Skydiving in Australia (from USD 54.0)
Browsing through the internet, you may have seen a lot of articles or pictures of skydiving but what exactly is it? In the simplest terms, skydiving, also known as parachuting, is exactly what its name suggests - diving through the sky. It is a sport where participants take an aircraft up to a significant altitude and then proceed to jump out of it to experience freefall. The critical part of this activity lies in opening the parachute on time, allowing the person to safely land and avoid plunging into the ground at terminal velocity. In the military, skydiving was mainly used as an emergency mechanism when an aircraft failed but luckily for us, normal folks can now enjoy these thrills without the perils of war or impending death.
With all its extensive coastlines, mountains and deserts, skydivers in Australia are honestly spoiled for choice. Here, you can stay in a variety of locations — from beach houses to farm stays. The sceneries and variety of landscapes in this beautiful country make the view from above so much more spectacular, making it one of the world’s top countries to skydive for both amateurs and professionals. Australia is also home to many skydiving schools such as Skydive Nagambie and Skydive Oz where skydiving enthusiasts can learn to skydive and obtain the license to be able to do it alone!
iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Gold Coast
Duration: 1hrs45 Min Duration
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Types of skydiving in Australia
The first thing you will have to know before even deciding where to go for the skydive, are the types of skydiving available. There are three main types of skydiving - tandem skydiving, static line diving and accelerated freefall skydiving (AFF). If it’s your first time skydiving, you are recommended to go for tandem skydiving, where they will be connected via a harness to a tandem skydiving instructor who will guide you through the whole jump from exit through free fall, to piloting the canopy, and of course, the landing. Although it is usually pricier than static line skydiving, this remains extremely popular with students as the responsibility for most of the safety issues lies with the tandem instructor who is in charge of the parachute deployment.
Another option for amateur skydivers is the static line skydiving. Similar to tandem skydiving, to ensure the safety of the skydiver, the onus of opening the parachute does not lie with them but instead, since the static line is attached to the parachute, it opens automatically as the parachuter jumps out of the aircraft. After the parachute opens, the skydiver is free to navigate and glide through the air till they reach the ground. In this type of skydive, the skydiver has the freedom of doing it solo (as compared to tandem skydiving), but loses the thrill of freefall since the parachute opens earlier in the jump. With just one day’s training and you’ll be on your way to (static line) skydiving solo! It is a great way to experience the fun and also work towards getting a skydiving license.
Lastly, novice skydivers who intend to work towards getting a skydiving license should try accelerated freefall skydiving. AFF is perhaps the most efficient way to learn to skydive as you will learn everything you need to know, from what to do with your body in air to how and when to deploy the parachute and even the alternative solutions if things go awry. Students will be accompanied by two trained professional instructors who will guide them through the jump and at the same time ensure they learn how to do it independently. After a few sessions, you will receive your license to become a solo skydiver!
AFF vs. Tandem skydiving.Amateur skydivers can try any of the options, and the best choice depends on whether you decide to try to get a license. Tandem skydiving is a great one-off event for those who want to check skydiving off their bucket list but for those who want to eventually do it alone, AFF is the way to go. Some of the most established organisers who will properly guide your skydiving experience (regardless of the type) are Skydive Australia and Skydive Oz.
There are no lack of options. Even for those who detest the outdoors or if the weather conditions are not suitable, indoor skydiving can be tried to experience the thrill of freefall and a simulation of what goes on in the air without any of the risks. iFly, which operates in Brisbane and Melbourne has excellent reviews and the optimum facilities needed to give you the experience of a lifetime.
Best places for skydiving in Australia (181 USD)
Source: Viator
Australia has so many beautiful places for that perfect skydiving experience and these are the 7 best places to do that!
1. Wollongong. This drop zone offers the perfect blend of convenience, located just one hour away from downtown Sydney, and scenic nature, being Sydney’s one and only beach skydive.This amazing dive gives you 60 seconds of picture perfect freefall with a jump from an altitude of 4,267 meters (14,000 feet). In addition, the location of this drop zone allows skydivers to possibly spot dolphins, migrating whales and other marine life from the air!
