Skydive Australia Sydney Newcastle 15,000ft Tandem Skydive (Self-Drive)

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Newcastle's only beachfront skydive: a tandem jump from up to 15,000 feet with views of Lake Macquarie and the Newcastle region, landing on the sand when the weather allows.

Days

About 2 hours; allow 4, or about 7 hours with transfers

Age

16 and over

Group size

Tandem, one instructor each

Start / finish

Lake Macquarie Airport, Marks Point / Lake Macquarie Airport, Marks Point

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Self-drive or transfer to Belmont Airport, then a plane to up to 15,000ft

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Skydive Australia Sydney Newcastle 15,000ft Tandem Skydive (Self-Drive)

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Included experiences

Newcastle — tandem skydive from up to 15,000ft
Freefall — about 60 seconds over Lake Macquarie
Beach landing — on the sand when the weather allows

Skydive Australia Sydney Newcastle 15,000ft Tandem Skydive (Self-Drive)

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Itinerary

Map

GETTING TO LAKE MACQUARIE AIRPORT

The drop zone is at Lake Macquarie Airport, also called Belmont Airport, at Marks Point, between Blacksmiths Beach and Lake Macquarie, one of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in the southern hemisphere. It's about 30 minutes south of Newcastle and just under 2 hours north of Sydney. Drive yourself, or take the early-morning coach from Central Station in Sydney if you chose the transfer option. On the coach, everyone jumps before the bus heads back, so make a day of it. Check-in, take-off and landing are all at the same site.

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. If you've added a video package, your instructor films everything on a wrist-mounted, high-resolution camera, freefall face and all. The experience usually takes about 2 hours, but allow 4 in case of weather or delays.

THE CLIMB AND THE FREEFALL

The plane climbs to up to 15,000 feet over the coast. Lake Macquarie spreads out below, joined to the sea by the narrow Swansea Channel, and to the north you can follow the coast up to Newcastle, the world's largest coal export port, its harbour lined with ships waiting their turn. 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 LANDING

Then comes the quiet part: 5 to 7 minutes under the canopy, floating from the clouds down to the coastline. You usually land back at the drop zone, and when the conditions make it the better choice, your instructor brings you down on the sand at Blacksmiths Beach, a long surf beach running north from Swansea Channel. Back on the ground you collect your personalised certificate. Photos and video can be added at check-in if you didn't book them.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Lake Macquarie Airport (Belmont Airport), 864 Pacific Highway, Marks Point, 30 minutes south of Newcastle CBD. With the transfer option, your pick-up place and time are confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: 16 years, by law.
Please note: Jumpers over 94 kg pay a surcharge and are assessed; at 110 kg or more you may not be able to skydive at some locations. Skydiving depends on the weather, so your jump time may change.

What to bring

Comfortable clothes
Enclosed running shoes

What is included

Tandem skydive from up to 15,000ft
3 month membership of the Australian Parachute Federation
Personalised certificate of achievement
Transfer to the drop zone, with the transfer option

Not included

Photos and video
Transport to the drop zone, if you drive yourself
Surcharge for jumpers over 94 kg

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.