Ruqayyah Snyder
Bungee jumping is an extreme sport that involves jumping from a tall structure while tethered by a long elastic cord. While it is popular in many countries, its legality varies across the world. In Australia, bungee jumping has had a complex history, with bans and restrictions in place in certain regions. So, is bungee jumping illegal in Australia? Let's explore the topic further.
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What You'll Learn
Bungee jumping is banned in New South Wales
Bungee jumping is currently banned in New South Wales, Australia. In fact, the only place in Australia where you can bungee jump is Cairns, located in Far North Queensland. This is due to a ban on bungee jumping in New South Wales that was enacted in 1990 following an accident in which two people were injured when one of the cords attached to their feet broke, leaving them dangling just above the water.
The incident, which occurred in Sydney, involved former Miss Australia Natalie McCurry and a staff member of the Bungee Bats group, who took a tandem plunge with their arms wrapped around each other and elastic cords attached to their ankles. They were supposed to be stopped a couple of yards above the water, but the cord broke, and they plunged 130 feet, resulting in McCurry suffering a broken collarbone.
Following the accident, John Fahey, the New South Wales industrial relations minister, said that bungee jumping would be banned until a report was completed on the accident. It is unclear if this ban has ever been lifted, and there are currently no places to bungee jump in Sydney or the entirety of New South Wales.
While bungee jumping may not be available in New South Wales, there are other adventurous activities that thrill-seekers can enjoy, such as skydiving, the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb, and the Treetops Adventure Western Sydney.
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Cairns is the only place to bungee jump in Australia
Bungee jumping is not as prevalent in Australia as in neighbouring New Zealand. In Australia, bungee jumping was banned in the 1990s after an accident in which two people were injured when one of the cords attached to their feet broke, leaving them dangling just above the water. Former Miss Australia Natalie McCurry suffered a broken collarbone in the incident.
Since then, bungee jumping has been restricted in Australia. Queensland, the adventure capital, is the only state where you can still go bungee jumping. Within Queensland, Cairns is the only place where you can pay to bungee jump. The site is located around 20 minutes from Cairns and was chosen for the beauty of its surroundings in the Cairns rainforest. The bungee tower was built in 1989 by AJ Hackett, the man who pioneered commercial bungee jumping in New Zealand in the late 1980s.
The Cairns bungee jump is 50 metres high, and jumpers rocket over a natural lagoon within the stunning Australian rainforest. The site is open all year round and is owned and operated by AJ Hackett, who comply with all current regulations and safety requirements. They have completed over four million safe bungee jumps worldwide. The cost of bungee jumping in Cairns ranges from $100 to $300, depending on what you want to do.
In addition to the 50-metre bungee jump, there are other activities at the site, including the Giant Jungle Swing, which can be done solo or tandem. Thrill-seekers can also book the Fast Four Combo, which combines Australia's only bungee jump with a tandem skydive, white-water rafting on the Barron River, and a full day of outer reef snorkelling.
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The ban was due to an accident in 1990
Bungee jumping is currently only available in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. This is due to a ban on bungee jumping in New South Wales following an accident in 1990, in which two people were injured when one of the cords attached to their feet broke, leaving them dangling just above the water.
The accident involved former Miss Australia Natalie McCurry, who suffered a broken collarbone, and a staff member of the Bungee Bats group, who took a tandem plunge from a crane in Sydney's Birkenhead Point. Following the accident, John Fahey, the New South Wales industrial relations minister, banned the sport until a report was completed on the incident.
Bungee Bats director Wayne Page stated that all regular safety checks had been conducted before the jump, including weigh-ins, and that the cords used had a tension matching the combined weight of the jumpers. Despite this, the exact cause of the problem remains unknown.
The ban on bungee jumping in New South Wales was intended to be temporary, but it is unclear if it has been lifted. As a result, Cairns remains the only place in Australia where bungee jumping is permitted, and it is a popular destination for thrill-seekers. The site is located in the Cairns rainforest and offers stunning scenery and views.
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BASE jumping is mostly illegal in Australia
Bungee jumping is not banned in Australia, but it is heavily restricted. Cairns in Queensland is currently the only place in Australia where bungee jumping is offered. The site is nestled in the Cairns rainforest and is run by AJ Hackett, who pioneered commercial bungee jumping in New Zealand in the late 1980s.
Bungee jumping was temporarily banned in New South Wales in the 1990s after an accident. Former Miss Australia Natalie McCurry and a staff member of the Bungee Bats group were injured when one of the cords attached to their feet broke, leaving them dangling just above the water. As a result of the accident, John Fahey, the New South Wales industrial relations minister, banned the sport until a report was completed on the incident.
While bungee jumping is not banned in Australia today, BASE jumping, which is similar to bungee jumping but performed from lower altitudes, is mostly illegal in the country. BASE jumping is a recreational sport that involves jumping from fixed objects, such as buildings, antennas, bridges, or cliffs, and using a parachute to descend to the ground. It is considered one of the most dangerous extreme sports due to its proximity to the jump platform and smaller landing areas.
In Australia, BASE jumping is not explicitly banned, but the country has some of the toughest stances on the sport. Certain objects, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, are specifically banned for BASE jumping. While there is no written legislation prohibiting BASE jumping in Australia, those who engage in the activity can be charged with various infringements, such as trespassing, public endangerment, and unauthorized use of a parachute.
Australian BASE jumpers have called for the sport to be decriminalized, arguing that it can be practiced safely with the permission of building owners. However, authorities have concerns about the risks involved, and there have been at least 36 BASE jumping deaths worldwide in a single year, according to Blinc Magazine.
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There are alternative activities to bungee jumping in Australia
Bungee jumping is not permitted in New South Wales, so you won't find a place to do it in Sydney or anywhere else in the state. However, there are still plenty of adventurous alternatives to try in Australia.
If you're seeking an adrenaline rush, head to Cairns in Queensland, the only place in Australia where you can bungee jump. The site is nestled in the Cairns rainforest and is run by AJ Hackett, who pioneered commercial bungee jumping in New Zealand. If you're not keen on bungee jumping, the same site offers a Giant Jungle Swing, which can be done solo or tandem and reaches speeds of up to 120km/h.
For those who want to stay in Sydney, there are plenty of other thrilling activities to try. You can take on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb if you're not afraid of heights, or even try skydiving. Sydney also offers coastal hikes, kayaking in the harbour, and True Crime tours for a different kind of thrill.
If you're looking for a multi-day adventure, you can book the Fast Four Combo in Cairns, which includes Australia's only bungee jump, a tandem skydive, white water rafting on the Barron River, and a full day of outer reef snorkelling. So, while bungee jumping options are limited in Australia, there are still plenty of heart-pumping experiences to be had!
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Frequently asked questions
Bungee jumping is not illegal in Australia, but it is only available in one place: Cairns, Queensland.
It is difficult to get insurance for bungee jumping in Australia due to the risky nature of the sport.
No, bungee jumping was banned in New South Wales in 1990 after an accident in which two people were injured. It is unclear whether bungee jumping was banned in other states at this time.
One of the cords attached to the feet of the jumpers broke free, leaving them dangling just above the water. One of the jumpers, Natalie McCurry, suffered a broken collarbone.
All bungee jumpers in Cairns must be at least 10 years old. There do not appear to be any upper age limits. There are also little to no height restrictions.
