Skydiving

Skydiving in Australia

Skydiving is one of the most searched thrill experiences in the country, and it's easy to see why. Nothing else gives you 60 seconds of pure freefall followed by a slow float back to earth with the whole coastline laid out beneath you. RedBalloon has tandem skydiving drop zones from Victoria to Queensland, so wherever you're jumping from, there's a beach, valley or reef view to match.

If you're new to it, a tandem skydive pairs you with a licensed instructor who handles the technical side, the exit, the freefall, the parachute and the landing, so you can focus on enjoying the view. Popular drop zones include Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and Wollongong.

Tandem skydiving over the coast

• Weekend Tandem Skydive over Wollongong, up to 15,000ft: freefall over the Wollongong coastline before floating back down to a beachside landing.
• Tandem Skydive over Byron Bay, Weekend: jump from 15,000ft over one of the east coast's most photographed stretches of coastline and hinterland.
• Tandem Skydive over the Great Ocean Road, Weekend: the highest jump on offer in Australia, with views over Bells Beach and the Victorian coastline.
• Tandem Skydive over Cairns, up to 15,000ft: the only skydive that departs and lands in Cairns itself, with the Great Barrier Reef in view.
• Tandem Skydive over the Gold Coast, up to 12,000ft: a beach drop zone jump with Surfers Paradise stretched out below you.

Skydiving by Region

Wherever you're based, there's a drop zone within reach.

• New South Wales: Sydney skydivers usually head to Wollongong or Picton, both an easy day trip from the city. See the full range on the skydiving Sydney page.
• Victoria: Melbourne's closest drop zone is along the Great Ocean Road, home to the highest jump on offer in the country. Browse skydiving Melbourne or go straight to skydiving Great Ocean Road.
• Queensland: from reef views in Cairns to beach landings on the Gold Coast, Queensland's drop zones are some of the most photographed in the country. See the full range on the skydiving Brisbane page.
• South Australia: Adelaide skydiving takes in city views and nearby wine country. Browse the skydiving Adelaide range.

Indoor Skydiving

Not ready to jump out of a plane just yet? Indoor skydiving gives you the same freefall sensation in a vertical wind tunnel, no aircraft required. It's a genuine option if you're searching for indoor skydiving near me, and it works for a wider range of ages than the real thing.

• Indoor Skydiving, 2 Extended Flights, Penrith: a longer session that lets you focus on controlling your body position and fall rate in the flight chamber.
• iFLY Brisbane Indoor Skydiving, 2 Flights: a straightforward introduction to the wind tunnel at Brisbane's iFLY facility.
• iFLY Basic Indoor Skydiving, 2 Flights, Gold Coast: two flights at the Surfers Paradise wind tunnel, with a viewing gallery for anyone watching on.

Explore the full range of skydiving experiences or the wider indoor skydiving range to find a drop zone or flight chamber near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does skydiving feel like during freefall?

For the first few seconds it's closer to floating than falling, since your body hasn't caught up to the speed yet. Once you're travelling at around 200 to 220km/h, the sensation shifts to a strong rush of wind and pressure, more like lying on a very fast, very loud cushion of air than the stomach-drop of a rollercoaster.

How long does a skydive last from exit to landing?

Freefall itself lasts up to 60 seconds. After your instructor deploys the parachute, you'll spend another five to seven minutes gliding down under the canopy, taking in the view before landing.

Is skydiving safe for beginners?

Tandem skydiving is designed for first timers. You're harnessed to a licensed instructor for the entire jump, and all equipment is checked before every flight. Most people who've never jumped before find the safety briefing covers everything they need to know.

What should I wear for skydiving?

Comfortable, lightweight clothing that allows for movement, along with firm-fitting closed shoes such as trainers. Some drop zones provide a jumpsuit on the day. Skydives are weather dependent, so check with your provider directly if conditions look uncertain.

How does a first time skydive work?

You'll check in, go through a safety briefing, and get suited up before boarding the aircraft for a scenic flight to altitude. Your instructor jumps with you, guides the freefall and parachute, and lands with you. No experience or prior training is needed.

How much does a tandem skydive cost?

Pricing varies by location, jump height and day of the week, with weekday jumps generally more affordable than weekend slots. Check individual product pages for current pricing, such as this Tandem Skydive over Adelaide.

What can stop you from skydiving on the day?

Weather is the main factor. Strong wind, low cloud or rain can delay or reschedule a jump, since safety comes first. Most providers will contact you directly if conditions aren't suitable and help you rebook.

What are the age and weight limits for skydiving?

The minimum age for tandem skydiving in Australia is 16, with under 18s needing a parent or guardian present on the day. Weight restrictions apply and vary by provider, so it's worth checking before you book. If age or nerves are a factor, iFLY Indoor Skydiving on the Gold Coast is open to anyone from age three and doesn't involve a plane at all.

Looking for More Flying Experiences?

If skydiving has you looking up, the RedBalloon flying range goes well beyond the drop zone. A Scenic Helicopter Flight in Toowoomba covers similar ground at a gentler pace, or browse the full flying experiences range for helicopter flights, hot air ballooning and scenic flights across the country.