You’re in Sydney and you’ve decided you want to go skydiving. Now you’re deciding on where to skydive. There is no drop zone located within Sydney itself. This is mostly due to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport and associated controlled airspace and air traffic. This means you’ll need to travel a little bit outside of Sydney to skydive.
There are skydive Sydney Wollongong options including BIGWAVE Skydive in Shellharbour. To the west of Sydney there is another skydive option in Picton.
1. Sydney Skydiving Price
Most people will only skydive once in their lifetime. In the current economic climate, ticking off that bucket list item is a fairly significant investment.
Tandem skydiving costs around Sydney can fluctuate based on the day of the week and holiday periods. Typically, weekdays come with more budget-friendly options, and drop zones often feature out-of-season skydiving specials. As a general estimate, be prepared to invest upwards of $300 for a tandem skydive around Sydney. Prices vary based on location, skydive height and company. The table at the end of this blog gives a summary of the skydiving Sydney price options.
I would recommend asking for a discount. There is no harm and many providers often have promotions running. This can make a significant price difference, especially if you’re a group of four or more.
You can always add on standard (handcam) photo and video packages on the day. This also helps to break down the initial outlay. Some providers, including BIGWAVE Skydive offer a deposit option. This is great to defer some of the total cost of your skydive. At BIGWAVE Skydive, we collect the balance on the day which is great if you’re a large group booking together. It means you can each pay your portion.
2. Skydive Booking Agents
It’s common for skydiving operators to collaborate with booking agents such as Red Balloon or Adrenaline. While these agents offer a convenient way to book your jump, it’s essential to note that they may not represent all Sydney skydiving operators. It is difficult to compare the total skydiving price since most agents do not sell the photo and video packages. Additionally, many backpacker accommodation agents may not present all available Sydney skydive options due to commission agreements. One crucial point to remember is that these agents often charge a substantial booking commission. If you come across a deal on their sites, don’t hesitate to enquire with the skydive operator directly, as they may match or even surpass the offer. Booking direct means cutting out the middleman and being able to negotiate and ask for a discount.
At BIGWAVE Skydive, if you find a better skydiving Sydney Wollongong price for a beachside tandem skydive, we’ll beat it by $20. This include agents, booking direct and promotions.
3. Skydiving Locations around Sydney
There are a few options for skydiving in Sydney. Keep in mind that Sydney itself doesn’t host skydiving operations due to restrictions around Sydney International Airport. Instead, neighbouring towns like Picton, Shellharbour and Wollongong offer different skydiving experiences. All options are within a 2-hour drive and accessible via the train from Sydney.
BIGWAVE Skydive checks in clients directly at Shellharbour Airport, while a skydive in Wollongong means a 30-minute bus ride to Shellharbour Airport. Picton’s drop zone has its own airstrip.
For many people, finding the best skydiving Sydney option means the location is key. An inland skydive like Picton doesn’t offer coastal views. BIGWAVE Skydive in Shellharbour is in a unique location with spectacular views. The coastal landscape which is includes Bushrangers Bay, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, makes for the best skydive Sydney Wollongong photos. Not only does this take your tandem skydive to the next level, but the backdrop makes all the difference in your skydiving photos and video!
4. Skydiving in Sydney – Backdrop and Views
This is the most differentiating factor between skydiving options in Sydney. Consider whether you prefer coastal or rural landscapes for your tandem skydiving experience. BIGWAVE Skydive boasts a coastal backdrop, but not just a blue ocean. The unparalleled views of Shellharbour’s iconic marina, jaw dropping turquoise beaches, Bass Point Reserve and Bushrangers Bay – creating a truly memorable skydive at the beach.
5. Safety
Since all the skydiving options around Sydney fall under the Australian Parachute Federation, they all adhere to the same stringent standards and safety protocols, ensuring a consistent and reliable tandem skydive experience across Sydney and indeed with all Australia skydiving.
Safety protocols are regulated with all operators subject to regular safety audits and compliance checks. When you do a tandem skydive in Australia, you must become a temporary member of the Australian Parachute Federation (APF). This includes signing the waiver. Once signed on, you’re automatically covered by the APF Insurance. Your membership fee is included in the skydiving price. On a side note, if you do another tandem skydive within 3 months of your first, you are still an APF member and do not need to sign up again.
BIGWAVE Skydive takes safety seriously, using the latest technology in parachute gear, and each instructor is responsible for packing their own parachute, adding an extra layer of security to your adventure. Our instructors are all highly experienced, each with over 15,000 skydives.
6. Ownership and Operations
Family-owned businesses, by their nature, are nimble and often willing to price match or better prices found elsewhere. If you value an authentic skydiving experience, a personalized touch, and supporting local businesses, a family-owned center like BIGWAVE Skydive may be the perfect fit for you. Not to forget, BIGWAVE Skydive is the only tandem skydive Sydney option that offers full refunds.
Corporate companies prioritise shareholder profits while choosing a family-owned business like BIGWAVE Skydive offers more than just a skydiving experience; it’s an opportunity to be part of a close-knit skydiving family and support local tourism.
7. Reviews
Most people rely on independent reviews to guide them in their decision making. While the actual skydiving experience is important, this would be reasonably similar between operations since they all target 15,000ft exit altitudes (unless you purchase a cheaper option with lower altitude). It’s more about the overall experience from check-in to return transfer. At BIGWAVE Skydive, we prioritize minimizing unnecessary wait times or travel, providing a personalised experience, and ensuring your entire skydiving journey is truly memorable. We exceed expectations because we are not a high volume skydiving company.
8. Shellharbour Amenities and Attractions
Being a highly weather dependent sport, skydiving sometimes means waiting around for clouds or wind to clear. Shellharbour boasts its marina and waterfront complete with modern dining precinct. Bass Point, Bushrangers Bay and Killalea Reserve are highly rated tourist attractions with camping and glamping available in Killalea. If you’re after the small beachside village vibe then Shellharbour village is for you. Kiama’s blowhole is a must-see natural attraction nearby.
Summary
The table below summarises the options and considerations when choosing your best skydiving Sydney adventure.
| BIGWAVE SKYDIVE – Shellharbour | Picton | Wollongong | |
| Base Price for Tandem Skydive (as at January 2024) | $399 | $309 for Mon-Fri $329 for Sat or Sun | $419 |
| Base Price for Photo Package | $119 | Not available | $129 |
| Base Price for Photo and Handcam Video Package | $169 | $159 | $179 |
| Total skydiving price (with most popular handcam photo and video package) | $568 | $488 | $598 |
| Cost to reschedule | Free | Free if more than 24 hours notice, otherwise $50 | $100 |
| Ultimate video package (outside cameraman) | $299 | $249 | $339 |
| Cancellation Fee | Full Refunds available | Conditional | 100% of booking value |
| Beach location | Yes | No | Yes |
| Take off location | Shellharbour (Wollongong) Airport | At drop zone | Shellharbour (Wollongong) Airport |
| Distance from Airport to Landing Area | 10 minutes | Land at drop zone | 30 minutes bus ride to airport |
| Company | Family-owned | Family-owned | Corporate Company |
| Maximum exit height | 15,000ft | 15,000ft | 15,000ft |
| Google Review Rating | 5-stars | 4.7 star | 4.6 star |
| Bus Transfer from Sydney | Train station transfer included (Wollongong / Albion Park Train Station) | Yes | Yes |
In conclusion, embarking on a tandem skydiving adventure around Sydney involves more than just the thrill of freefall. It’s about choosing the right location, backdrop, and operator that aligns with your preferences and values.