Skydiving in Wollongong
Price: 181 USD
2. St. Kilda Beach. St. Kilda Beach is the only beach drop zone in Melbourne. Located at the beautiful St. Kilda Beach, skydivers can enjoy fantastic aerial views of the safe neighbourhoods of Melbourne, St Kilda and Port Phillip Bay. Its proximity to the city offers you the best views of the region. Try skydiving at St. Kilda Beach for a more amazing view of Melbourne than any lookout tower could give.
Skydiving in St. Kilda Beach
Price: 202 USD
3. Airlie Beach. Dropping at a similar height as the others, this skydiving experience will similarly allow you to reach speeds of up to 220 kilometres (136 miles) per hour after which you get to cruise for 5-7 minutes above the pristine waters and picturesque coastlines of the Whitsunday Islands. Located right at the heart of Queensland’s most popular tourism spot, this skydiving location is easily accessible and convenient to plan as part of any tour in Queensland.
Skydiving in Airlie Beach/Whitsundays
Price: 188 USD
4. Gold Coast. One of the best skydiving places in Australia is Gold Coast. This immensely popular tourist destination probably needs no further introduction. Its sunny beaches and exciting theme parks are known all over the world. Experience this touristy place in a unique way by skydiving and looking down at the city and that never ending coastline!
Skydiving in the Gold Coast
Price: 258 USD
5. Cairns. This location offers jumps from heights of up to 4,572 metres (15,000 feet), which is Australia’s highest altitude for skydiving that’s legally allowed. As compared to the other places, this is perhaps the most laid-back one that makes for an ideal getaway. The jump is furnished with dazzling views of Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage Rainforest and Trinity Inlet, giving the skydiver the best of both worlds with the lush greens of the rainforests with the sandy beaches and blue waters.
Skydiving in the Cairns
Price: 159 USD
With skydiving available at so many amazing locations, distance is hardly an excuse not to try skydiving when you find yourself in Australia.
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Weight limit for skydiving in Australia
Unfortunately, skydiving is not available for everyone and weight could be one of the limiting factors. Weight is important in skydiving due to many reasons. Weight, or rather the build of the person, determines how well the harness and equipment fit and which to choose. It also affects how much a person can move inside the small aircraft, how the parachute opens after being deployed (tandem instructors can get injured if the parachute opens to hard), and it also impacts the landing. Although not the most ideal method, weight is also sometimes used as an indicator of fitness - a person who is considered obese may not have the strength in their legs to take the heavy weight of the landing.
There is generally no minimum weight for skydiving, but the maximum weight generally ranges from around 100 to 115 kg (220 to 253 lbs). Some companies even charge up to 75 AUD (51 USD) more for customers who weigh above 90 kg (198 lbs).
Age limit for skydiving in Australia
Solo skydivers in Australia have to be at least 18 years old, while anyone age 12 and above are able to skydive in tandem. Anyone below the age of 18 will need to have a parent or guardian present to give consent on the day of the jump.
Cost of skydiving in Australia
Even if you meet the age and weight requirements, the cost of skydiving could also be a factor deterring some from trying out this amazing sport. In general, tandem skydiving is the most expensive, and can cost from 270-550 AUD (184-376 USD) depending on the location, the level of service and the height of the dive. In other words, the price affects how much of what type of views you get to enjoy and the amount of airtime you get! Also, the purchase of any photos and videos is likely to add on to the additional costs though you will have to weigh it against getting to relive your experience again through the video. Certain sites say to budget around 400-600 AUD (273-410 USD) for a full tandem skydive.
A full AFF skydiving course can cost up to 2,000 AUD (1,369 USD) but it could be worth every dollar for those who love being in the air and intend to pursue this passion. It could be a very good investment as once you get a license, skydiving becomes much cheaper! Those who have graduated from the course can use the skydiving facilities in Byron Bay, Great Ocean Road, Noosa and York from 40-44 AUD (27-30 USD).
