Donna Buang

A ramp site overlooking Warburton, about 90 km north-east of Melbourne. It can be flown in a number of wind directions, which gives a diverse range of conditions. In cooler southerlies of 10 to 15 mph, expect relatively smooth ridge soaring with occasional light cycles. Warmer days and light southerlies bring livelier thermals, but possibly the best thermal conditions come in very light winds of 0 to 5 mph and light northerlies of up to 10 mph, with healthy thermals triggering off the lee face. With northerlies, some turbulence and associated sink has to be expected: unless you are in a thermal it does not pay to stay too close to the ridge, so head straight out to the logged area directly in front, where a climb can often be found.

Launch & conditions

Make sure the wind is straight up the slot, and with good launch technique there will be no problems. In thermal conditions, or in any wind direction other than a southerly, it is essential to wait for a lull or a cycle to straighten the wind in the slot — watch the streamers and the trees on either side carefully and make sure they are moving equally, or you can encounter strong rotor. It is essential to begin the launch at the apex of the ramp, at the base-bar chocks; launching further back along the lesser incline is unnecessary and only invites a nose-high launch.

Getting there & local rules

The ramp is on the Healesville–Mount Donna Buang road, roughly 1.5 km from the summit road leading up from Warburton. Drop gear off at the cleared set-up area above the road, then park cars clear of the ramp, taking note of the parking restriction signs. Beware of traffic when carrying gliders across the road from the set-up area, and make sure not to block it.

Local rules & hazards

The club recommends this site only for advanced-rated pilots, or suitably experienced intermediate-rated pilots with mountain cross-country experience, the judgement and skills to fly it safely, and on-site supervision by an advanced-rated pilot with current local experience. Controlled airspace starts at 7,500 ft above sea level over launch, with airliners flying directly down the range — check the current chart. Flying over the back leaves you with approximately 25 km of forest before the first landing. The valley wind can be very different from the wind on launch. It is of paramount importance to be completely familiar with the properties that may be landed in: some have specifically asked not to be used, and getting it wrong could put the site in jeopardy — check the landing options with an experienced local pilot before flying.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Donna Buang, 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 Donna Buang with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.