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Paragliding Canungra

Weather Statistics Canungra

Why go to Canungra, Australia

Canungra, nestled in the scenic hinterland of Queensland's Gold Coast, is a haven for paragliding enthusiasts. This small town is strategically positioned between two main flying sites, Beechmont and Tamborine Mountain, making it an ideal base for pilots looking to explore the skies of Southeast Queensland. The area is renowned for its friendly flying community, reliable weather, and very good XC (cross-country) sites, offering the potential for 200 km flights. Canungra's proximity to both the Gold Coast and Brisbane ensures that visitors can enjoy a mix of rural charm and city amenities, along with access to some of Australia's best flying sites .

Best Time to Fly

Canungra is flyable all year round, with each season offering different flying experiences. The best time for XC flying is during the spring and summer months, from September to February, when the weather conditions are most favorable. During this period, pilots can expect higher cloud bases and stronger thermals, ideal for long-distance flights. However, it's important to note that summer also brings the risk of thunderstorms, so always check the weather forecast before flying .

Local Weather Specifics

The flying conditions in Canungra are influenced by the area's subtropical climate, which provides a mix of thermal and dynamic flying opportunities. The region does not have mountains like the Alps but offers very good flying year-round. The weather patterns sometimes differ between Canungra and other popular flying sites like Manilla, allowing pilots to choose locations based on the prevailing conditions. Pilots should be prepared for the variability of the weather and always seek local advice, especially during the summer months when conditions can be more challenging .

Additional Information

• Flying Sites: Canungra serves as a gateway to several excellent flying sites, including Beechmont and Tamborine Mountain, which cater to pilots of all skill levels. The area is known for its XC potential, with flights of 200 km being possible under the right conditions .
• Safety and Regulations: Pilots flying in Canungra need to obtain temporary membership of the Australian Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (HGFA) for insurance purposes and to comply with local regulations. It's also advisable to join the local club, such as the Canungra Hang Gliding Club (CHGC), to access launch sites and receive up-to-date information on flying conditions .
• Accommodation and Logistics: Canungra offers a range of accommodation options, from camping to more comfortable lodgings. Pilots can base themselves in Canungra for easy access to flying sites or opt for accommodations on the Gold Coast for a mix of flying and leisure activities. A rental car is recommended for getting to and from launch sites and exploring the region .

Canungra's combination of excellent flying conditions, supportive flying community, and beautiful natural surroundings make it a top destination for paragliding in Australia. Whether you're seeking thrilling XC adventures or looking to improve your flying skills in a welcoming environment, Canungra offers an unforgettable experience.

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The best spots of Paragliding | Canungra

