Trying out hang gliding above the beautiful Scenic Rim in Queensland was a dream brought to life for first-timer Bonnie, even if it was totally different to how she imagined.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located in the land and skies of the Mununjali, Yugambeh, and Ugarapul peoples of South East QLD. We pay our respects to them as Traditional Custodians.

I’ve always dreamt of flying like a bird. And without motors or fuel, hang gliding comes pretty close!

About an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Oz Sky Ranch offers one-off tandem flights for total newbies, and is the only flight park approved for aero tows in Australia. This means, that rather than running off a mountainside, you can be towed in the hang glider with a specially designed light plane before launching from the sky!

 

The early bird catches the worm

 

And that’s how my bestie Jara and I, along with my partner Steve on ‘ground support’, found ourselves leaving Brisbane a little before 5am one Saturday in August.

Owner and instructor, Lisa Bradley tells her students and first-timers to be flexible with the weather so they only fly in optimal conditions. Our morning was clear and not too windy – the crisp blue skies were perfect!

After a quick briefing and the formal stuff, we were ready.

 

Feeling the buzz!

Prepare for Lift-Off

Lisa donned her helmet and wriggled into a sleeping bag-like harness then talked Jara through maneuvering into hers.

Lisa’s pilot, John, started up the plane, and I watched nervously as the tow rope grew taut.

 

Have you ever seen caterpillars fly?

 

Then the hang glider was rolling, lifting,…and airborne!

From the ground, the whole thing looked so smooth and peaceful, but I could faintly hear Jara and Lisa’s whoops of delight. Especially when Lisa started the aerobatics.

After around 20 minutes of flight time, I welcomed my windswept bestie back to earth. Then I was worming my way into the harness.

My excitement built as I watched the plane summon a dust cloud ahead.

 

Now it’s my turn

 

Lisa reminded me to press my feet firmly against the back of the harness for take-off… and we were up!

The sensation of flying was so unexpected. It felt like the world was somehow moving around me. But logic, and the wind blasting my face, told me otherwise.

Untethered

John radioed to Lisa when it was time to detach. I was hardly paying attention to the device Lisa used to unhook us, but I felt the change. That rush of the wind and sense of having the world pulled around us noticeably slowed.

This was it: free flight.

Just a pair of humans, a bit of aluminium, and fabric lifted on the wind.

 

Off to save the day

 

I didn’t feel a shred of fear, just awe for this incredible sensation, this beautiful place. I was surprised by how serene it felt – just as smooth as it looked.

Lisa pointed out landmarks like the towers of the Gold Coast, the sparkling ribbon of the south Pacific Ocean, and the janky peak of Wollumbin/Mt Warning.

Rollercoaster in the Sky

According to Lisa, mornings are smoother. Midday onwards is better for solo flights and doing tricks, as she has to calculate more to compensate for the conditions.

But, did I want to do some aerobatics anyway? Uh…heck yes!

We slowed and spiralled a hard left. I screamed with delight as we pushed into a sharp dive – it looked like we were aiming straight for the ground! Then we pulled up and levelled out again.

Now I know why Lisa loves her work so much.

What Comes Up Must Come Down

As we started circling low over a creek bordered with trees, I felt pockets of cooler air. A bird took flight from the ground just as we were coming in to land beside it. Magic.

Brace for Impact! Or Not…

I instinctively tensed for landing, but felt nothing. We’d already touched down.

 

We made it

 

On the ground, my ears popping as they equalised, I still felt weightless. I was unsteady and giddy with delight.

One thing’s for sure – I’ll be doing that again.

FAQs Hang Gliding

Do you need a license to fly a hang glider in Australia?

Yep! If you plan on flying solo, you need to be certified by the Sports Federation of Australia (SAFA) for it to be legal. If you go on a tandem beginner’s tour, your pilot will have this certification – you won’t need to obtain this nor will you need any prior experience.

What is the death ratio for hang gliding?

While it’s considered an extreme sport, hang gliding deaths are quite low. Out of the 3,000-4,0000 annual participants, around 3.5 deaths are recorded per year. This means the ratio is about 1:1,000.

Where is the best place to hang glide in Australia?

Some of the most desired spots to hang glide in the country include:

  • Manilla, NSW – The country’s premier spot for hang gliding and paragliding. Fly Manilla is the only paragliding school in Australia that owns its mountain and facilities.
  • Stanwell Park, NSW – A highly popular spot near Sydney with beautiful cliff and ocean views.
  • Mt Tamborine, QLD – Lush hinterland spot near the Gold Coast. Book through the Canungra Hang Gliding Club.
  • Bright, VIC – Offers dramatic mountain views and reliable thermals.

What is the difference between hang gliding and paragliding?

There are a number of key differences that distinguish hang gliding and paragliding:

  • Wing: Hang gliding features a rigid delta shape, while paragliding has a soft inflatable canopy.
  • Speed: Hang gliding is a much faster sport, you can go up to 130km/h. Paragliding maxes out around 55km/h.
  • Portability: Hang gliding equipment is bulky and requires transport to carry it. Paragliding gear can all fit into a backpack!
  • Wind Handling: Hang gliding is much more sturdy in turbulence, while paragliding is more affected by wind.

Is hang gliding better than paragliding?

It really depends on what you’re looking for! If you prefer to go faster in the air, handle stronger winds with more stability, and have more control in the air, hang gliding is more for you. It offers a level of adrenaline that some may prefer. For a more relaxed, slow experience, opt for paragliding.

Read More Newbie Experiences on Outdoor Activities

At We Are Explorers we take great pride in presenting content that is fact checked, well-researched, and based on both real world experience and reliable sources. As a B-Corp we uphold high ethical standards and strive to create content that is inclusive, with an an increased focus on underserved communities, Indigenous Australians, and threats to our environment. You can read all about it in our Editorial Standards.