Accessible Hot Air Balloon Flights
At Balloon Aloft we are committed to making our flights accessible and inclusive for everyone. Our Accessible flights are designed for anyone who wants to experience the joy of hot air ballooning but who, for any reason, is not able to climb aboard a regular hot air balloon Basket using the footholds cut into the side of the basket or stand for the one hour duration of the flight.
Our Accessible Balloon Basket has an access door, for ease of access and eliminating the need to climb aboard the basket. Where required, the Accessible Basket also offers customized seating and harnesses. This means that passengers with limited mobility are now able to experience the thrill of a sunrise flight over the Hunter Valley and ensures that passengers are safe and secure during the flight. For more information on the accessibility of our flights and experiences, please take a look at our Accessibility Guide.
Accessible Flights
- The Balloon Aloft Accessible Flights are operated from the Hunter Valley Location
- Standing and seated spaces are available, both with door access. Suitable for wheelchair users and includes transfers from the meeting location at Peterson House to the morning’s chosen launch site aboard our wheelchair accessible vehicle. Please note that your wheelchair will not be able to be carried aboard the balloon but will be available once your flight touches down
- In line with Civil Aviation Safety Authority guidelines, individuals requiring assistance transferring to the seating aboard the Accessible basket are required to share the experience with a carer/helper/friend/family member on the morning. The basket seating is 54cm high and located directly opposite from the door of the basket. Wheelchair users will need to transfer from the door of the basket to the seating – a grab handle is available to assist you to transfer. Wheelchairs will not be able to be carried aboard the balloon.
- Spaces aboard the Accessible basket are limited so it is essential to book the Accessible Basket ticket or voucher. If you have purchased any other ticket type you will need to contact our Reservations Team to ensure you can fly in the Accessible Basket.
- This Wheelchair 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.
Have Questions? We have answers!
What our passengers say-
“We would like to say how wonderful the staff involved were, pilot (Matt) and ground staff were exceptional and were very understanding of my needs.”
– Bob
“We have been wanting to experience riding in a hot air balloon for some time and were excited to find out that it was now available in the Hunter Valley. The whole experience, from the pickup in the wheelchair accessible vehicle to the amazing flight itself was nothing short of first class from the Balloon Aloft team. We look forward to doing it again in the future and could not recommend the experience highly enough to others.”
– Joanne
“What a terrific experience! I did an accessible sunrise hot air balloon flight this morning 5/2/26. From the moment we arrived in the carpark, the team – James (Poncho) and Ben were so helpful and tuned in to my needs. They were super competent and confident in hooking my wheelchair into the bus. It was actually a safer and more comfortable ride than many of the accessible taxis I’ve been in!
Watching the balloon inflate was a fantastic experience. When it came time to take my seat in the basket the team, including the pilot Clay were helpful but didn’t dote on me or slow the process. Clay was so tuned in to all of his passengers needs, rotating the basket so we could have a better view. I really appreciated his insights.
The landing was so incredibly smooth, just like the take off… we hardly felt a thing, we could just take in the amazing view and landscape. The team were just so inclusive, calling me down to have a look inside the balloon deflating and holding it up so I could see what was happening. I really appreciated them thinking of me.
Thank you again for making this a doable thing for me. “
– Melissa
Accessible Flexi Ticket
Refundable or Rebookable
Accessible Flexi Ticket
Experience the magic of a sunrise hot air balloon flight without limitations! Our accessible basket, featuring a convenient entry door, allows for a seamless and comfortable experience for wheelchair users, those with limited mobility, and anyone who may find climbing into a traditional basket challenging. Available Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Accessible Flight Voucher
Rebookable Only
Accessible Flight Voucher
Take advantage of our discounted VOUCHER option for our Accessible Flights. Our specially designed basket features a convenient entry door, allowing for a smooth and comfortable journey for wheelchair users, those with limited mobility, or anyone who may have difficulty climbing aboard a traditional basket. Available Tuesdays and Thursdays.
