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:
Click to watch video
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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/.
