Be the first to see the sunrise!
Our daily sunrise flights over the Byron Bay region – Australia’s most easterly point – gives you the unique opportunity to be the first to watch the morning’s sunrise over the Australian mainland from the air.
Balloon Aloft Byron Bay adventures have it all. Our newest flight location, Byron Bay is a year-round travel destination with gorgeous beaches, amazing hinterland, superb weather and a wonderful laid-back vibe. Located on the New South Wales Far North Coast, just under an hour south of the Gold Coast airport, the region offers some of the best hot air balloon flights in the country. As Australia’s most easterly point and the first place on the Australian mainland to see the sunrise each morning, a Byron Bay ballooning experience offers a unique experience and a spectacular visual diversity of both coast & country.
Moving outside of the lively Byron Bay centre and floating peacefully above the rolling hills on the hinterland is a great opportunity to explore the colourful ‘Rainbow Region’ from a perspective like no other. Our sunrise Balloon Aloft Byron Bay balloon flights offer magnificent views of the ocean, hinterland and vast scenery around the famed counterculture meccas of Bangalow, Mullumbimby, Nimbin & Lismore. Our Byron Bay hot air balloon rides meet at The Farm Byron Bay and are an approximately 3.5 – 4 hour experience including the 45 to 60 minutes sunrise flight adventure followed by a Celebration Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks Restaurant at the Farm Byron Bay.
Hot air ballooning is an adventure activity and whilst there are no fixed timelines, your entire experience, including breakfast after the flight, should take approximately 3.5 – 4.5 hours.
Arrival
On arrival at The Farm Byron Bay you will meet with your pilots and ground crew team. Feel free to ask any questions you may have as you sign in for your flight and place your breakfast order. See how the pilot checks the morning’s local winds conditions and listen while he or she gives you a short flight briefing.
LAUNCH SITE
Hop aboard our vehicles as we travel out to the morning’s chosen launch site. This is determined by your pilot and depends on the wind direction on the morning. With over a dozen launch sites to choose from, your experienced pilot will be able to determine the most suitable launch site for the day’s conditions to ensure you have the best possible flight. Once you arrive at the launch site it only takes around 25 minutes for the balloon to be inflated, heated and standing upright ready for boarding. You are welcome to help with the setup of the balloon or simply stand back and take photos as your aircraft takes shape and comes to life.
THE FLIGHT
As the sun rises over the ocean you will ascend into the sky in your colourful balloon. Your balloon will float gently along the breeze; in your basket you will feel completely secure with virtually no sensation of movement. During your flight you may find yourself drifting just above the treetops then, moments later, effortlessly ascending to heights of 2000 feet or more. Make sure you have your camera ready to capture views of the Byron Bay region from a perspective like no other.
LANDING & PACK UP
Depending on the wind speeds on landing, your balloon may touch down with the basket up-right and the balloon above your heads or, in a light breeze, the balloon basket may drag a short distance, with the basket coming to rest on its side. Both landing types are completely normal and lots of fun. The Balloon Aloft Ground Team will be on hand to greet you as your balloon lands. Join in as we deflate the balloon by squishing the air out or feel free to stand back and take photos of all the fun.
BREAKFAST
We’ll then return to The Farm Byron Bay where your morning experience continues with a delicious Celebration Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks Restaurant. Relax and enjoy an award-winning barista coffee with your fellow passengers and your pilot as you celebrate one of the most exhilarating adventures of your life. Your Digital Photo Album will be sent to your mobile or email over breakfast.
