Travel Guides and Stories

If you get the chance, skydiving is something you should try at least once in your lifetime. Experience the thrill of free fall, and then, fly! And if you're lucky like me, you'll land on a beautiful beach next to the Great Barrier Reef. At 14,000 feet (about 4,000 meters), we chose the highest available jump altitude. When I asked the instructor if we could go higher, he explained that 14,000 feet is actually the theoretical maximum for skydiving - any higher and you'd risk hypoxia due to the altitude.

As our tiny aircraft slowly climbed, a picturesque view unfolded before us. Soon, we were above the clouds. This was a special part of my birthday gift from my boyfriend, and sharing such a rare experience with someone you love is truly wonderful. During the pre-jump interview with the instructor's camera, I told him this was my 27th birthday gift, and that when I turn 72, I'll celebrate with another skydive! Though it was said half-jokingly, after completing the jump, I knew for certain that this wouldn't be my last time skydiving.

Getting ready for takeoff, I touched our landing flag - soon we'd be landing on this beautiful beach.

14,000 feet (about 4,000 meters) was the highest jump option available. When I asked if we could go higher, the instructor explained that this was the theoretical maximum safe altitude for skydiving - any higher would risk hypoxia due to the altitude.

Our compact aircraft climbed steadily, revealing breathtaking views. Eventually, we found ourselves above the clouds.

In the distance, the thin yellow beach at the edge where land meets sea was our designated landing spot - it looked so narrow from up here.

I jokingly asked the instructor if I'd need to use the lifejacket in my pocket if we missed the landing zone. (The yellow inflatable lifejacket, similar to those on airplanes, would keep you afloat if you landed in water.) He reassured me that in all their years, they'd never had to use a single lifejacket. I laughed and said I wasn't worried about the water since I could swim - I was more concerned about the saltwater crocodiles known to frequent the area! The joke helped lighten the mood in the cabin. Watching the altimeter climb, I felt excitement rather than nervousness, and we happily posed for photos.

When we reached our target altitude, the cabin door rolled open. I watched my boyfriend and his instructor leap out, quickly becoming tiny dots among the white clouds. Before I knew it, it was my turn. Sitting at the doorway with my legs dangling outside, my instructor tilted my head back against his shoulder, and whoosh - we were out!

We experienced about 60 seconds of freefall before opening the parachute - an unforgettable minute. After exiting, we did a flip before diving down. I spread my arms as trained, feeling like I was truly flying! In the photo, you can see our plane behind my left wrist.

To be honest, I was a bit dazed at first, but never scared. The wind roared past my ears, making it hard to keep my eyes open, and it was cold due to the high altitude - I was only wearing a T-shirt and shorts. We were moving incredibly fast, but without reference points, it didn't feel frightening like jumping off a building. We passed through some clouds where visibility was zero for a few seconds, then emerged into clear skies. The instructor gestured towards the camera on his wrist, and I started making funny faces at it...

Following his countdown, the parachute deployed with a whoosh, dramatically slowing our descent. My hair, which had been standing straight up like a "plant doll," finally settled down. I could open my eyes properly and leisurely enjoy the view. The instructor handed me the two control lines, and following his instructions, I pulled left and right, making us spin in clockwise and counterclockwise circles - it was incredible fun! I couldn't stop laughing and shouting with joy.

As we prepared to land, I returned the control lines to the instructor and tucked up my legs as instructed. I could already see my boyfriend and his instructor on the beach. Excitedly waving to them, he captured photos of me and our beautiful parachute from the ground.

Touchdown! We landed smoothly and precisely on the beach!

Sharing the joy of success together, it was truly special to experience such an amazing adventure with someone you love.

If you ever visit Cairns, don't miss out on this incredible experience!