The Best Places to Fly a Kite in Melbourne

Believe it or not, it is an offence in Victoria to fly a kite to 'the annoyance of any person' in a public place with a maximum penalty of a $777 fine. Not withstanding this law, there are plenty of places in Melbourne to fly a kite where you won't even get close to annoying anyone, even very grumpy people.

The key requirements are somewhere away from power lines, houses and people. Some suggested locations in Melbourne are:

• Edwardes Lake Park, Griffiths Street, Reservoir has huge open spaces for kite flying and a nice playground.
  
• Rosebud foreshore (a kite festival is held there every March long weekend).
  
• Jones Park, 23 Albion Street, Brunswick East (big open space and a nice playground).
  
• All Nations Park, Hopetoun Street, Northcote (grassy areas, two playgrounds, outdoor gym, skatepark).
  
• There is an awesome nature playspace next to the Royal Children's Hospital which has loads of clear grass next to it for kites too.
  
• Elwood foreshore has lots of space and wind.
  
• Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster East is 68 hectares in size and has huge hilly areas free of trees and three playgrounds.
  
• Jells Park in Wheelers Hill has large open grassy areas and a number of playgrounds.
  
• Westerfolds Park in Templestowe has lots of space and rolling hills to run down to get your kite in the air.
  
• Quarries Park in Clifton Hill has large open areas and a nice playground.

The Rosebud KiteFest is held each year during the Labour Day long weekend in March. The Rosebud Kite Festival is an extraordinary kite flying fiesta that celebrates the art of the kite, located on the Rosebud foreshore and Village Green. There are plenty of fun activities for the family often including kite workshops, circus play, animal petting, face painting, mini golf, Aboriginal craft, and carnival rides. You can bring your kites down to fly in the family kite flying area and watch the professionals gracing the skies with their colourful creations.



The annual Darebin Community and Kite Festival typically held in March at Edwardes Lake Park has been incorporated into a new multi-disciplinary arts and cultural festival, delivered twice a year every Autumn and Spring.



Join the Melbourne Kite Flying Club Facebook group if you want to do some serious kite flying.

The law relating to flying kites is:

• Australian Civil Aviation regulations state that you must not fly a kite more than 122 metres above ground level or within 4 kilometres of an airfield. You should avoid take off and landing flight paths.
  
• You must observe local by-laws: You must not fly a kite so as to create a public nuisance, this includes noise. Some public places, e.g. parks, camp sites etc may have a ban on kite flying.

KiteSmart, who sell a wide range of kites, has produced the following safety guidelines for kite flying:

• Avoid overhead power lines at all times. Kite lines can conduct electricity and electricity can kill!
  
• Avoid flying near roads, busy footpaths, railways, canals & rivers.
  
• Choose an open, clear area for flying, away from the public if possible. (Fast moving, diving or crashing kites and flying lines can hurt people).
  
• Avoid flying in stormy, thundery weather, particularly on beaches. (lightning can strike or static electrical charges build up and run to earth down your line and through you, you may receive burns or worse).
  
• Avoid flying near trees, they can entangle your kite & lines, and your kite may be impossible to retrieve.
  
• Avoid flying too close to other kites to avoid tangled or cut lines, damaged kites and accidents.
  
• Avoid startling pets and livestock, particularly horses when being ridden.
  
• Be aware of the dangers of tethering your kite, (this includes tethered inflatables). Always see that your anchor is secure and clearly visible. Never leave a tethered kite unattended, always be ready to take control.
  
• Be aware of the pull, lift and speed of some large single line kites and many multi-line sport kites.
  
• Do not fly in winds that are too strong for those recommended for your kite, and make sure that all knots, clips, and spars are secure and that your line is suitable for the wind conditions.
  
• Do not fly in winds beyond your strength.
  
• Do not run with your kite unless absolutely essential and be sure that the ground ahead is clear and fairly level.
  
• Never leave any "waste" kite materials on the flying field. Always pick up broken spars, clips, line etc, and take them home.
  
• Supervise inexperienced flyers and children, seek instruction before flying stunt and sport kites.
  
• Do not allow the line to wrap around fingers or limbs. Kite lines can cut deeply and cause friction burns. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
  
• Keep your feet clear of kite lines and tails on the ground.
  
• Wear sun glasses or peaked cap to protect eyes in bright light. Protect yourself from exposure to the sun.
  
• Be aware that if your kite becomes entangled in power lines (apart from the serious dangers) you may cause power failures and receive a large bill for its removal.
  
• Be aware that if you cause an accident you may be liable to pay out large sums of money in compensation.

To find more about kiting, the Drachen Foundation is a non-profit corporation devoted to the increase and propogation of knowledge about kites worldwide.