Is skydiving safe?
Source:Photoby userMichael Zimmerused under CC BY-SA 2.0
Like all extreme sports, skydiving definitely carries a certain amount of risk but overall, the statistics speak for themselves. According to the British Parachute Association, the injury rate in tandem skydiving is about 1 for every 1000 jumps and the all-time tandem fatality rate is about 0.17 per 100,000 jumps (1 in 595,000) or less than 2 in a million! To put that into perspective, 9,800 per 100,000 registered cars in Australia are reported to be in accidents. Despite the numbers, the thought of the parachute malfunctioning, or not opening in time is still a really scary one. But it is hardly a cause for worry as the parachutes are well-packed, and there are even reserve parachutes (meticulously checked and packed by packers from the Australian Parachute Federation (APF) and the World Federation of Aerosports (FAI)). The parachute rigs are also fitted with an Automatic Activation Device, which automatically deploys the reserve parachute if it happens that the main one is not deployed. With all these measures in place, even though skydiving is not 100% safe, it is still as safe as it can be!
All skydiving places in Australia have safety as their top priority. They run in accordance with the Australian Parachute Federation (APF), an organisation that regulates nearly all civilian skydiving and parachuting operations with high standards. Also, for new timers who will usually choose tandem skydiving, the instructors are all extremely well-trained with rich jumping experiences. For instance, all of the instructors at Australian Skydive are qualified with the APF and go for regular medicals and training to maintain their standards. Even the pilots have APF certified jump pilot authorisations. Their planes are also well maintained and serviced regularly in compliance with APF guidelines.
Tips for first time skydivers
Skydiving can be a very frightening (but exciting) experience for first-timers. Here are some tips for people who are considering taking that leap of faith!
1. Have a snack before. Although it is not good to overeat, skydiving on an empty stomach could also create a less comfortable experience. There could be a long wait from the pickup point to when the dive actually takes place so ensure you pass by a cafe or restaurant and get enough food to not get hungry.
2. Have a good rest the night before. Although skydiving is relatively safe, it’s best to stay alert as much as possible to ensure your safety while you’re way up in the air. Besides, it’s easier to enjoy and soak in the amazing sights when you’re well-rested.
3. Dress appropriately. Wear non-loose close-toed shoes so the wind won’t blow them off, pants or shorts that are slightly stretchy (for more comfort), some extra layers even if it’s warm (just in case), and avoid accessories since they could easily be blown off.
4. Breathe. It is not unusual for people to get scared before and during skydiving but concentrating on your breathing is a great way to stay calm.
5. Go on a sunny day. If you want to skydive, make sure to go on a sunny day as it is the safest. With this in mind, the best time to skydive in Australia is in summer, from December to February.
Ready for skydiving
Source:Photoby Wikimedia Commons userCatharine14used under CC BY-SA 3.0
Skydiving is an extremely fun and thrilling activity and Australia is one of the best places to do it with all its natural beauty and how established the sport is here. Get ready for the fun and be prepared to get addicted!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.
FAQs
Which is the best place to do skydiving in Australia? ›
- Mission Beach. Skydive Mission Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful jumps in Australia. ...
- Wollongong. ...
- Lee Point Beach, Darwin. ...
- Byron Bay. ...
- Bells Beach, Torquay. ...
- Hervey Bay. ...
- Sydney.
Up to 15,000 feet Skydive Sydney: Normal price: $329. Weekday special: $309.
How safe is skydiving in Australia? ›Australia sees over 70,000 tandem skydive jumps every year. CASA, the Civil Aviation Authority has very strict guidelines that are followed to the T by all skydive centers in Australia. With very few accidents over the century, skydiving is statistically a very safe sport.
Who should not skydive? ›The most common medical reasons not to skydive include heart-related conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), cardiovascular disease, prior spine/neck injuries or issues, pregnancy, and diabetes.
What month is best for skydiving? ›October and November always tend to be great months to skydive if you're a fan of the views: the autumn colour range of yellows, oranges and red can truly be appreciated whist floating at thousands of feet mid-air at (photo).
