Mystic Harvest Operations 2025-26

Mystic Launch Access & Flight Restrictions: 2025-26 Harvest Operations

HVP, the operator of the pine plantations surrounding Mystic launch, will begin harvesting operations within Mystic Park in October 2025.

This is a significant operation that occurs only once every 25 years. This work will impact both launch access and flying over Marcus Ridge at various times between October 2025 and May 2026.

Please read the details below carefully before planning a trip to fly in North-East Victoria during this time.

Key Stages & Access Changes

6 October – 6 November 2025

Mystic launch closed
No Hike and Fly at all from 6 October to 6 November 2025*
Harvesting adjacent to launch zone
Note it is expected that Mystic launch will be closed during Melbourne Cup Weekend (1-4 November 2025). In the event that this phase of the harvest finishes before 1 November, the club will notify members of any changes to launch access.

6 November – 19 December 2025

Mystic Launch open
No flying over Marcus Ridge (strict no-fly zone)
Access only via Wandi / McClelland Road (13km, ~35 mins drive)

19 December 2025 – 27 January 2026

Mystic Launch open
Normal access via Mystic Lane resumes
No harvesting during this period

27 January – May 2026

Mystic Launch open
No flying over Marcus Ridge (no-fly zone remains in place)
Access again via Wandi / McClelland Road

Flying and access restrictions

A no-fly zone of 100m vertically and 50m laterally will be enforced around the harvest area.
This means no low passes or direct flying over Marcus Ridge while operations are active.
The zone will shift progressively down the ridge as harvesting moves.
There is no scope to delay the second harvest phase (starting 27 Jan 2026).
We are investigating whether normal access can resume during the Easter break, pending harvest progress.

* Emily Spur remains open for hiking/flying EXCEPT for the full closure between 6 Oct - 6 Nov

Access requirements to use Wandi entrance track

Wandi road will be upgraded to be 2WD accessible.
All drivers must complete a Mystic Park induction.
Details of required radio calls and protocols will be confirmed closer to November.

Tawonga Gap (TG) Flying Option

TG launch remains open throughout the harvest period
PG2 and PG3 pilots may only fly under supervision by a FI, SSO, or locally endorsed PG5
PG3 pilots are encouraged to complete their PG4 ahead of the season
A TG supervision workshop will be held before the October closure to endorse additional PG5s for supervision at TG

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