Parapente Mona Vale Bungan Head

Mona Vale is a coastal cliff site located just a 20-minute drive from Sydney city center. The site features a south to southeast-facing cliff with a gently sloping tussock grass and bush slope above. It is a deceptive intermediate site for paragliders, quite small and affected by compression, but popular with hang glider pilots who, in easterly breezes, fly around the corner into Bungan. Takeoff for paragliders is from the lower grassed area just above the vertical cliff. The grass near the top of the headland isn't steep enough and suffers from compression. Southerly winds tend to be gusty, and there can be rotor from Warriewood headland. It's essential to check the ocean for signs of wind conditions. Landing is typically on the beach, which often has a very steep slope and limited space at high tide. Be aware of the power line running out to the pool. Top landing is possible for paragliders, but there are areas of rotor near the footpath. The site is under lower-level airspace at 2500 feet, so avoid flying over the houses. Hazards include severe compression out on the point and a significant wind gradient in stronger conditions. The steep cliff lower down creates a wind gradient that can mask the true wind strength, making it challenging to push forward after takeoff. If blown over the back, pilots will find themselves over water, which is the only positive aspect of such a situation. The location is north of Mona Vale Beach. Driving south on Pittwater Rd from Newport, turn left onto either Hillcrest Avenue or Grandview Parade. Parking is limited at the end of each street. For more information, you can visit: - [Fly Sydney](http://www.flysydney.com.au/pages/flying-sites-list) - [Mona Vale Paraglider PDF](http://files.groupspaces.com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/33483/84039/monavaleParaglider.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=0A8Z1WYDADBF2DZEBCG2&Expires=1448760809&Signature=IsnvTN35rVmo5625BtyV5FwgYFg%3D) - [Northern Beaches Hang Gliding Club](http://www.hgfa.asn.au/~nbflyers/monavaleParaglider.html) Contact the Sydney Paragliding & Hang Gliding Club or Northern Beaches Hang Gliding Club for more details and safety information.