How many times do you have to skydive to go alone in Australia? ›The easy answer: A minimum of 9 formal training jumps. Each of these will see you leaving the plane at 14,000 feet over the ground, so you'll rack up about a minute of freefall on each one before you pull your parachute.
Is there a weight limit for skydiving Australia? ›In Australia, the minimum age to do the AFF course and learn to skydive is 16 years old. No previous experience is required, although it may make it easier to experience a tandem skydive before signing up to the AFF course. There are no specific physical requirements, with a maximum weight allowed of 110kg.
Where is the cheapest skydiving in the world? ›Nepal is the cheapest country for skydiving.
Does your stomach drop skydiving? ›Because the delta between your horizontal and vertical speed does not increase drastically, you do not experience a stomach drop when you skydive. Furthermore, the freefall portion of a skydive doesn't feel much like falling at all. Rather, it feels like you are resting, supported on a column of air.
Is it hard to breathe skydiving? ›Is It Hard to Breathe While Skydiving? It shouldn't be hard to breathe while skydiving due to there definitely being enough air to breathe (especially for the short amount of time you're up there). You're falling so fast, so you're really not up in the thinner air for very long.
What age should you not skydive? ›
Skydiving Age Limit Restrictions
The United States Parachute Association: Taking into account the age of majority, the USPA mandated that a jumper must be at least 18 years of age to skydive, and dropzones affiliated with the USPA must abide by USPA regulations and safety requirements.
Absolutely no alcohol or drugs are permitted, and you should avoid feeling fuzzy from the previous evening's shenanigans. Skydiving is an incredible, life-enhancing experience - get the most out of it by being at your best when you join us!
Is it better to wear shorts or pants when skydiving? ›Clothing for Skydiving
If it is hot then shorts and a t-shirt or some such is fine. If it is a little cooler, then pants and long sleeves are a better choice. If it is properly cold on the ground then rather than put anything else that might be bulky on over the top, a base layer or thermal garment is better.
Alcohol is a diuretic, so it can definitely lead to dehydration, which is a recipe for disaster if you plan on skydiving. Additionally, alcohol is known to worsen the effects of motion sickness. Think you're safe because you only drank the night before and not the day of your skydive? Think again.
Can your heart stop while skydiving? ›Like any physical activity, a generally healthy person should not be concerned about having a heart attack while skydiving. However, because skydiving can induce high levels of stress in certain individuals, if you have a weakened heart or a history of heart trouble, it may not be a good idea to skydive.
What are the side effects of skydiving? ›As your body experiences increased levels of adrenaline, during the jump and immediately after, the effects of skydiving on the body physically manifest as increased heart rate, increased blood flow, dilated pupils, relaxed airways, and shallow breathing.
What are the chances of a failed skydive? ›Skydiving parachute malfunctions are fairly unlikely. Per every 1,000 skydives, only one skydiving parachute malfunction is said to occur. The chances are very slim you'll ever be faced with a skydiving parachute malfunction on your skydive.
Is skydiving hard on your body? ›If you are the type that wakes up with a little stiffness on a chilly morning or are otherwise on the more “up and at 'em” side of “bad back,” tandem skydiving shouldn't cause you much, if any, trouble. Typically, compared to many high-impact athletic activities, skydiving is pretty gentle on the body.
Is skydiving good for your brain? ›Sometimes, our brains need a little boost — a chemical pick-me-up, if you will. Similar to a shot of espresso when you're feeling a bit sluggish, skydiving gives your brain a dose of a feel-good chemical cocktail consisting of dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline.
How many times do you have to skydive before you can go alone? ›After you've logged 25 jumps and shown the required skills, you'll be eligible to apply and test for your USPA 'A' license. This means you are a qualified skydiver and are clear to jump solo without supervision.
What is the max weight for skydiving? ›
What Are Standard Skydiving Weight Limits? For most tandem rigs, the total weight limit is 500 lbs, including the instructor, student, and the rig itself, which is about 60 lbs. This is why tandem skydiving weight restrictions in the US tend to range between 225 lbs and 275 lbs.
