Sydney Skydivers

Everyone at Sydney Skydivers was so welcoming and informative. They are a very safety oriented dropzone! The view is really nice from up top too! I will definitely be back soon.

My husband and I were in Sydney for a holiday and decided to pop by this DZ on a random Friday in June. We were initially apprehensive as we are beginners (first time jumping after getting my USPA "A" license in Thailand), but the process was professional, safe and friendly ! In total we did three jumps each on that day.

Process- If you are not under the APF, you have to first pay AUD30 for a temporary APF license. The DZ safety officer will then look at your logbook etc. and assess your experience for the APF equivalent (in my case I was given the APF "A" license). It costs AUD100 per jump incl. equipment hire and pack job (cheaper if you buy a non-transferable pack of ten, or have your own equipment). Bring AUD CASH to avoid credit card surcharge.

Facilities- Bunkhouse, cafe (weekends only), rigger (weekends only), large landing area (separate areas for tandem, intermediate and students/beginners), electronic manifest, sheltered packing area, basic but clean roilets. There are 10 (? or so) adjustable student rigs for rental ranging from 170-250.

Plane- Caravan and Beaver. We used the Caravan that day (blink and you are at altitude). Very comfortable compared to the Porter that we have so far been using in Thailand. Red/amber/green light system for exit. Exit is on the left side of the plane (we have so far only exited on the right side in Thailand, so not quite used to it!)

Altitude- Usually 8000 feet and above depending on air traffic control (they are unable to promise anything beforehand as the situation can change quickly due to weather and proximity to Sydney airport airspace). We had two jumps at 12000 and one at 8000.

Location- An easy 70km drive from Sydney airport (mainly highways). You can rent a car at the airport or in Sydney city centre (to save on location surcharge). It is better to have your own wheels if you intend to stay a few days (not sure where you could get food otherwise).

Accommodation- Cheapest option is to stay at the DZ bunkhouse which I think is AUD20/night, but we did not stay there as there is no electricity at night (horrors!). Nearest town with accommodation is Picton which is c.10km drive from the DZ. There are a bunch of hotels, motels, restaurants, cafes, supermarket (x2) there, but not a party town of course.

Our experience- As we were beginners + it was our first time at this DZ, the DZSO wanted us to do a checkout with an instructor for AUD195 (a B-rels level 1 jump, incl. instructor slot, equipment rental and pack job). After that we were allowed to jump solo. You are not allowed to jump with others at this DZ until you have completed the Australian B-rels (or assessed to have an equivalent license).

Not sure how they treat more experienced jumpers, but as beginners we felt very safe at all times. We had good discussions with the DZSO and instructor on emergency procedures, what size rig we should rent, landing pattern, etc. All was done in a professional and friendly manner. I will definitely be back later in the year to do my B-rels!

Jumped today with my husband. From the moment we got there everything was handled professionally and with genuine friendliness.

Nothing was too much of a hassle and jumpers are fully catered for with tv lounge room, toilets, showers, coffee lounge, food vending machines, bbq area, basketball hoop, watching area (to watch divers come in) and plenty of space to hang out.

The vibe is what it should be - relaxed, fun and bubbling with excitement.

We got there 30mins early and were surprised to be called only 15 mins later.. Everything was handled smoothly and professionally and never felt like they were bored since they do it all the time - they made it special for us.

Although the price is high for the video (hint hint should come down a little to be more competitive) it's worth getting.

We highly recommend Tyler - totally chilled young dude who is a seasoned professional and will take your adrenalin as high (or low) as you like but still making it an unforgettable experience (+ is an awesome camera man).

Also recommend Ove - Super nice guy that is obviously an expert that knows his stuff. I felt completely safe and pumped and he did a great job in making it one of the best experiences of my life!

If you're umming and arrring - Stop! These guys earned every one of there 5 out of 5 star reviews! DO IT!!

I did 2 jumps at Sydney Skydivers in September 2009. Very nice experience. Landing zone was really big. Staff was very nice and friendly. Unfortunately DZ was a bit far from Sydney, however they offered me a free bus ride both ways so it wasn't so bad. I'd definitely recommend this place!

I was in Sydney a few weeks ago on vacation and went to their dropzone. Fantastic place. I was up and jumping after 15 of arrival. PAC-XL was a fantastic plane to jump from. Did a 2-way with a cameralady there. went back a week later and did another 3 jumps from the Skyvan. Also did another 2-way with one of the staff there. Great dropzone! fantastic aircraft! Felt at home jumping there! (only downfall was high winds)

I have wanted to do a tandem skydive for a long time and stumbled over Sydney Skydivers by pure coincidence. They are very friendly and professional. I did my tandem jump with Phil Onis the director of the DZ and the most experienced skydiver in the Southern Hemisphere. I felt extremely safe and would recommend this DZ to anyone going to Australia. I am already planning on going back there January 08 to do my AFF license there.

I recently traveled to Australia and New Zealand on Vacation and I jumped at 7 different DZ's. Sydney was by far the best for experienced jumpers. Large turbine aircraft and a wide open landing area. I had no trouble getting on a load from the moment I arrived. Great party, bonfire and barbeque Saturday night. The overnight facilities are not that great but Picton is only a few miles away. I stayed at the brew pub which had cheap rooms and great beer and food. Thanks for the great memories mates! Hey Ruckert! Check your email!

I was there doing my AFF in Nov 2004.The instructors were good. Instructions were clear. The feeling of being in the good hands of the instructors. The instructors made sure you know what to do. Really a good place to learn skydiving.