Skydive Australia Great Ocean Road 15,000ft Tandem Skydive (Self Drive)

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Drive yourself to Barwon Heads Airport near Geelong, or take the return transfer from Melbourne, and jump from up to 15,000 feet over the start of the Great Ocean Road, with up to 60 seconds of freefall and views along the cliffs and surf coast around Bells Beach.

Days

Allow 3 to 4 hours, or most of the day with the transfer

Age

16 years and over

Group size

Tandem jump with your own instructor

Start / finish

Barwon Heads Airport, Connewarre / Barwon Heads Airport, or Southbank, Melbourne / Southbank

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Make your own way, or return transfer from Southbank; scenic flight to up to 15,000 feet

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Skydive Australia Great Ocean Road 15,000ft Tandem Skydive (Self Drive)

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Included experiences

Barwon Heads Airport — harness fitting and safety briefing
Scenic flight — climb to up to 15,000 feet over the surf coast
Freefall — up to 60 seconds above the Great Ocean Road
Parachute ride — slow descent with views of Bells Beach and the cliffs

Skydive Australia Great Ocean Road 15,000ft Tandem Skydive (Self Drive)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

GETTING TO BARWON HEADS

The drop zone is at Barwon Heads Airport in Connewarre, beside the wetlands of Lake Connewarre, part of an internationally listed Ramsar wetland where migratory shorebirds from the Arctic spend the summer. Drive yourself, about 30 minutes from Geelong or a little over an hour from Melbourne around Port Phillip Bay, or take the return transfer from Melbourne if you chose that option. Without a car, a V/Line train from Southern Cross to Geelong and the route 55 bus get you there too. Arrive at your booked check-in time, no earlier, and allow three to four hours in all.

CHECK-IN AND BRIEFING

At check-in you're weighed and fill in the forms, then you're fitted with your harness and taken through a safety briefing. No experience is needed. You meet your tandem instructor, who is clipped to you for the whole jump and looks after the parachute and every technical detail, so your only job is to enjoy it. If you've added a video package, your instructor films the jump on a wrist-mounted camera. Then it's a short wait for your load, with five to nine tandem pairs on each plane.

THE CLIMB AND THE FREEFALL

The plane climbs over the coast to up to 15,000 feet. Below you, the Bellarine Peninsula curls round the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, and to the south-west the cliffs of the Surf Coast lead away towards the Great Ocean Road, 243 km of road built by soldiers back from the First World War and dedicated to their mates who didn't come home, which makes it the world's largest war memorial. Then the door opens. You freefall for up to 60 seconds at about 200 km/h before your instructor opens the parachute at around 4,000 feet.

UNDER THE PARACHUTE AND BACK ON THE GROUND

Suddenly it is quiet. Under the canopy you float down for several minutes, with time to pick out Bells Beach, where surfers have competed every Easter since the early 1960s, and Torquay, where the Rip Curl surf brand started in 1969. Your instructor may let you steer. After a soft landing back at the drop zone you collect your personalised certificate. Torquay and the start of the Great Ocean Road are a short drive away if you want to keep going along the coast.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Skydive Great Ocean Road, Barwon Heads Airport, 1421 Barwon Heads Road, Connewarre. Your check-in time is confirmed when you book. With the transfer: 17 Normanby Road, Southbank (Clarendon Street Junction, tram stop 125, route 96), on the Normanby Road side, 10 minutes before the 8am pick-up.
Duration: The flight and jump take about 20 minutes, but allow 3 to 4 hours at the drop zone, longer if weather causes delays. With the transfer it's most of the day, with a little over an hour each way by road, and the return bus leaves when everyone on it has jumped.
Minimum age: 16, by law. Under-18s need a parent or legal guardian with them at the drop zone to sign the forms. Transfer guests must be at least 12.
Fitness: Everyone is weighed at check-in. Jumpers 94 kg and over pay a surcharge and are assessed, and at 110 kg or more you may not be able to jump. You cannot jump while pregnant or within 24 hours of scuba diving. Tell us before booking about recent injuries, surgery, heart conditions or epilepsy.
Please note: Skydiving depends on the weather: heavy rain, strong wind or low cloud mean your jump is rescheduled, and the decision is made on the day. Goggles fit over glasses. Your own cameras are not allowed on the jump.

What to bring

Comfortable, loose clothes
Enclosed running shoes (no hiking boots or heels)
A warm jumper and long pants in the cooler months

What is included

Tandem skydive from up to 15,000 feet, with up to 60 seconds of freefall
Personalised certificate of achievement
3 month membership of the Australian Parachute Federation
Compulsory personal accident insurance
Return transfer from Southbank, Melbourne, with the transfer option

Not included

Transport to the drop zone, if you drive yourself
Video and photos, which you can add when you book or buy on the day
Weight surcharge for jumpers 94 kg and over

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.