Balloon Aloft Turns 45

While the Hunter Valley and Camden Valley remain our home base, in the past decade we have expanded to new regions including Mudgee, Byron Bay, and Burketown — each offering its own unique charm from the sky.

In Mudgee, guests float over rolling vineyards and golden farmland, soaking in the quiet beauty of wine region at sunrise. Byron Bay offers an unforgettable coastal experience, where ocean views meet lush hinterland and sunrises break over the easternmost point of Australia. In Burketown, ballooning takes on a rare magic as you drift over Australia’s largest salt pan. 

Each new location adds richness to the Balloon Aloft story, allowing us to share the joy of flight with more communities across Australia.

One of the achievements we hold closest to our hearts is our partnership with Yagurli Tours and the Gangalidda and Garawa People in Burketown (Moungibi), which led to the creation of the world’s first Indigenous-owned hot air balloon. Set in the heart of the Gulf Country in the Gulf of Carpentaria, this project is more than a balloon flight — it’s a powerful celebration of Gangalidda culture, connection to Country, and storytelling from above.

Flying over the vast, ancient landscapes of Burketown (Moungibi), guests are offered an immersive cultural experience guided by Traditional Owners. Through Yagurli’s leadership, the flights honour Aboriginal knowledge systems, creation stories, and custodianship of land and sky, bringing these perspectives to life in a way that’s respectful, educational, and unforgettable.

This partnership has brought communities together and opened new pathways for Indigenous tourism. It reflects our shared belief that ballooning can be more than a breathtaking view – it can also elevate voices, foster connection, and create meaningful cultural exchange. We’re incredibly proud to support this ongoing journey with Yagurli Tours and the Gangalidda and Garawa People of Moungibi (Burketown).

Over the years, Balloon Aloft’s commitment to quality, safety, and outstanding guest experiences has been honoured with several prestigious awards. We are proud recipients of two Australian Tourism Awards – Adventure Tourism and Excellence in Accessible Tourism – recognising us as one of the country’s leading ballooning experiences. At the state level, we’ve also received four Gold Awards at the NSW Tourism Awards, and have been inducted into the NSW Tourism Hall of Fame for our sustained excellence in the industry.

Beyond awards, Balloon Aloft holds Quality Tourism Accreditation, reflecting our ongoing dedication to best practices, safety standards, and delivering memorable, high-quality experiences for every guest. These accolades are a testament to the hard work of our team and the trust our guests place in us – inspiring us to keep reaching new heights in all we do.

Inclusion is a core part of Balloon Aloft’s mission, and we’re proud to have introduced New South Wales’ first accessible hot air balloon flights – designed to welcome guests with limited  mobility or accessible requirements.

These flights in Hunter Valley feature a specially engineered basket with a door for easy access, secure seating, and support harnesses for comfort and safety. Our crew has also undergone specialised training to ensure every part of the journey –  from take-off to landing is smooth, respectful, and inclusive.

This Accessible basket is a joint initiative between Balloon Aloft and Cessnock City Council, and is the first of its kind in New South Wales. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of hot air ballooning and that accessibility is essential to creating a truly inclusive tourism industry. When everyone has the opportunity to experience the magic of travel, it makes the world a more welcoming and accessible place for all.

Balloon Aloft is proud to be home to some of Australia’s most skilled and passionate balloon pilots. Nicola Cronin, the three-time Women’s World Champion, not only brings extraordinary expertise but also inspires everyone around her with her dedication to the craft. Matt Scaife, Australian Ballooning Champion, shares his deep knowledge and love for ballooning, making every flight safe, smooth, and special.

Their achievements place them both at the highest level of skill in their field and are a reminder that ballooning is both an art and a science. These champions exemplify the level of professionalism and passion that guides Balloon Aloft’s operations daily. Having such talent on board enriches the experience for guests and helps foster a culture of continuous learning and excellence within the team.

At Balloon Aloft, caring for the environment we float over is a responsibility we take seriously. Over the past decade, we have invested in sustainable practices such as installing solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems at our bases to reduce our environmental footprint. Beyond these initiatives, we also actively offset carbon emissions generated by flights, striving to ensure our passion for ballooning harmonises with the natural world.

In 2024 we gained Sustainable Tourism Accreditation from EcoTourism Australia, reflecting our ongoing commitment to responsible operations. These achievements are not endpoints but milestones on an evolving journey to make ballooning more sustainable, both for our communities and for future generations of adventurers.

Since 2017, Balloon Aloft has proudly served as a Sea Shepherd Ambassador, flying the distinctive Sea Shepherd balloon at events and festivals across Australia and internationally. This eye-catching presence helps shine a spotlight on Sea Shepherd’s vital mission – protecting and conserving the world’s oceans and marine wildlife.

Sea Shepherd is an international non-profit organisation best known for its bold, hands-on approach to defending marine life. They work to combat illegal fishing, protect endangered species like whales, dolphins, sharks, and seals, and prevent habitat destruction and ocean pollution. Often partnering with governments, Sea Shepherd crews actively patrol marine protected areas and intervene against environmental crimes in real time.

We’re proud to help Sea Shepherd spread their message and inspire action, ensuring our oceans remain healthy and thriving for future generations.

Community and collaboration have always been at the heart of Balloon Aloft’s mission. Over the years, we’ve proudly partnered with local Hunter Valley icons such as Roche Estate, Peterson House, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, Hunter Valley Gardens, and O’Neil’s Tyres to create and fly custom-branded balloons. These balloons aren’t just eye-catching — they represent shared values, regional pride, and a deep connection to the place we call home.

By flying branded balloons, we offer our partners a powerful, visual platform to reach both locals and visitors alike. These collaborations allow us to support local businesses while championing causes and initiatives that matter to our community. It’s a unique way to bring attention to the stories behind the logos and to showcase the spirit of the Hunter from above.

Our Hunter Valley and Mudgee Night Glows and Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley Fiesta events have been much-loved highlights that bring communities together to celebrate ballooning – not just in the sky, but on the ground where everyone can take part. 

The iconic Balloon Aloft Night Glow events took place at Roche Estate in the Hunter Valley, and Glenwillow Stadium in Mudgee, where glowing balloons light up the evening sky in a synchronised dance of colour and music. Surrounded by vineyards, families and balloon enthusiasts gather to watch this magical spectacle unfold.

Our annual Balloon Fiesta is more than just a stunning spectacle of color and flight. It’s a vibrant community celebration filled with live music and the chance to meet our pilots and crew up close. 

At their core, Balloon Aloft  events are about connection—bringing people together to share in the joy, wonder, and magic of ballooning. Whether you’re watching the Fiesta balloons lift off at sunrise or soaking in the Night Glow festive atmosphere with loved ones, these events are a reminder that the spirit of adventure belongs to everyone.