The Illawarra has so many adventures to explore. Historically, it has been left to the international visitor to enjoy, or maybe even the weekend day-trippers, however, given the predicament we find ourselves in, there are amazing opportunities for us all to explore our own backyard.
Yes, we have the oceans and rock pools, we have the forests, the scenic drives and the man-made structures, but what about above us, what about up there?
1. Jump out of a perfectly good plane from 15,000 feet …
The number 1 attraction is skydiving over North Wollongong beach, Sydney’s only beach skydive. Experience the thrill of freefall at more than 200km/h for up to an insane 60 seconds, and then float under canopy for 5-7 minutes soaking up the spectacular views of Wollongong and the Southern Sydney beaches. It is a true bucket list experience. It is the rush of a lifetime. The tip is to get in early and do it first thing in the morning when the sun is rising and the water is glistening.
2. Jump off the world famous Bald Hill …
Bald Hill has an unrivalled history stretching back to some of the first ever experiments in flight done by Lawrence Hargrave in the late 19th century. Today, as then, we have the ability to fly the beautiful stretch of the coastline between Sydney and Wollongong by way of hang gliding or paragliding. With both of these you soar like an eagle with a magnificent bird’s-eye view of the Grand Pacific Drive and the ocean during your tandem experience.
3. “What’s with all this jumping? I want to sit in style and enjoy the view …”
Not much beats sitting back in a leather recliner and enjoying a scenic joy flight. The flight leaves Albion Park and flies over Lake Illawarra and Wollongong, northbound to Stanwell Park, taking in the beautiful coastline up to the Sea Cliff Bridge. On the way back you will head down past Kiama and over Jamberoo. The best tip for this one is to do it later in the day as the sun sets over the escarpment.
4. “OK, I’m happy sitting but I need a little more adventure …”
Easy… let’s get you in a helicopter! Within minutes of departing Albion Park you’ll be flying over the pristine sandy beaches of the South Coast, from Wollongong Harbour up to Sea Cliff Bridge. The helicopter will have you zipping in and out and around the escarpment, giving you the best chance to see what your house looks like from a thousand feet. Great ability to spy on the neighbours as well!
5. “That’s all great, but what if I want both?
I want to sit and be relaxed yet still feel the sea breeze blowing through my hair …”
Have you heard of a microlight? 5th and by no means last on the list is to go and sit in a microlight glider. A microlight is a weight shift controlled aircraft, consisting of a hang glider style wing and a tricycle type undercarriage which the pilot and passenger are suspended in. A bit like a hang glider on steroids, one could say. Often referred to as trikes, microlights have become the fastest growing form of sports aviation in the world today, and you can do it all in the Illawarra.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ant Ritter is a former CEO and Executive Director of Skydive the Beach, the adventure tourism company that began in North Wollongong and which Ant helped to list on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:EXP) and grow to become the largest tandem skydiving operator in the world. Ant grew up in Sydney’s southern suburbs and completed his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Wollongong, and is now the president of Scarborough Wombarra Surf Lifesaving Club.
This feature is an extract from our South Coaster book.
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