Red Bull Flugtag 2018

Sydney, NSW, Australia

Red Bull Flugtag challenges teams to build homemade, human-powered flying machines and pilot them off a 30-foot high deck in hopes of them achieving flight. What could possibly go wrong?

Despite Flugtag meaning “flying day” in German, pretty much all of these crafts ultimately splash into the waters below. Sydney, Australia last held the prestigious flying competition back in 2010, entrants are judged not only on their flight’s distance, but creativity and showmanship as well. This zany event challenges gifted lionhearts to design, build and fly home-made air contraptions off a 6-metre high platform with the anticipation of soaring into the skies, or more likely, diving into Sydney’s blue heavenly waters below them.

Originating in a small seaside town in the south of England under the name “Birdman Rally” in 1971, over 150 events have been run world-wide to hundreds of thousands of adoring fans. The Sydney edition will this year be held at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and is a free event for all to witness.

Criteria for entry is both amazing and crazy. Entrants must wear ridiculous costumes, perform a team dance on the platform and then hop into their flying machine and sore off the end of the platform, heading for the skies. Everyone from your average joe to Harvard and MIT grads have taken up the challenge to build their own flying machine from scratch.

‘Check out the bright costumes, crazy dance-offs, loud music and whimsical birdman flying machines as they take off against the backdrop of the iconic Sydney Harbour, on a day where silliness is encouraged.’

So if a day of pure silliness on the infamous Sydney Harbour is on the cards, head out for a free day in the sunshine with friends, dance along the waterfront and watch strange flying contraptions hit the Aussie blue skies.

Where does the Red Bull Flugtag Sydney take place?

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench, on a peninsula in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, Australia. Darling Harbour is a harbour adjacent to the city centre of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is also a large recreational and pedestrian precinct that is situated on western outskirts of the Sydney central business district.

How to get around Sydney

Airplanes at Sydney’s international airport fly in from all major international cities and state airports, with easy transfers by coach or train into the city centre.

The city circle train service is very efficient and an easy for trips in and out of the CBD. The harbour is easily accessed by foot from the CBD.

Water taxis are a fast way to shunt around the harbour, from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay in as little as 15 minutes. Companies will quote on any pick-up point within the harbour and the river, including private jetties, islands and other boats.

Most Sydney ferries operate between 6am and midnight. The standard Opal card one-way fare for most harbour ferry services.

Where to stay for Red Bull Flugtag

There are thousands of accommodation apartments, hotel suites, hostels and Airbnb’s available along Sydney Harbour and in the city itself, catering to all budgets.

Song Hotel Sydney is a 5-minute walk from Museum rail station and 2.7 km from Darling Harbour. Simple rooms come offer shared bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making equipment. Upgraded quarters have en-suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs, some even include mini fridges and microwaves. Complimentary continental breakfast is served in a laid-back cafe.

The Capsule Hotel offers futuristic-style accommodation in the heart of the Sydney CBD, with easy access to the harbour. Free WiFi is included. Featuring front or side entry, each unique capsule comes with in-capsule safety deposit box, a secure locker, USB plugs, a mirror and adjustable lights with power point. All rooms are air-conditioned and bed linen is provided. The deluxe side entry capsule includes android TV and towels. An unusual hotel experience for the adventurous.

Things to do in Sydney

It’s Sydney! So there’s so much to do in the area, whether you are after great retail, food, attractions or heading to Bondi Beach, this city has it all.

Enjoy a high speed adventure like no other with a jet boat experience on the Sydney Harbour. On this half hour jet boat ride, embrace the thrills of fast paced spins, heart racing manoeuvres and plenty of splashes, while the boat literally flies along the waters. With views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and much more, this experience proves as more than just a extreme adventure, it also couples as a great sight seeing opportunity also.

The Combat Flight Simulator Experience sees visitors kitted up in a jumpsuit and headset before climbing into the replica cockpit of an FA18 Super Hornet. With the chance to control the aircraft at take-off and landing visitors become familiar with the controls and the feel of the aircraft in no time at all.

Red Bull Flugtag 2018 Dates

The date for the Red Bull Flugtag in Sydney is November 10th, 2018.