Paragliding Flinders Monument

Flinders Monument is a coastal soaring site located in Victoria, Australia. The site is known for its medium-difficult flying conditions, with a height of 39 meters and a length of 1,200 meters. It is regularly used and offers a unique flying experience along coastal cliffs. The takeoff area is situated above the pier in front of the monument on the cliff top. This launch is through a gate in the fence, which can be challenging. Hang gliders should use a couple of wire men to avoid snagging the fence with a side wire as they go through the gate. Paragliders can usually lay out on the grass, get the wing up, and walk through the gate as they launch. After takeoff, pilots must avoid a large pine tree to the left. The old takeoff, located about 200 meters to the left, is a sharp grassy cliff and is now seldom used due to its difficulty, especially for paragliders. The site offers excellent lift in any soarable E-ESE wind, with the best flying conditions typically in October and November. In light winds, the site is generally flyable from just south of takeoff to where the cliff ends about 500 meters to the left. In stronger winds, pilots can cross to Boyds Point to the north, and in excellent winds, it is possible to fly all the way to Shoreham. High-performance hang gliders can even make the return trip if the wind is from the East. However, it can be very difficult to gain altitude in light conditions. There appears to be a thermal block that destroys lift below cliff level at the sheer cliff end. The boats anchored by the pier in front of the site offer a good indicator of wind direction. There is a wide beach available to the right for landings and plenty of lawn beside the car park for packing up. The Monument works best in an ESE to Easterly wind direction and can become turbulent when winds exceed 20 knots. The takeoff can be challenging, and pilots should avoid flying close to the cliff after takeoff if they are below the top of the cliff. Landing in the vacant land down the road to the north end of the ridge should only be attempted after discussing the hazards with a local flier. North beach landings are safer but can still be tricky due to turbulence at the base of the near-vertical cliff. The site can be beautifully smooth when blowing 14-18 knots and straight on, but it has seen more near-serious accidents than possibly any other Victorian site. Flinders township is located on the east coast, approximately 75 km south of Melbourne. For navigation, refer to Melways Map 260, J10. Coordinates are 145 1.7E, 38 28.7S. For more information, you can visit [Skyhigh Paragliding Club](https://www.skyhighparagliding.org.au/) or [Melbourne Hang Gliding Club](https://www.mhgc.com.au/).