Beechmont Rosin's Lookout

Best Conditions SSE SE ESE E ENE

Beechmont - Rosin's Lookout is a highly frequented paragliding site located near the Gold Coast, about an hour's drive south of Brisbane and approximately 800 km north of Sydney. This site is renowned for its excellent cross-country (XC) flying potential, especially during spring and summer when sea breezes influence the conditions most afternoons. The launch area is situated at an altitude of 530 meters above sea level, facing east. The site is open to club members and visiting pilots, but it is essential to contact the Canungra Hang Gliding Club (CHGC) before flying. The launch is on private property, easily accessible by a sealed road from Canungra along Beechmont Road, adjacent to Rosins Lookout. The launch area can experience strong thermic gusts, so pilots should be cautious and watch for other gliders face landing prior to takeoff. Facilities at the launch site include toilets, but there are no bins or drinking water available, so ensure you bring enough water. A windsock is available at the launch to help gauge wind conditions. The main bombout area is 2.6 km east of the launch, with an altitude difference of 370 meters. It is dissected by a fence running east-west, and there are power lines to the north of the bombout paddock. The bombout can be accessed by taking Beechmont Road north towards Nerang, then turning right at the bottom intersection and looking for Pocket Road on the right-hand side. For landing, there are two designated paddocks, and it is advisable to have a local pilot point them out to you. The bombout area also has a windsock. To get back up the hill, you can either be retrieved by car or follow the top of the spur on the right-hand side (south) of the launch, both taking about 1.5 hours. There is a logbook situated by the gates of the Beechmont Top Landing Area in a green box. Pilots are requested to date their flight in the logbook upon exiting the Top Landing Area to help ascertain usage numbers. For any queries, you can contact Walt or Ken at whnielsen@aol.com and ken_hill2@bigpond.com. The site record for Beechmont is 238.6 km, and more information can be found on the Canungra Hang Gliding Club website: http://www.chgc.asn.au/. Additionally, you can watch a video of the site here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sen9vayfO-8. Visiting pilots are required to pay site fees: $10 per day or $30 for 10 days, payable on the Canungra website. All pilots must abide by the Pilot Code of Conduct available on the CHGC website. Nearby attractions include Binna Burra Rainforest National Park, Gold Coast Beaches, and Mt Tamborine. There is also a nice café at lower Beechmont. For local contact schools or guides, visit: http://www.poliglide.com.au/. For more detailed information, visit the Canungra Hang Gliding Club website: http://www.chgc.asn.au/.

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Mt Tamborine

Best Conditions NNW NW WNW W WSW SW

Mt. Tamborine, Australia Elevation: 1916ft/584m ASL Wind Direction: NW-SW Paragliding: Intermediate; Supervised if under supervision of Instructor or Club Safety Officer Hang Gliding: Supervised Open to club members and visiting pilots. Takeoff: Access via sealed road along Main Western Rd, Mt. Tamborine (Refidex Gold Coast Map 23, L4). The launch site is a prime spectator spot, but please park in designated areas to avoid fines. Toilets are available at the launch site, and shops are within a 5-minute drive north. Landing: Main landing area is straight out from launch. Note that a horse paddock now occupies a substantial part of the parkland that was previously used as the bombout paddock. The corner area is essential for a safe approach and must not be used for packing up. The main bombout can be accessed by traveling down through Canungra, following Mundoolun Rd, and turning right into Wagonwheel Rd. Access is via the first vacant block of land on the left after Fenwick Drive. Other landing areas include: - Cat Motel Paddock at Wonglepong/Mundoolun Rd junction. - Top landing at Long Road Paddock, about 1km behind launch. No Landing Zones: - Anywhere between the Wonglepong paddock and the concrete bridge toward Canungra. - Old training hill, now a Polo field. - Horse paddocks to the East of the Bombout. - New No Landing area west of the Model Airfield (1200m circle around 56 J 508938, 6906688). Flight Hazards/Comments: Spring and Summer bring strong thermals with potential major sink cycles. A common situation is a westerly wind in the morning and a SE or NE sea breeze reaching Tamborine launch in the early afternoon. Assistance from a sensible person to watch for tailwind onset is recommended when launching a hang glider. Be aware of wind strength and distance to bombout areas. The launch slope is shallower than ideal and can be troubled by turbulence from the shelf in front of the launch and from trees on the sides. Face landing is for advanced pilots only when there are no public or hang gliders on launch. Avoid setting up landing approaches low over houses near the main bombout. Trees on the north side cause turbulence and wind shadow in a northerly wind. Beware of the 7500ft height limit; see airspace map. Facilities: A Weather Talker can be accessed on UHF Channel 25, Tone Squelch 97.4 (6 clicks) or via phone on 0408 744 791. The Wind Talker is partially funded by the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Local Contact: http://www.chgc.asn.au/tambo.html Local school/guides: http://www.poliglide.com.au/ For more information, visit: http://www.chgc.asn.au

