Mt Buffalo is a large granite mountain with a launch site suitable for both hang gliders and paragliders. The Gorge ramp is specifically constructed for hang gliders, while Reid's Lookout is more suitable for paragliders. Both launch sites are quite sheer, leaving no room for mistakes. For organized hang gliding events at the Mt Buffalo ramp, Parks Victoria requires launch assistants to wear a safety harness. The NE Vic HG Club provides a certified fall restraint harness with a 17m static fall rope and two carabiners to limit the range of movement for the wire assist person. This harness is stored with other competition equipment at the Mystic landing paddock and can be signed out by contacting a club committee member. Landing options include the Porepunkah airstrip in the Buckland Valley to the east or anywhere in the valley. The nearest bombout is 'The Burrs,' located alongside the park entrance directly in front of the launch. Before going cross-country (XC), check the map for allowed and forbidden landing paddocks in the area. You can fly Mt Buffalo in any wind direction as long as it is fairly light. In summer, the wind is generally N-NW in the Ovens Valley, with a light wind blowing up the gorge when the sun is out. This makes it suitable for takeoff on many days. However, be prepared for the possibility of drifting away from the mountain while thermalling or landing in a SW wind. On strong days, thermals can blast through at 18-25 knots or more, indicating lift of 1000+ ft/min and comparable sink. South Easterlies can produce radical turbulence out from takeoff. The XC potential is very good, as demonstrated by the 1988 World Championships held here. To the north, the ridge extends to Myrtleford, 18 km away. To the south, the valley disappears into rugged country with no landing areas after 16 km. To the west, you could fly over the plateau into the next valley, but it can be challenging. Eastward, you can fly over Bright and the Tawonga Gap to Mt Beauty and Mt Bogong, but this requires significant height. Other directions include flying up the Kiewa Valley towards Albury or up the valley past Myrtleford and into the flatlands towards Benalla. Minimum pilot rating for this site is advanced, although intermediate pilots may launch under the supervision of an advanced pilot. Unauthorized launches will result in action against the pilot. Be aware of a powerline that cuts the corner of 'The Burrs' paddock to power the toll station. If landing elsewhere in the valleys, avoid tobacco fields and watch for powerlines and fences. Remember, this is mountain thermal country, and winds can be unpredictable in landing areas. For more information, contact the NE Vic HG Club.