How many skydiving accidents are there in Australia? ›NCIS also discovered that of 3231 deaths from sport and recreation in Australia between 2001-2017, only 52 deaths were linked to skydiving and parachuting (Approx. 8 deaths per year).
Will they weigh me before skydiving? ›Will You Actually Weigh Me at Check-In? Yes. All guests will be asked to step on a scale. This is done with discretion whereby no one but the associate checking you in is able to read your weight.
What happens if an obese person skydives? ›This can be uncomfortable if you are overweight for your height. Nausea, loss of circulation, and even unconsciousness under the parachute can happen. Students sometimes have trouble lifting their legs for landing, making injury more likely. The harness sometimes cannot be fitted properly or safely.
What time of day is best to skydive? ›We consider the morning the best time to skydive and for a few good reasons. Often, the morning offers the clearest skies. Even if the forecast for a day looks less than desirable, the morning is typically jumpable. Additionally, customers that schedule in the morning generally have the lowest wait times.
What's the highest skydive you can do in Australia? ›- Skydive Franz is the highest tandem skydive in the southern hemisphere, jumping from a heart-pumping 20,000ft.
- Become surrounded by mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and the Tasman Sea on the 15-minute scenic plane journey as you climb to great heights.
- Freefall for an adrenaline rushing 75+ seconds.
Mount Everest, Nepal
It also happens to be widely considered one of the world's most spectacular spots for skydiving. Dropping out of a plane over the incredible snow-covered Himalayas in Nepal is a feeling unmatched by any jump in the world.
- Over the Swiss Alps in Interlaken, Switzerland. Test your limits at the most extraordinary skydive spot in the world, Interlaken. ...
- Eco-friendly Skydive in Hawaii. ...
- Across the Namib Desert, Namibia. ...
- From the Fox Glacier, New Zealand. ...
- Jump from Mount Everest, Nepal.
Tandem skydiving is considered to be the safest form of skydiving. Statistics show that there is one tandem student skydiving fatality for every 500,000 tandem jumps which makes the odds of death . 000002%!
What is the scariest part of skydiving? ›Freefall. Freefall is the part of the skydive that most first-time skydivers presume to be the scariest. It's that whole falling-through-the-sky-at-120mph thing.
Is it common to pee while skydiving? ›
Involuntary urination during skydiving is rare. The vast majority of tandem instructors will tell you that they have never experienced this issue with their students before. You will probably only have to worry about peeing your pants if you have a history of urinary incontinence or if you have a weakened pelvic floor.
Why do people throw up when skydiving? ›The higher up the aircraft ascends, the more likely it is for the air pressure difference to cause your ears to pop and your equilibrium to feel “off.” As a result, sometimes first-time skydivers can experience a wave of nausea right before the plane adjusts to peak elevation. Give it a few minutes.
How do I calm my nerves before skydiving? ›- Watch videos and look at photos of skydives at the dropzone you're planning to visit. ...
- Avoid watching “scare” videos on the internet. ...
- Visit the dropzone ahead of your jump. ...
- Treat your jump like an athletic event. ...
- Ask questions.
...
2. The Numbers Don't Lie.
| Skydiving Fatalities in the US | Driving Fatalities in the US | |
|---|---|---|
| Fatality Rate | 0.0061 *per 3.5 million jumps | 1.12 * per 100 Million VMT |
- Take Baby Steps. Even birds have to practice flapping their wings before they leave the nest. ...
- Calculate the Risk Involved. It's simply an immutable fact: you cannot live a risk-free life. ...
- Skydiving Feels More Secure Than Other Extreme Sports. ...
- Bring A Friend. ...
- Knowledge is Power.
While there is no minimum weight requirement, the maximum weight for tandem skydiving is 230lbs. Additionally, you need to be at least eighteen years old and therefore adult-sized. The weight restrictions in skydiving are there for a few reasons and they are important, so let's have a look…
What country has the lowest skydiving age? ›In New Zealand, in fact, there is no minimum age limit whatsoever to make a skydive — the kid just has to fit safely in a tandem harness.
