Aerobatic flights

Aerobatic Flights

Stunt plane rides for every kind of thrill seeker

Some gifts get unwrapped and forgotten by Tuesday. A stunt plane ride gets retold for years. The RedBalloon range of aerobatic flights and stunt plane rides covers everything from vintage warbirds to modern Red Bull Air Race-style aircraft, so there's a match for every level of nerve.

Aerobatic flying isn't only about the loop the loops and barrel rolls, though there's plenty of both. It's the moment the wheels leave the ground and the whole day tips upside down. Gift it to someone who needs a proper story to tell, or book it for yourself and finish the day on a high.

Are stunt plane rides safe?

Your safety comes first at RedBalloon, which is why we only work with trusted, experienced operators for every aerobatic flight we offer. Some experiences carry health, weight or age requirements, so it's worth checking the details on each listing before you book. If you're new to flying at high G-forces, look for a milder aerobatic flight experience or a straightforward joy flight and build up from there.

Aerobatic aircraft

Different aircraft mean different kinds of flying. Around Australia, our aerobatic flights and stunt plane rides take place in everything from nimble modern stunt planes to genuine ex-military warbirds.

Try the Warbird Experience Onboard a Boeing Stearman for open-cockpit, WWII-style flying near Sydney, or step aboard the Ultimate Action Onboard Pitts Special S2B, one of the most agile aerobatic biplanes in the sky. You'll also find flights in Yak-52 Russian Air Force warbirds, Extra 330LX and Extra 300L stunt planes, Tiger Moth biplanes, T-28 Trojan fighter bombers and Soviet-era warbirds across the range.

Where can I do an Aerobatic Flight in Australia?

Search "aerobatic flights near me" and you'll find RedBalloon has you covered in most capital cities, plus plenty of regional spots in between. Here's where to find the best aerobatic flights by location.

Aerobatic flights Melbourne

Melbourne has some of the most scenic aerobatic flying in the country, with departures from Barwon Heads, the Bellarine Peninsula, Moorabbin and the Yarra Valley, all a short drive from the CBD. The Warbird Aerobatic Flight - 35 Minutes takes you over Port Phillip Bay and the beaches of the Bellarine Peninsula in an ex-military fighter trainer, complete with loops, rolls and rapid manoeuvres straight out of Top Gun. Prefer something with a bit more history? The Yarra Valley Tiger Moth Adventure Flight pairs vineyard views with optional aerobatics in a 1943 DeHavilland Tiger Moth.

Aerobatic flights Brisbane

Brisbane's aerobatic flights depart from the city and the Gold Coast hinterland, putting you over Moreton Bay and the coastline within minutes of take-off. The Yak 52 Aerobatic Warbird Experience - Brisbane lets you choose the intensity, so go all in with rolling manoeuvres or keep it milder and simply take in the view from a genuine Russian Air Force warbird.

Aerobatic flights Perth

Perth's aerobatic flights take off along the coast, mixing low-level scenic flying with higher-altitude manoeuvres. The Hands On Flight with Aerobatics in Perth - 45 Minutes puts you at the controls yourself, guided the whole way by an instructor, so you feel every loop and roll you pull off.

Aerobatic flights Hunter Valley and Newcastle

The Hunter Valley is one of the best-kept secrets for aerobatic flying in New South Wales, with flights departing Maitland and Cessnock, both within easy reach of Newcastle. The Extreme Warbird Aerobatic Flight - 20 Minutes is a full-throttle option for a seasoned thrill seeker, while the Advanced Warbird Adventure Flight with Coastal Recce departs closer to Newcastle and pairs coastal scenery with warbird manoeuvres.

Aerobatic flights Gold Coast

On the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast Warbird Adventure Flight - 25 Minutes takes you over Surfers Paradise and the hinterland in a historic Yak-52 warbird, with aerobatics mixed in for good measure.

Looking for a Different Flying Experience?

If aerobatics feel a little too full-on, or you simply want to add another sky-high experience to the list, RedBalloon has plenty more ways to get airborne. Try hot air ballooning for a slower, sunrise-lit view, take a helicopter flight over the coast, or get close to the ground with paragliding. For something gentler, browse scenic flights, seaplane flights or classic Tiger Moth flying, or keep the loops going with gliding.

Ready to jump instead of fly? Check out skydiving and indoor skydiving, or explore the full range of flying experiences, including jet fighter flights and laid-back joy flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an aerobatic flight?

An aerobatic flight is a flight where a trained pilot performs manoeuvres like loops, rolls, spins and inverted flight, on top of the usual take-off, cruising and landing you'd expect from an aerobatic flight experience. Depending on the aircraft, you might pull anywhere from 2G up to 8G.

Do I need previous flying experience to do an aerobatic flight?

No experience is needed for most aerobatic flights. If you'd rather ease in, the Intro Warbird Aerobatic Flight - 15-20 Minutes - Midweek is built for first timers, while flights like the Hands On Flight with Aerobatics in Perth - 1 Hour let you take the controls with an instructor talking you through every move.

How many G-forces will I feel on an aerobatic flight?

It depends on the aircraft and how far you want to push it. Milder aerobatic flights sit around 2 to 4G, while flights like the Extreme Aerobatics Experience - 45 Minutes can reach up to 8G. Most pilots check in with you throughout the flight and adjust the intensity to suit.

Is there an age or weight limit for aerobatic flights?

Most aerobatic flights have a minimum age requirement and some have a maximum weight limit, since this affects the aircraft's performance and safety. These details are listed on each experience page, so it's worth checking before you book, especially if you're choosing a gentler option like the Aerobatic Warbird Flight Over Western Sydney - 25 Minutes for a first-time flyer.

Can family or friends come and watch?

Many aerobatic flight locations welcome spectators, including at the Warbird Aerobatic Flight - 15 Minutes departure point, where you can watch the pre-flight briefing, engine start and take-off from the tarmac. Check the individual experience page for visitor details before you head off.

Can I fly alongside a friend in a separate aircraft?

Yes. The Air Combat Formation Experience - 45 Minutes - For 2 puts you and a friend in two aircraft flying in formation, so you can take on some manoeuvres side by side rather than one at a time.

What's the difference between a joy flight and an aerobatic flight?

A joy flight is generally a smooth, scenic flight with gentle turns and no real G-force. An aerobatic flight adds loops, rolls and steeper manoeuvres into the mix. If you like the sound of flying but want to keep both feet firmly under you, start with our range of joy flights, or try a gentler pick like the Yarra Valley Scenic Flight, which includes optional aerobatics rather than a full sequence.

How much does an aerobatic flight cost?

Pricing varies depending on the aircraft, duration, location and any inclusions like HD video or extended flight time. You'll find exact pricing listed on each individual experience page.