Page 82 - Cross Country Travel Guide 2019

cRAINBOW BEACH
two hours there are more coastal sites on the way to Newcastle
itself. Newcastle is a great alternative to the busy Sydney sites and
cheaper too. With another week available head up to Canungra
near Brisbane for some very scenic flying in the Gold Coast
hinterland. If the forecast is good then definitely go to Rainbow
Beach for some dune flying and stunning ocean views. Depart for
home out of Brisbane.
What’s your favourite spot?
For a coastal cruise you can’t beat Rainbow Beach. There are also
some inland sites offering XC in the Sunshine Coast, north of
Brisbane, which are worth discovering after contacting the
local clubs.
82 CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL GUIDE 2019 AUSTRALIA
Laid-back coastal flying in Queensland
Photo: Tex Beck
And finally, tell us about the Manilla XC Camp you hold each year in
January/February.
It’s a great week for all pilot levels, not just the guns, to fly XC and
maybe set a new personal best. The event helps you to understand
the sky more and get some tips from some of the best XC pilots
around. As it attracts pilots from all around the world it’s also a great
social week.
Being in the air with 150 other XC pilots, going downwind from
Mount Borah, the sky comes alive. Then after seven or eight hours
and 250km, thinking you are alone, you spot a pilot in the middle of
nowhere heading for the same thermal – that’s cool!
Flymanilla.com