Balloon Aloft - Australia's Leading Balloon Flight Operator
In 1980 Balloon Aloft offered the very first passenger balloon rides in Australia and over forty years later we remain the market leader, delivering the highest quality hot air balloon flights and service, with flight locations in Byron Bay, the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Camden and Burketown (Moungibi).
Balloon Aloft is a family owned and operated business dedicated to creating memories that last a lifetime. Our team of experienced and dedicated hot air ballooning pilots and flight crew will ensure your safety and comfort, while sharing their knowledge of the flight region and its hidden gems.
We are committed to providing sustainable and accessible tourism experiences that are inclusive and environmentally responsible. In 2023 we added the state’s first Accessible Hot air Balloon to our fleet, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the wonder of a balloon flight.
Recognized as the NSW Tourism Adventure Operator of the Year in 2022 and 2023, the entire Balloon Aloft team are committed to providing exceptional flight experiences and one-of-a-kind adventures.
Are you ready for your next adventure?
Looking for a
Gift Voucher?
A Balloon Aloft Gift Voucher can be redeemed in any of our NSW locations and includes a sunrise hot air ballooning adventure followed by a delicious breakfast. It can also be redeemed for our very special Burketown (Moungibi) flight experience in the Gulf of Carpentaria– it’s the perfect gift.
What to Expecton a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Arrive
Arriving at the Meeting Location before sunrise, you can get to know your flight team before departing aboard our vehicles for the launch site.
Prepare for launch
At the Launch Site your balloon is inflated, ready to launch
Enjoy the flight
Your balloon launches and you will drift across the sky for approximately 1 hour
Pack up
Following the landing you can participate in the balloon pack up experience and, if the conditions are right, even walk inside the deflating balloon
Finally
Finally it’s time to enjoy the Celebration Breakfast with your fellow balloonists at a local Restaurant
Meet the team
Balloon Aloft boasts, amongst its exceptional balloon flight team, several Australian Hot Air Ballooning Championship winners, as well as a Women’s World Championship winner, ensuring that your Balloon Aloft flight team are a cut above the rest.
Flexible Flight Locations
Balloon Aloft hot air balloon flights depart at sunrise from some of Australia’s most spectacular locations including Camden in the Sydney-Macarthur region, Mudgee, the Hunter Valley, Byron Bay and Burketown (Moungibi). Balloon Aloft tickets and gift vouchers can be transferred between locations offering you the greatest options and flexibility.
Over 40 Years Flying in Australia
Balloon Aloft has been offering superior hot air balloon flights and service for over forty years. With unparalleled experience and dedication, your comfort and safety are assured.
Award Winning Service
Balloon Aloft is the proud winner of the 2022 and 2023 Gold NSW Tourism Award for Adventure Tourism, as well as an inductee of the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame, having won more than six consecutive Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Awards. In addition to this, Balloon Aloft is a holder of a Quality Tourism Australia Accreditation, your guarantee of Tourism Excellence.
Commitment to Sustainability
Balloon Aloft are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices. We recognize the importance of preserving the environment for future generations. and understand the impact our actions have on the planet. We are striving to reduce our carbon footprint, protect natural habitats, and promote eco-friendly practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hot Air Ballooning is a weather dependent activity so if your balloon flight has to be cancelled by us due to unsuitable weather conditions then you are welcome to rebook anytime within the validity period of your ticket or voucher. Flexi Ticket holders may also request a refund for a valid ticket (an administration fee may apply). Gift Voucher and Flight Ticket holders will be able to rebook only. Please see the terms and conditions for details.
Balloons and their baskets actually come in all different sizes and our fleet of balloons range in carrying capacity from 2 passengers up to 24 passengers. Aboard our shared flights there is generally 6 – 24 passengers aboard. The exact number of passengers aboard any given flight is going to be determined by how many people are booked for the day but the important thing to note is that the layout of these baskets ensures that everyone is still able to have a great view. Our baskets are divided into passenger compartments with the smaller balloons having two passenger compartments (which will hold 3-4 passenger each) and 4 passenger compartments the larger balloon with 4 – 6 people in each compartment. The compartments allow for 4, 5 or 6 adults, depending on the basket size, to stand shoulder to shoulder facing outwards, to enjoy the amazing view.
Our flights generally meet 60 – 120 minutes before the time of sunrise on the day. You will be notified of the exact meeting time the evening before your flight. Your meeting time is likely to fall between the following time frames-
January: 3:45am – 5:00am
February: 4:15am – 5:15am
March: 4:45am – 5:45am
April: 5:00am – 6:00 AEDST / 4:00am – 5:00am AEDT
May: 4:30am – 5:45am
June: 4:45am – 6:00am
July: 4:45am- 6:00am
August: 4:15am -5:45am
September: 3:45 am – 4:45am
October: 3:45am – 4:45am AEDT / 4:00 – 5:00 AEDST
November: 3:45am – 5:00am
December: 3:45am – 4:45am
Keep in mind that these timings are a guideline only. On occasion your exact meeting time may fall outside of these times, if deemed necessary by the pilots.
When booking a balloon flight you will be asked to confirm that all passengers in your group meet our ‘Fit to Fly‘ requirement.
We define ‘Fit to Fly’ as having no significant knee, hip or back problems; no recent surgeries or broken bones; are able to stand for an hour; climb in to the basket using the footholds cut in to the side of the basket; bend your knees to absorb a bump as the balloon lands, weigh less than 140kg and are not currently pregnant.
Hot Air Ballooning is a relatively gentle activity however there is some level of active participation on the part of each passenger during every balloon flight. Firstly, you will need to be able to climb aboard the balloon at the beginning of your flight using the foot-holds cut in to the side of the basket. This a bit like climbing up a short ladder and then down the other side again.
Secondly, you will need to be able to stand unassisted for the duration of the flight.
Thirdly, as the balloon comes in to land, all passengers will need to adopt the landing position with knees bent in front of you while you assume a slight sitting posture, with your back braced on the padded basket wall behind you and holding on to the rope handles with both hands. The impact of a balloon landing can vary from almost unnoticeable to similar to the impact of jumping off a small chair. If you would be unable to jump of a small chair it’s best to speak to you doctor before booking a balloon flight.
Provided they meet the Fitness to Fly requirements, adults of any age can enjoy a balloon flight. If you are in doubt about whether you are ‘Fit to Fly’, give our team a call on 1300 891 930.
All children aged 7 years or older that meet the Fitness to Fly requirements are able to fly provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Customer High Fives
“Awesome experience, staff and pilots were cool and friendly. Weather was great and the breakfast afterwards was excellent. Highly recommended A+++”
