Paragliding Bright

Tawonga Gap is an inland mountain ridge located in Victoria, Australia, on the southern side of the Kiewa Valley. The site sits at an elevation of 974 meters above sea level with a height difference of 585 meters. It is occasionally used for paragliding, and cross-country (XC) flights are possible. The takeoff is a ground ramp through a tree slot. The landing zone, known as Tawonga Gap LZ or Iaria’s Paddock, often has livestock and tall trees around its southern boundary. Pilots are advised to inspect the landing area before committing. Hang gliders typically land at the Mt Beauty airstrip instead. The landing paddock is not visible from the launch site and is located along the northern side of the main road into Mt Beauty, approximately 2 km from the Bright turnoff. Before embarking on XC flights, pilots should check the map for allowed and forbidden landing paddocks in the area. This site tends to be flyable earlier in the day compared to Mt Emu, which is on the northern side of the Kiewa Valley. The entire Kiewa Valley can be explored, with possible crossings to Bright and Mt Buffalo. However, pilots should be aware that the bomb-out area is out of visual range and high-tension powerlines run along this side of the valley, visible from the launch. To reach the launch site, travel the road between Bright and Mt Beauty. At the top of the ridge, cross the road switchbacks and head down the other side. At the switchback, take the track up the hill located right on the blind corner. The launch is approximately 1 km up on the left of the track. Refer to Vicroads Map 50 C5 for detailed directions. The site is managed by the Victorian Government's Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE) and is licensed to the Victorian Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (VHPA). For more information, visit the VHPA downloads page. For additional details, images, and accommodations, visit [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com).

Mystic Hill, located 2 km south of Bright, Victoria, Australia, is a highly frequented paragliding site known for its excellent cross-country (XC) potential. The launch direction is primarily North, but XC flights often head one way with a Southeast wind, and soaring is possible on the Southwest side of the launch. The best season to fly here is from November to March. Mystic Hill stands at 797 meters above sea level with a height difference of 477 meters. It is an inland, ridge, and mountain site that faces the valley wind, generating strong thermals. This site has hosted numerous state and national competitions, including a Paragliding World Cup event in 1998. A weather station is available on Mystic Hill. A Mystic flying pass is required to use this site and can be purchased through the NE Vic HG club website at www.nevhgc.net. Payment can be made via PayPal or credit card. Local pilots can provide flying information at the bomb-out on the Wandiligong road or at the Outdoor Inn campsite. Accommodation options include a backpackers in town, the Outdoor Inn near the landing ground, and various other types of lodging. There is also a hospital in Bright. The takeoff area is next to the road and unobstructed, with a 100-meter wide launch area. It is advisable to have a local pilot show you the site for the first time due to some potential hazards. The landing paddock is not visible from the takeoff and should be surveyed beforehand. For landing, there is a new ground on the right-hand side of the road to Wandiligong, with a car park at the end. The main bomb-out for hang gliders is across the Wandiligong road. Be cautious of trees upwind that can cause turbulence, especially with the prevailing NW valley breeze. Always check the map for allowed and forbidden landing paddocks before going XC. Ridge soaring is relatively easy once above the height of the trees behind the launch, though it can be bumpy. Thermals are often found above the spurs to the left and right of the launch. The lift is strong and rough during summer afternoons, so it is safer to launch before or after this period. Excellent XC flights have been achieved even with late launches around 5:30 pm. The site offers prime alpine flying conditions, with possible XC routes to Harrietville, Tawonga Gap, Kiewa Valley, Porepunkah Hill, Ovens Valley, Mt Buffalo, Myrtleford, and beyond. Hazards include strong lift during summer midday, power lines along the road beside the landing ground, and large expanses of challenging terrain to the south and between Pyramid Hill and the Kiewa Valley. Mystic Hill is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Melbourne in the Victorian Alps. For more information, visit the NEVHGC website: http://www.nevhgc.net Contact: Alpine Paragliding: 0407 573 879, 03 5755 1753 Bright Backpackers Responsible Club: NEVHGC

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.

This launch site is situated at an elevation of 1280 meters with a height difference of 928 meters. It is considered difficult and is rarely used. Although it is an alternative paragliding launch, it is not officially recognized. Cross-country flights are possible from this site, but detailed information is scarce.

Mount Buffalo, located in Victoria, Australia, is a prominent granite mountain offering excellent conditions for both paragliding and hang gliding. The mountain stands at 1269 meters (4255 feet) above sea level with a height difference of 975 meters (3200 feet) above ground level. The site is known for its challenging launches and good cross-country potential. The Gorge ramp is specifically designed for hang gliders, while Reid's Lookout is more suitable for paragliders. Both launch sites are steep and require precision, making them suitable for advanced pilots. Intermediate pilots may use the site under the supervision of an advanced pilot. For hang gliding events, Parks Victoria mandates the use of a safety harness at the Gorge ramp. The NE Vic HG Club provides a certified fall restraint harness, which includes 17 meters of static fall rope and two carabiners. This equipment is stored 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 any suitable area in the valley. The nearest designated landing zone is 'The Burrs,' located near the park entrance. Pilots should consult maps for allowed and forbidden landing areas before embarking on cross-country flights. Mount Buffalo can be flown in any wind direction, provided the wind is light. During summer, the prevailing winds in the Ovens Valley are generally from the north to northwest. Thermals can be strong, with lift rates of 1000+ feet per minute on strong days. The site has a history of hosting significant events, such as the 1988 World Championships, highlighting its excellent cross-country potential. Hazards include unpredictable mountain thermal conditions and the presence of powerlines, particularly in 'The Burrs' paddock. Pilots should avoid landing in tobacco fields and always be cautious of powerlines and fences. For more information, you can visit [Mountainside Photography Courses](http://www.mountainside.net.au/photography-courses/hanging-buffalo/) or [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com). Contact the North East Victoria Hang Gliding Club (NEVHGC) for further details and site regulations.