SAFA Skysailor Magazine

24 SKY SAILOR May | June 2024 Stanwell Park has an important place in aviation history with Australian aeronautical pioneer Lawrence Hargrave first flying his box kite off Bald Hill in 1894. In the 1970’s, when sports aviation was born, the site continued to be an internationally recognised place to take flight. This spectacular coastal flying site is visited by paraglider and hang glider pilots from all over the world, taking advantage of consistent sea- breezes and the natural cliffs that dramatically rise up from the coast – this is a truly unique location to spread your wings. As you stand atop Bald Hill and look south towards Wollongong, you enjoy expansive views along more than 50km of coastline and out to sea. This is one of the highest coastal sites in Australia, with two launches between 180 and 190m, and escarpment cliffs rising to over 400m within easy reach of paragliders and hang gliders. NSWHPA pilots can access the site for free, however, if you are an interstate or international visitor, you are required to register with the Fly Stanwell Club and become a temporary member for a fee of $40. When to fly The most consistent times to fly are in spring and autumn when the coastal sea-breezes tend to line up favourably more frequently, however, pilots can fly any time of the year if the wind is coming from the SE. Although this is a coastal site, Stanwell Park does experience more thermic conditions than most. With a unique combination of ridge and coastal thermic lift, and thanks to the relatively Site overview: Bald Hill, Stanwell Park, NSW