Manilla, located in New South Wales, Australia, is a renowned destination for paragliding enthusiasts from around the globe. It's celebrated for its exceptional flying conditions, offering pilots the opportunity to experience both thermal and cross-country flying. The area is particularly famous for hosting the XC Open, Killarney Classic, and Bright Open, attracting pilots keen on competition and adventure. Manilla's landscape provides a perfect backdrop for paragliding, with its vast open spaces and stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the skies down under .
The best time to visit Manilla for paragliding is during the Australian summer months, from November to April. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for flying, with clear skies and consistent thermal activity. February and March are particularly popular among pilots, as these months host several paragliding competitions, including the Australian XC Open, which draws participants from across the globe .
Manilla's flying conditions are characterized by high cloud bases and the potential for long-distance cross-country flights. The area is known for its very high cloud base, with pilots often reaching altitudes of 8k to 12k feet. The absence of significant airspace restrictions over Manilla allows for extensive exploration of the skies. However, it's important to note that the weather can get very hot, with temperatures in Manilla during the summer months often reaching 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit), so pilots should be prepared for warm flying conditions.
Manilla, with its exceptional flying conditions, welcoming community, and range of activities, stands out as a premier destination for paragliding in Australia. Whether you're seeking thrilling cross-country adventures or looking to participate in competitive events, Manilla offers an unparalleled flying experience.
Closest partner
Sky Nomad
Where Paragliding | Manilla | Spots map
The best spots of Paragliding | Manilla
Manilla Mt Borah-East
Best Conditions
SE
ESE
E
ENE
Manilla - Mt Borah - East Launch
Located in Northwest New South Wales, Australia, Mt Borah is an inland hill with an elevation ranging from 820-880 meters (2500-2700 feet) above sea level. This site is highly regarded for cross-country (XC) flying due to its reliable thermal triggers and easy navigation. The flatlands in front of Mt Borah, interspersed with small hills and ridges, provide excellent conditions for XC flights. The area is well-covered by UHF CB repeaters, ensuring good radio communication.
Takeoff:
The East launch at Mt Borah is suitable for morning flights. The launch area is relatively flat, as is the glide out to the bombout zone. The hang glider (HG) launch is slightly to the left and steeper.
Landing:
Landing zones are located at the bottom of the hill, at elevations of 400-450 meters (1200-1350 feet). Hang gliders should note that the western bombout slopes down significantly to the SSW. Paragliders (PGs) can top land in the large cleared areas behind the launches, but should be cautious of sink cycles. Landings can be made anywhere in the region, provided you follow standard rules such as leaving gates as you find them, staying on established tracks, and avoiding cropped fields. Friendly interactions with local farmers are encouraged.
Hazards/Comments:
There are no significant hazards other than ensuring you land in the designated bombout areas directly in front of the launch. Inexperienced pilots should avoid flying in the middle of the day during summer to prevent turbulent conditions.
Location:
Mt Borah is located 15 km north of Manilla along Wimbourne Road. From Manilla, drive over the Namoi River bridge, turn left after 200 meters onto Boggabri Road, drive 1 km, and turn right at the Mt Borah sign with colored streamers. After 11 km, you will reach the base of Mt Borah. The road to the top is unsealed and closed when wet. A diesel-powered four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for the direct road to the west landing zone. The Manilla Paragliding school offers a shuttle service from their headquarters at the bottom of the hill.
Landowners:
Most of Mt Borah is owned by local paragliding instructor and former PG Open Distance World record holder, Godfrey Wenness. More information can be found on his website: [www.flymanilla.com](http://www.flymanilla.com).
Contact:
Manilla Sky Sailors
Godfrey Wenness
Phone: +61 (0)2 6785 6545, 0427 856 545
For more information on flight records and tracks, visit:
[Paragliding Forum](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/tracks/world/alltimes/brand:all,cat:0,class:all,xctype:all,club:all,pilot:0_,takeoff:9286&sortOrder=FLIGHT_POINTS)
Additional details can be found here:
[Flight Log](http://no.flightlog.org/fl.html?l=2&a=22&country_id=13&start_id=397)
Popularity: 36 Views
Map & Detailed Forecast
Manilla Mt Borah-Northeast
Best Conditions
E
ENE
NE
NNE
Manilla, NSW - Australia
Site: Mt Borah - Northeast Launch
Elevation: 820-880m / 2500-2700ft above sea level
Height Difference: 240m
This site is frequently used and serves as a secondary launch point. It offers excellent opportunities for cross-country (XC) flying. The region is characterized by flatlands interspersed with small hills and ridges, providing reliable thermal triggers and easier navigation for long XC flights. The area has excellent radio coverage thanks to UHF CB repeaters.
Takeoff:
The Northeast launch is fairly flat, making it accessible for paragliders.
Landing:
Landing zones are located at 400-450m / 1200-1350ft. Hang gliders should note that the W bombout slopes down significantly to the SSW. Top landing is possible for paragliders in the large cleared areas behind the launches, but be cautious of sink cycles. Landings can be made anywhere in the region, provided you follow standard rules such as leaving gates as you find them, staying on established tracks, and avoiding cropped fields. Friendly interactions with local farmers can sometimes result in a lift to town.
Hazards/Comments:
There are no significant hazards other than the need to land in designated bomb out areas directly in front of the launch. Avoid flying in the middle of the day during summer if you are inexperienced to prevent a turbulent experience.