How high do beginners skydive from? ›Most skydiving centers here in the US jump from a typical altitude height of around 14,000 feet (around 4.2 kilometers or 2.6 miles). From this altitude, jumpers get around 60 seconds of freefall time which is enough for your basic skydive.
What is the best outfit for skydiving? ›- Comfortable, sport-ready shoes that lace tightly are the best choice. If you can comfortably sprint across the yard in the pair you choose, they'll work just fine. ...
- Sportwear pants–not jeans–are ideal. ...
- On a skydive, simple clothing is the best clothing.
Unfortunately, you can't take your phone skydiving. The United States Parachute Association (USPA), which is the governing body for the US skydiving community, is definitive about bringing your phone or camera on your tandem jump, and it's is a bigggg ol' no.
What do you say before skydiving? ›
Blue Skies:
Similar to “aloha,” skydivers say “blue skies” as a familiar greeting when they come and go. Sharing these words is also a great way to connect with skydivers from across the sport, as “blue skies” symbolizes the open and friendly nature of skydiving.
Depending on the length of your hair, we recommend tight braids, french braids, low ponytails, or bandanas as the best options to keep your hair tied down! Untamed, loose hair can get tangled during your jump – which isn't fun for anyone.
Should you eat or drink before skydiving? ›Eating before your skydive is highly recommended!
If you're concerned about feeling sick or passing out during your skydive, then the worst thing you can do is not eat! Eat a well-balanced meal before your jump to ensure a great skydiving experience!
The main skydiving risks are: Parachute malfunctions; around one in 1,000 parachute openings don't go to plan, with various known malfunctions. Injury on landing; if tandem students, for example, fail to lift their legs up for landing, they can take the impact through their ankles.
What happens if you faint while skydiving alone? ›If your instructor passes out – or if you were to pass out while skydiving alone – the AAD jumps in and takes the reins. It is turned on every morning before jumping and is automatically calibrated to the altitude that you will be skydiving from.
What should you avoid before skydiving? ›Because hydration is so important to your skydive, it's smart to avoid anything that dehydrates you pre-jump — including alcohol. While a quick beer or two may sound like it'd calm your nerves before your jump, it could make you feel much sicker and uncomfortable as you climb altitude.
Where is the most beautiful place to skydive? ›Mount Everest, Nepal
It also happens to be widely considered one of the world's most spectacular spots for skydiving. Dropping out of a plane over the incredible snow-covered Himalayas in Nepal is a feeling unmatched by any jump in the world.
- Pattaya, Thailand. ...
- Interlaken, Switzerland. ...
- Dubai. ...
- Santa Barbara, California. ...
- Seville, Spain. ...
- Hawaii. Skydive in Hawaii to experience one of the world's most spectacular dropzones. ...
- Everest, Nepal. Explore new heights with Everest Skydive. ...
- Le Marche, Italy.
- Skydive Franz is the highest tandem skydive in the southern hemisphere, jumping from a heart-pumping 20,000ft.
- Become surrounded by mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and the Tasman Sea on the 15-minute scenic plane journey as you climb to great heights.
- Freefall for an adrenaline rushing 75+ seconds.
- Mount Everest, Nepal. ...
- Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. ...
- Fox Glacier, New Zealand. ...
- Hawaii, USA. ...
- Interlaken, Switzerland. ...
- North Wollongong Beach, Sydney, Australia. ...
- Skydive Snohomish, Washington, USA. ...
- Pattaya, Thailand.
What is the skydiving capital of the world? ›
DeLand, FL: The Skydiving Capital of the World.
Where is the safest place in the world to skydive? ›1. Waialua, U.S.A. with Skydive Hawaii. Considered one of the world's most beautiful drop zones, you can take in the view from either 12,000, 14,000, or 20,000 feet above Hawaii's North Shore. Tandem skydiving with Skydive Hawaii is the safest way to experience skydiving for the first time.