You’ll ride from Sydney or Newcastle to Belmont for a tandem skydive over Newcastle Beach, guided by certified instructors. After a safety briefing and gearing up, you’ll free fall above the coast before drifting down under parachute — with views you’ll remember long after landing.
I’ll be honest — my hands were shaking before we even left Sydney. The idea of a tandem skydive over Newcastle Beach sounded wild when I booked it, but sitting in the van with a few other nervous faces made it real. Our driver cracked jokes about “first-timers” (I guess my pale face gave me away), and by the time we reached Belmont, I was half excited, half regretting my life choices. The salty air hit as soon as we stepped out — that mix of ocean and sunscreen you only get on the Australian coast.
The instructors at the drop zone were all business but in a friendly way. My tandem master, Dave, handed me this jumpsuit that felt too big and walked me through every step — honestly, his calm made it easier to breathe. There was this moment before boarding where he asked if I wanted to try saying “parachute” in Mandarin (Li, another jumper, laughed at my attempt). Then suddenly we were climbing into this tiny plane. The view out the window was unreal — lakes glinting in the sun, Newcastle’s coastline stretching out forever. I tried to focus on that instead of my heartbeat.
The free fall? It’s hard to describe. Wind everywhere, cold against my cheeks, just pure noise and speed for what felt like both forever and no time at all. When Dave pulled the ripcord and the parachute opened, everything went quiet except for our voices and the sound of air moving past us. Floating above Hunter Region with Newcastle Beach below — I still think about that view sometimes when I need to feel brave again.
It takes about 1 hour 40 minutes by road from Sydney to Belmont.
Daily free transfers are included but must be booked in advance.
The experience includes transfers, safety briefing, professional instructor, insurance fees, and a commemorative certificate.
You can reach speeds of more than 130 mph (220 kph) during free fall.
The minimum age is 16 (with parental consent under 18); maximum weight is 242 lbs (110 kg), with surcharges over 207 lbs (94 kg).
No previous experience is needed; professional training is provided before your jump.
The jump happens over Newcastle Beach and the Hunter Region near Belmont.
Your day includes daily free transfers (with booking), full safety briefing from certified instructors, compulsory personal accident insurance from the Australian Parachute Federation, all administration fees and levies, professional training with your tandem master, plus a commemorative skydive certificate to take home after you land.
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