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Flying Fox

Best Conditions ENE NE NNE

Flying Fox, also known as Sky Devils Ranch, is a paragliding site located in Queensland, Australia. The site has an elevation of 606 meters (1990 feet) above sea level and is suitable for both regular flights and cross-country (XC) flying. Top landing is possible here. This site is very sensitive and requires strict adherence to access protocols. Visiting pilots are only allowed if accompanied by a full member of the Canungra Hang Gliding Club (CHGC). Spectator access to both the launch and bombout areas is prohibited. To access the site, you must contact either Phil Hystek or Brandon O'Donnell for verbal approval. They will inform the caretaker about your presence. Key guidelines include: - Keep the gate as you found it. - Avoid speeding and be mindful of increased traffic. - Carpool from Canungra or the Illinbah Rd-Table Top Road intersection to minimize the number of vehicles. - Park cars well clear of the tar road at the bottom of the hill. - No pets or public members are allowed at the launch site. - No smoking on the site, except inside your car. Remove all trash and cigarette butts. - Land only in the designated paddock. - Minimize unnecessary talk and avoid swearing or loud language in the bombout area. - Treat anyone you see as if they are the landowner and inform them you are a CHGC member. - Exit the bombout via the gully to the south of the dam, not past the house. The site features a small plateau with a dam and house located 1 km directly north of the launch. Top landings are possible near the wind streamer at the rear of the launch. Landing outside official bombouts is not permitted. Flying conditions can be challenging, with susceptibility to strong, rough conditions and valley convergence with the NE sea breeze. Check the wind direction using the streamer on the plateau at the rear of the launch. Be cautious of any westerly wind components, which can create rotory conditions. The launch area is narrow, accommodating only one glider at a time, requiring proficient launching skills. The retrieval road is narrow, so drive slowly and pull off the road when retrieving pilots. Additionally, there is a powerline running east-west across the Sarabah valley, about 1.5 km northeast of the launch. For more information, visit the Canungra Hang Gliding Club's website: [CHGC Flying Fox](http://www.chgc.asn.au/ffox.html). Contact: Phil Hystek: 0418 155 317 (mobile), 07 5543 4000 (home) Brandon O'Donnell This site is exclusively accessible to fully paid CHGC members. No temporary or day pilots are allowed.

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Hinchcliffe's Hinchies

Best Conditions S SSE SE ESE E

Hinchcliffe's, also known as Gold Coast or Hinchies, is a paragliding site located in the Canungra region of Australia. With a height of 525 meters and a height difference of approximately 360 meters, this site offers regular soaring opportunities and the potential for cross-country flights. It is particularly recommended when Beechmont is blown out. Before using the Hinchies launch, it is essential to contact John at 5543 7125 to obtain the gate opener. The person who collects the opener is responsible for returning it to John’s house at the end of the day. Additionally, a text message must be sent to Kevin, the manager of Saddleback, at 0429 445 252, informing him of the road usage for the day. The daily use fee for Hinchies is $5 per pilot, which should be left in the meter box. This fee helps maintain access to this valuable site. For more information, visit the Canungra Hang Gliding Club website: http://www.chgc.asn.au/pg/index.html Local contact for schools and guides: http://www.poliglide.com.au/ Hinchcliffe's site details: - Height: 1730ft/527m ASL - Paragliding: Supervised - Hang Gliding: Intermediate - Contact: Phil Hystek (m: 0418 155 317, h: 07 5543 4000) Landing: - Main bombout in front of launch close to valley road (56 J 0515607, 6893872) - No top landing on the plateau behind launch - No landings other than noted bombouts Flight: - Controlled Airspace (CTA) above 6500ft, steps to 10000ft behind launch Hazards/Comments: - Thermic site - Alternate launch when winds are too strong at Beechmont - Power lines at the western and southern sides of the bombout area - No smoking on launch, except in vehicles For additional details, visit: http://www.chgc.asn.au/hinchies.html Watch videos of the site: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXUsbRF2tZA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT-NCPCwRvM Explore paragliding tours in Australia: http://canungraskysports.com.au/tours/australia-paragliding-tours/

Popularity: 30 Views

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