Hang Gliding Association of WA

Avon Valley Sites Guide

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 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

a serious thermal, near Northam


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:noondeening from the air

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. misty noondeening take off

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:?

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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.flying on avon descent weekend

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:summer at masters

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:?
 

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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. winter with a local

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 from the bottomscratching 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.

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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. evening soaring at Nardie
 

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)

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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)

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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. The Range - marginal conditions

 

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 A better daysite 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 a great day-heading for Northam XC from the Rangesummer - 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. a little too strong? - dusty from TO
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:?

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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). winter day at bakewell
 

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

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: perfect spring day, main ridge
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

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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. Gwambygine Hill from the air (XC from elsewhere)

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 cloudbase club car and winchhills 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
Click here for a map
Penny’s Tow Paddock. towing-pennys 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 humprey's paddockuse 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:Wyalkatchem town

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 ©