Skydive Yarra Valley 15000ft Tandem Skydive

The big thrill here is dropping from high above the Yarra Valley, with vineyards and the Yarra Ranges spread below you. The freefall can last up to 60 seconds, followed by a slower parachute descent with your instructor guiding the jump.

I like two things in particular: the broad valley views make this more than a plain adrenaline rush, and the tandem format lets you focus on the moment while a qualified instructor handles the jump. Past instructors named Jack and Kev have been praised for helping nervous jumpers feel at ease, though your instructor will depend on the day.

One point to check before paying: 15,000 feet is the advertised maximum, not a guaranteed exit height. Actual jump heights have been a source of concern, so ask Skydive Yarra Valley what altitude is planned for your session if that number matters to you.

Key points before you book

• Up to 60 seconds of freefall: The jump is advertised from a maximum height of 15,000 feet, or about 4,570 meters.
• A tandem jump over the valley: You’re secured to a qualified instructor, who guides you through the process.
• A scenic plane ride comes first: The climb gives you time to take in the Yarra Valley before the jump.
• Allow about two hours: That’s the estimated duration, though weather can affect the wait.
• Budget for extras: Photos and video are optional and cost A$179 per person.
• Weight rules matter: A surcharge applies above 94 kilograms, and an on-site safety assessment is required at 94 kilograms or more.

What the two-hour visit involves

The experience begins at Lilydale Airport, at 13 MacIntyre Lane in Yering. The airport is both the meeting point and the end point, so you return to where you started after landing.

First comes a safety briefing. Your instructor will guide you through the tandem process and prepare you for the jump. This part matters even if you’re already committed: clear instructions give you something practical to focus on when nerves begin to build.

Next, you board the aircraft for the ride to altitude. The climb is part of the outing, not just a means of getting to the jump. It gives you a view over the valley and the Yarra Ranges, and lets the anticipation build as the ground falls away below.

At the jump point, you and your instructor exit together. The freefall can last up to 60 seconds, depending on the jump conditions and altitude. Then the parachute opens, and the pace changes. You’ll glide toward the ground under the instructor’s guidance, with time to look out over the vineyards and surrounding ranges.

The whole visit is estimated at about two hours, but don’t treat that as a firm appointment from arrival to departure. Weather can affect the schedule. A past jump was delayed for around an hour to an hour and a half while rain and wind cleared, so leave breathing room in your day rather than stacking a tight lunch booking or onward transfer immediately afterward.

The Yarra Valley from above

The setting is the main reason to choose this jump over a parachute jump with less distinctive scenery. From the air, the Yarra Valley’s vineyards and the Yarra Ranges give you a clear sense of the region’s scale. The freefall delivers the sharpest rush; the parachute descent is the better chance to take in the view.

You’re not simply buying a scenic flight, of course. The aircraft ride is part of the build-up, and the jump is the central event. Still, the location adds a strong visual payoff to an activity that could otherwise be about sensation alone.

The experience description also refers to coastal views, but the most specific sights named are the Yarra Ranges and valley vineyards. If you’re choosing this for a particular view, ask the operator what you can reasonably expect on the day.

How the tandem format helps

You’re attached to a qualified instructor, who guides you through the jump from briefing to landing. That makes this a practical option for a first-time jumper: you don’t need prior parachuting experience to take part, and you aren’t expected to manage the jump alone.

A few past jumpers have named instructors Jack and Kev as reassuring and good-humored. You can’t request or count on a particular instructor based on those names, but the positive comments about the team’s calm, friendly manner are worth noting if you’re nervous. Staff friendliness and clear safety explanations are among the most consistently praised aspects of the experience.

The tandem setup doesn’t remove the real risks. Parachuting is inherently dangerous, and the operator warns that incidents can occur during the aircraft flight, descent, or landing. Read the risk information carefully and be candid about health concerns before you book.

The 15,000-foot question

The advertised maximum height is 15,000 feet, and the experience is presented as including up to 60 seconds of freefall. The key words are up to. The actual exit altitude may be lower, so don’t assume every jump reaches the maximum.

The stated details don’t settle the discrepancy between the advertised maximum and concerns about lower jump heights. For a decision that depends on reaching 15,000 feet, contact the operator and ask what altitude is expected for your date, and what happens if the jump is lower. Get a clear answer before you book rather than relying on the headline figure.

