Manilla, Mt Borah (NSW)

Mount Borah near Manilla, in northern NSW, is one of Australia's flagship XC sites — host of world championships, with people from up to 200 km in every direction familiar with the sport and typically happy to give pilots a lift back. Mount Borah has four large astro-turfed launches (N, S, E, W) at 340–440 m AGL, all reached by a 2WD access road (with decent ground clearance). Access is via a private farm — sign in at the farm and pay the small daily site fee before your first flight. If the ridge isn't soarable, don't linger on the mountain — the best thermals are away from terrain.

Launch & conditions

Four large astro-turfed launches on N, S, E and W faces at 340–440 m AGL. 2WD access (good ground clearance) to launches and LZs.

Getting there & local rules

Fly into Tamworth. Call ahead — the farm operator will come pick you up, or rent a car and drive north from Tamworth to Manilla. In town, head north over the bridge and turn left after the small gas station (follow the paraglider signs); after 1 km turn right after the next bridge and follow Wimbourne Rd out to Mt Borah (11 km). After 4 km the road turns to unpaved dirt with several cattle grids. Turn right onto the farm or left up the mountain — all new arrivals must go to the farm first to sign the club register and pay the site fee (A$5/day, max A$30). Landing: any field you can find, EXCEPT the sensitive neighbours' horse paddock. Watch for kangaroos, trees and fencing. Aim close to a road for walk-out and retrieve.

Local rules & hazards

Flight ceiling 3,500 m ASL. Flying south, mind the Tamworth CTR — it starts at Attunga. Avoid flying in a northerly — it generates rotor along the ridge. Private site; club membership grants free flying. Telstra is the only cell network in the area — bring a Telstra SIM if you need coverage. Carry ample water.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Manilla, Mt Borah (NSW), read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Manilla, Mt Borah (NSW) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.