An Australian man has survived after plunging from an eighth storey balcony while performing a stunt during a Christmas party, police said today.

The 34-year-old, who was hosting after-work drinks, jumped over the balcony railing onto a ledge at his Sydney apartment, but lost his grip and fell 25 metres (80 feet) only to land on grass softened by torrential rain on Monday.

"The man was stabilised at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital where he is being treated for a fractured pelvis and internal injuries," police said in a statement.

"We think alcohol was possibly a factor," they added.

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