Location:
Mt Borah is located 15km north of Manilla along Wimbourne Rd. After crossing the Namoi River bridge, turn left onto Boggabri Rd, drive 1km, and then turn right at the Mt Borah sign with colored streamers. After 11km, you will reach the base of Mt Borah. The road to the top is unsealed and closed when wet. A diesel-powered four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for the direct road to the west landing zone. Manilla Paragliding School offers a shuttle service from their headquarters at the bottom of the hill.
Landowners:
Most of Mt Borah is owned by local paragliding instructor and former PG Open Distance World record holder, Godfrey Wenness. More information can be found on his website: [Fly Manilla](http://www.flymanilla.com).
Contact:
Manilla Sky Sailors
Godfrey Wenness
Phone: +61 (0)2 6785 6545, 0427 856 545
For more information on flight tracks and records, visit [Paragliding Forum](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/tracks/world/alltimes/brand:all,cat:0,class:all,xctype:all,club:all,pilot:0_,takeoff:9286&sortOrder=FLIGHT_POINTS).
Mt Borah features four large launches (N, S, E, W: 340-440m AGL) with 2WD access (with good ground clearance) to the launches and landing areas. More details can be found [here](http://no.flightlog.org/fl.html?l=2&a=22&country_id=13&start_id=397).
Popularity: 31 Views
Map & Detailed Forecast
Manilla Mt Borah-South
Best Conditions
SSW
S
SSE
SE
ESE
Mt Borah, located 15km north of Manilla along Wimbourne Rd in Northwest NSW, Australia, is a frequently used paragliding site known for its excellent cross-country (XC) flying potential. The site features an inland hill with an elevation ranging from 820-880m (2500-2700ft) above sea level, and the landing zones are situated at 400-450m (1200-1350ft).
The area is characterized by flatlands interspersed with small hills and ridges, providing reliable thermal triggers and easier navigation for XC flights. The region benefits from excellent radio coverage due to UHF CB repeaters. The Mt Borah weather station is accessible online, offering up-to-date weather information.
Mt Borah has four large launches facing north, south, east, and west, with altitudes between 340-440m AGL. The site is accessible by 2WD vehicles with good ground clearance, although a diesel-powered four-wheel drive is recommended for the direct road to the west landing zone. The road to the top is unsealed and closed when wet.
Landing options include designated bomb-out areas directly in front of the launch sites. Top landing is possible for paragliders in the large cleared areas behind the launches, but pilots should be cautious of sink cycles. It's important to observe standard rules such as leaving gates as found, staying on established tracks, and avoiding cropped fields. Friendly interactions with local farmers can sometimes result in a lift to town.
Hazards to be aware of include the significant slope of the W bomb-out area to the SSW and the challenging conditions during the middle of the day in summer for inexperienced pilots.
For more information or to arrange a shuttle service, contact Manilla Sky Sailors or Godfrey Wenness, the local paragliding instructor and owner of most of Mt Borah. His website is www.flymanilla.com, and he can be reached at (+61 (0)2 6785 6545, 0427 856 545).
Popularity: 21 Views
Map & Detailed Forecast
Manilla Mt Borah-West/Main
Best Conditions
WNW
W
WSW
SW
SSW
Manilla - Mt Borah - West Launch
Located in Northwest New South Wales, Australia, Mt Borah is an inland hill with an elevation ranging from 820-880 meters (2500-2700 feet) above sea level. This site is extremely popular for cross-country (XC) flying, especially during January and February. The region features flatlands interspersed with small hills and ridges, providing reliable thermal triggers and easier navigation for long XC flights. The area is well-covered by UHF CB repeaters, ensuring excellent radio communication.
The main launch at Mt Borah is the West launch. Even if the wind is not favorable in the morning, it usually improves once the sun reaches the west face. The landing zones are situated at 400-450 meters (1200-1350 feet) at the bottom of the hill. Hang gliders should note that the west bombout slopes significantly to the SSW. Paragliders can top land in the large cleared areas behind the launches, but should be cautious of sink cycles.
Landings can be made anywhere in the region, provided you follow standard rules such as leaving gates as you find them, staying on established tracks, and avoiding cropped fields. Friendly interactions with local farmers can sometimes result in a lift to town.
There are no significant hazards other than the need to land in designated bomb out areas directly in front of the launch. Inexperienced pilots should avoid flying in the middle of the day during summer to prevent turbulent conditions.
To reach Mt Borah, drive 15 km north of Manilla along Wimbourne Road. After crossing the Namoi River bridge, turn left onto Boggabri Road, drive 1 km, and then turn right at the Mt Borah sign with colored streamers. After 11 km, you will arrive at the base of Mt Borah. The road to the top is unsealed and closed when wet. A diesel-powered four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for accessing the west landing zone. Manilla Paragliding School offers a shuttle service from their headquarters at the bottom of the hill.
Most of Mt Borah is owned by local paragliding instructor and former PG Open Distance World record holder, Godfrey Wenness. For more information, visit his website at www.flymanilla.com or contact Manilla Sky Sailors at +61 (0)2 6785 6545 or 0427 856 545.
Mt Borah features four large launches (North, South, East, West) covered in astro turf, with altitudes ranging from 340-440 meters AGL. The site is accessible by a 2WD vehicle with good ground clearance.
For more details, visit [Fly Manilla](http://www.flymanilla.com) or contact Godfrey Wenness at Tel. +61 2 67856545.
Popularity: 21 Views
Map & Detailed Forecast
