW and
is about 1.5 km long. Check with clubs for current status before going
there. Also check in with York shire office to check if other air
traffic and let the tourist bureau know about it to help promote our
sport.
Facilities:
John has gone to a lot of effort to set this place up to encourage
pilots to enjoy some towing and thermalling. There's a shed set up for
club members to use for camping, and staying
overnight is encouraged.
Hazards:
Towing can be hazardous if not done properly,
only
tow if you have the appropriate rating, follow procedures in the HGFA
towing
manual. In summer dust devils will occur in the paddock, and can
be dangerous to anyone hooked to a glider whether in the air, on the
tow
or on the ground. Keep eyes open and warn others if they are seen.
Flying:
Low areas can become boggy after rain; sandy areas can become boggy in
dry conditions. Check on foot before driving if it has rained in the
last
few days. No smoking in tow paddocks. Do not park vehicles
on long grass.
Wind aloft can be much stronger than on the ground. John reckons the
most pleasant thermals are around late afternoon/evening in summer. Try
to core a thermal and go a very long way before landing.
Airspace limit is 8500ft
Do not land in crops or near livestock.
Site Records:
PG: Open Distance: 69km Mike Dufty Apr 2000.
Out &Return: 33km Mike Dufty Aug 2001
Declared Goal 45km Mike Dufty Mar 2001
HG:Open Distance:
160km Steffan Hertling.
Out &Return: 50km Steve Hoefs.
Triangle 140km Gary Wright.
Declared Goal-140km Steve Hoefs
York Airstrip
Towing strip100km East of Perth,near Mt Bakewell..
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (HG &PG)
|
Take off Altitude
|
Tow Paddock
|
NE/SW
|
Novice
|
0 ft AGL
|
Permission/Log in:
The York Tourist information centre must be notified on the day of
towing operations here, so they can direct any interested tourists to
observe operations - this is a strict condition of use of the strip.
Getting There:
Drive from Perth to York, then take the Spencers Brook Road, the strip
is opposite Mt Bakewell not far out of York.
Flying:
Be aware that this is an operational airstrip. Make space for any
aircraft which may be about to use the strip. Airspace limit is 8500ft.
The strip is fairly short for towing, and limited to two wind
directions.
Wyalkatchem
Towing paddocks 200km East of Perth, base of operations for the
Western Soarers Club. Location of state soaring championships
competition.
Site Type
|
Direction
|
Rating (HG &PG)
|
Take off Altitude
|
Tow Paddock
|
Any
|
Novice
|
0 ft AGL
|
Permission/Log in:
Although a daily log in is not generally required at any of these
sites, the paddocks are not always available. If in any doubt as to the
current permission status for the paddocks contact Western Soarers
Hanggliding Club and/or the site owner. Towing on any paddock is not
permitted during a total fire ban, paddocks in crop are obviously out
of bounds, and paddocks should not be driven on if they are so soft
that deep ruts and bogging may occur. John Salmon's place is often
locked.
Getting There:
Drive from Perth to Toodyay, turn right at the first roadhouse then on
through Goomalling and Dowerin to Wyalkatchem. Towing takes place
from various paddocks near the town depending on crops etc. Contact
Western Soarers Hangliding Club or Skysports Flying School to
find out the current situation before you go.
Facilities:
Western Soarers go towing at Wylie most weekends and have a hangar set
up at the airfield there, and tow cars. Aerotowing operations are
often conducted by Skysports flying school which is based there and
teaches
hanggliding. www.hangglide.com.au Western Soarers they have a
payout
winch and can tow paragliders up . They are happy to share the tow
fields
with paragliders. To fly in the paddocks Western Soarers have
negotiated
access to you must be a member of Western Soarers ($10 per year).
The town of Wyalkatchem has an excellent hotel with great meals and
cheap rooms, budget bunkhouse accomodation at the railway barracks, a
hospital,
swimming pool, and is a multiple australia tidy towns winner.
Flying:
Being 200km inland, the thermals can be stronger and higher than around
York. This location was chosen by Western Soarers for it's
perfect
location for cross country hanggliding, and the town facilities. You
can
fly any direction for a long way without hitting airspace, but you may
reach the end of civilisation (roads) if you go more than a couple of
hundred
kilometres North East. It's flat open farmland for the most part
so landings are easy, and there's a good network of gravel roads, but
it
would pay to have a retrieve driver, there's not a lot of traffic if
you
were planning to hitch back.
Airspace limit is 10000ft. The WA state soaring championships for
hangliders and paragliders is held here annually.
Site Records:
PG:
Open Distance: 236km Justin Post Nov 03.
Declared Goal 130km Justin Post Nov 03 (State Record)
Out and Return 65km Mike Dufty Nov 02 (State Record)
HG:
Open Distance: 313km Phil Wainwright Nov 02 (State Record)
Out &Return: 132km Mark Thompson Nov 02 (State Record)
Triangle 70km Karl Ruckriegel Feb 02
Declared Goal-261km Phil Wainwright Nov 02 (State Record)
Criticism and contributions welcome e-mail Mike Dufty www.mikedufty.id.au
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Created by Mike Dufty//last updated 18 January 2005 ©