Thrill seekers flock for beach landings

Adrenalin junkies are flocking to Busselton to experience the buzz of sky diving straight onto the beach.

Interest in the white-knuckle thrill has rocketed since Southern Skydivers started beach landings at Easter.

“It’s a great way for our customers to take in all the region has to offer,” co-owner Amy Stutt said.

“After the jump they have a celebratory drink at The Goose Cafe and check out what’s happening at the foreshore.”

Mrs Stutt said her research showed 7600 skydive-specific customers came to the region last year, pumping more than $600,000 into the economy.

Beach landings typically occur about 1km east of Busselton Jetty and every measure taken to avoid noise disturbance by flying at altitudes as high as 15,000ft.

City of Busselton commercial services manager Jenny May said the skydiving application went through a comprehensive review, requiring endorsement from the Australian Parachute Foundation and compliance with the City’s Noise Management Plan and aircraft Noise Abatement Zone.

“The City is delighted to learn there has been a keen uptake from the public who have signed up to experience a tandem parachute jump, landing on Busselton foreshore and experiencing a freefall descent lasting 60 seconds,” she said.

Geographe Bay Tourism Association chief executive Simon Taylor said there was no doubt sky-diving was fuelling extra visitation to the region

“The spectacular natural beauty the region boasts certainly lends itself to these kinds of activities and the Geographe Bay Tourism Association would encourage the establishment of other adventure type businesses in the region,” he said.