SAFA Skysailor Magazine

6 SKY SAILOR September-October-November | SPRING 2026 Federation Peak Stoke by Michael Wright One of the privileges I have as a paraglider pilot in Lutruwita/Tasmania is that our Parks and Wildlife Service have recognised our club and its members as legitimate users of public land. This allows us access to all Crown Reserves to hike up relatively accessible mountains and launch wherever it is safe to do so. Tasmania has some of the most beautiful and remote places I have ever seen, which creates a space for us to explore and adventure like nowhere else. Even flying in the Himalayas doesn't quite have the same feeling of isolation I have felt in Tassie, flying away from the comfort of roads. A couple of thermals and glides can transition quickly to being a few days’ hike from any vehicle track. At age 22, I returned home to the Adelaide Hills after a couple of years travelling around the world and was struck with itchy feet. I had taken up hitchhiking and bushwalking throughout Europe and the UK, predominantly to save money, but I