Balloon rides · AUSTRALIA HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
Melbourne is one of very few cities on earth that lets balloons over the centre at dawn, and the Yarra Valley is twenty minutes further out. The 15 below cover both, plus the Gold Coast hinterland, with breakfast and winery stops priced in.
Rise before dawn for a 45 to 60 minute Go Ballooning flight over the Gold Coast city or hinterland, chosen by the wind. Ben, Murray, Reece, Casey, and the crew handle the flight and pack-up option, with pickup, drop-off, and a photo movie package included.
“Unfortunately it didn’t happen. The hot air balloon people tried on 3 separate days to get us airborne. The weather wasn’t good enough. Now awaiting refund of monies”
Rise before dawn for a 40-minute-plus balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands, with guides such as Josh, Frank, and Brownie adding local insight and humor. Hotel transfers, digital photos, a light snack, bubbly or juice, and a flight certificate are included.
“Experience was amazing, views you can't beat and the staff were extremely friendly and patient. Big thanks to Tori, Suzi and Bob.”
Start before dawn at Pullman Melbourne on the Park or choose CBD pickup. Global Ballooning Australia takes you to a wind-dependent launch site for about an hour in the air, with setup help, GoPro photos, a digital certificate, and an optional Balgownie Estate buffet breakfast.
“Very well organised event Didn’t enjoy getting up early but the spectacle was worth it Excellent staff and pilots Highly recommended”
You’ll leave Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach around 4am for a gentle sunrise flight over forests, vineyards, farms, and lakes. Guides such as Rob, Kelly, and pilot Dhawal provide commentary, then you’ll help pack the balloon before breakfast, bubbly, wine tasting, and alpacas at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards.
“This was me and my husband's first time on a Hot Air Balloon and it was quite a unique experience. Hot Air Gold Coast has a very professional team who know what they are doing. Unfortunately, there was no much wind the day we went up in a balloon. Inspite of that, it was a very nice experience slowing bobbing in the air looking around the farmlands. The highlight was watching a mob of Kangaroos skipping along below us. Such a happy feeling seeing them in their natural habitat like that. The breakfast after the ballooning was a decent meal. Overall, it is something you should definitely try while at…”
Rise before dawn in Northam for a gentle hot-air balloon flight over the Avon River and farming country. Your pilot explains the craft, offers hands-on help with setup and pack-down, then joins you for coffee and breakfast. Flights are weather dependent, with pilots such as Dan, Nick, Paul, and Pete.
“Thor was our bus driver he collected us from the crown (3am) and took us to Northam, you then get greeted by the team, signed in, and safety induction commences. (4.30) We were assigned Paul as our pilot we then return to the bus and make our way as one big convoy to nearby field. The team then get us into our groups and we begin to set up the balloons. (This is quite a long process in the morning, with travelling and setting up, but so worth it once you’re in the air for sunrise.) Paul was so nice, everyone worked well as a team and watching sunrise at…”
Start before dawn with hotel pickup from Alice Springs, then watch the crew prepare and inflate your balloon. Drift above the red desert near the MacDonnell Ranges for 30 or 60 minutes, with pilots such as Jason and Duncan sharing local insight. After landing, enjoy snacks and sparkling wine, and help pack away the balloon if you wish.
“It was amazing I loved it the tour guides were friendly the landing and take off so smooth can not wait to do again”
Meet around 5:00 am for a Liberty Balloon Flight over Melbourne, with a roughly one-hour ride, pilot guidance and views of the MCG, Museum and CBD. Your pilot may be Dan, Nick or Pete, and you may help prepare and pack away the balloon. Add breakfast at Hotel Windsor for A$50.
“Excellent trip. Very well organised with regular contact from the balloon company (Liberty). Be prepared for a very early start (ours was 4.15). Friendly & experienced pilot & support crew. You are involved in preparing for the flight & clear up Read more”
Meet at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins for an early private-car pickup and sunrise flight over the MCG, Yarra River, Shrine of Remembrance, and Flinders Street Station. Pilots including Viktor, Mitch, and Dom handle the flight, followed by breakfast at Sofitel. Children aged six and older may fly.
“A very memorable experience, a magical morning and highly recommend. It was certainly a bucket list item ticked off, and I look forward to my next one already. Professionally managed by Viktor and Mitch, thanks guys!”
Meet at Pullman Melbourne On The Park before dawn for a safety briefing and roughly one hour above Melbourne. Your pilot may be Eddie, Steve, Darius, Dave, or Tim. Help with the balloon on the ground, watch the city wake, and add a champagne buffet breakfast if you wish.
“It was our first balloon flight and it was a beautiful experience.”
Leave Perth at 4:00 am with driver Thor for Northam and a sunrise flight led by pilot Dan. You will help with balloon setup and packing, float above the Avon Valley at about 4,000 feet, then enjoy breakfast before returning to Burswood. The full outing takes 6 to 7 hours.
“Loved the whole experience especially the staff members. From the pilot ground staff etc. You won't regret it.”
Start before sunrise with a hotel pickup, then float above Alice Springs for 30 or 60 minutes as the MacDonnell Ranges catch the first light. The English-speaking crew handles the balloon, landing, snacks, sparkling wine, and return transfer. Pilots and guides may include Duncan, Jason, or Kaitlyn.
“An absolute highlight of my trip with my daughter. From our pick up to the packing up of the ballon, Katelyn was brilliant in every way. Would highly recommend.”
Meet at Ipswich Visitor Information Centre at 4:00 am for a small-group balloon flight over city and country views. Your professional pilot handles the flight while you may help inflate and pack the balloon, then enjoy a restaurant breakfast, sparkling wine toast, and flight certificate.
“It was something to tick off their bucket list and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience, company was great with information of the area they went across and breakfast was a great treat to top off the morning.”
Meet Windward Ballooning at 105 Withers Street in Northam before dawn. Watch the balloon inflate in the dark, rise over Avon Valley fields and streams, and return for a champagne breakfast. The flight lasts about four hours, with a maximum group size of 40.
“It is a unique experience, with breathtaking panoramic views! The only cons is the chilly morning and there is not bathroom in the place where we landed. Apart from that, everything is perfect including the breaky.”
Meet at 5:00 am at Rydges Geelong for transport to the launch field, about an hour in the air, and broad views over Geelong, the coast, and Bellarine Peninsula. The small-group flight accommodates up to 22 people and ends with a buffet breakfast at the hotel.
“We enjoyed the whole thing. Watching and participating in the set up and learning how the pilots work out the course was fascinating.”
Meet in Yarra Glen or arrange private Melbourne hotel pickup for an early hot-air-balloon flight over wineries, hills, and valleys. Your pilot points out the Yarra’s highlights as the sun rises. The 4 to 5-hour outing ends with a complimentary champagne breakfast at a country club.
“Excellent trip! Really enjoyed it. Shout out to Brian and the team of the rainbow balloon. You guys rock!”
Pick a valley, a river or a desert.