That distinction also matters because height affects the length of the freefall. The advertised duration is a maximum, not a promise that every jump will provide a full minute.

What the A$271.84 price covers

At A$271.84 per person, the base price includes the tandem jump from up to 15,000 feet and the A$35 APF levy and administration fee. That makes the listed price easier to assess than a headline fare that leaves a mandatory fee unclear.

Photos and video are not included. They can be purchased at the drop zone for A$179 per person, with the amount varying by package. If having a record of the jump is important to you, account for that extra before deciding what the experience will cost. If you’re content to remember it without a media package, you can keep to the base price.

A surcharge applies if you weigh more than 94 kilograms. Anyone at 94 kilograms or above must be assessed on site by the Drop Zone Safety Officer, who considers harness size and weather conditions. Since the information also refers to people over 95 kilograms as needing to check in, ask the operator about your specific weight before booking if you’re close to either threshold.

Who will get the most from this jump

This suits you if you want a major adrenaline activity with a strong sense of place, rather than a short thrill with no particular view. It can also work well as a milestone gift. Past customers have booked it for 18th and 40th birthdays, and one person joined a sibling’s jump as a 21st birthday celebration.

You don’t need to be fearless. Some first-timers arrive nervous, and the tandem instructor and briefing are there to guide you through the process. But you should be comfortable accepting the inherent risk of parachuting, and you should check with your GP if you have a medical condition or concern.

The minimum age details provided cover jumpers aged 16 to 18: they need consent from a parent or legal guardian. If that adult can’t attend on the day, tell the office immediately so the right consent documents can be arranged in advance. The available information doesn’t specify a minimum age below 16, so ask the operator if you’re booking for someone younger.

Practical limits to know before arrival

Don’t drink alcohol within eight hours before the jump. The operator can refuse anyone suspected of being intoxicated, with no refund. You also must not scuba dive within 24 hours before your parachute jump.

Weather can affect the wait, as well as the jump itself. One past outing paused while rain and wind passed, so a delay is possible. The group size is capped at 10 travelers, which keeps the session relatively small, though it doesn’t guarantee a private experience.

You receive confirmation when you book, and the ticket is mobile. Several time slots are offered, so you can choose from the available schedule. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted, and the fare is not refunded.

After the jump, you could make a separate visit to Punt Road Winery or the Napoleon Ciderhouse. These are suggested nearby stops, not part of the parachute package, so plan and pay for them separately.

Should you book the Yarra Valley jump?

Book it if you want the rush of a tandem parachute jump paired with a memorable view over the Yarra Valley, and you’re prepared for the cost of optional photos, possible delays, and the risks involved. The friendly, reassuring approach described by past jumpers is a welcome part of the experience, especially for a first jump.

Hold off until you’ve spoken with the operator if a 15,000-foot exit is essential to your decision, if you’re near the weight limits, or if you have a medical concern. The most useful question to ask is simple: what altitude should I expect on my date? If the answer works for you, this is a compelling way to see the valley from an angle few day trips can match.

FAQ

Where does the jump start and end?

It starts at Lilydale Airport, 13 MacIntyre Lane, Yering VIC 3770, Australia. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long should I allow?

The estimated duration is about two hours. Weather can affect timing, so allow extra flexibility in your day.

How high is the jump?

The advertised maximum is 15,000 feet, or about 4,570 meters. This is an up to figure, so confirm the expected exit height with the operator if it matters to you.

How long is the freefall?

The freefall is advertised as lasting up to 60 seconds.

Is the jump tandem?

Yes. You’re secured to a qualified tandem instructor, who guides you through the jump.

Are photos and video included?

No. Photos and video can be purchased at the drop zone. The listed cost is A$179 per person, with the amount varying by package.

What happens if I weigh 94 kilograms or more?

A surcharge applies above 94 kilograms. At 94 kilograms or more, the Drop Zone Safety Officer must assess you on site, considering harness size and weather conditions.

Can someone aged 16 to 18 take part?

Yes, with parental or legal guardian consent. If the parent or guardian cannot attend on the day, notify the office immediately so consent documents can be arranged.

Are there restrictions before the jump?

You must not drink alcohol within eight hours before the jump or scuba dive within 24 hours beforehand. If you have a medical condition or concern, check with your GP about whether parachuting is suitable.