Hot air ballooning

Explore hot air balloon rides by location

As something you’ll talk about for years to come, floating away on a hot air balloon should be at the top of every traveller’s bucket list. You won’t have to venture far, because we’ve got epic hot air ballooning experiences all over Australia. Whether you're looking for a flight over a capital city, wine region, or coastline, RedBalloon offers the best experiences.

Our hot air balloons in NSW see you glide over stunning landscapes like Byron Bay beaches or fertile food-growing pastures in Orange. For a hot air balloon adventure in Queensland, soar over the sparkling canals and skyscraper-fringed beaches of the Gold Coast. If you’re looking for a hot air balloon ride in Victoria, take to the skies over the lush wine-making lands of the Yarra Valley. 

That’s just a sample. From Canberra to Perth, Sydney, and Alice Springs, we offer a myriad of hot air balloon rides in Australia.

Hot air balloon NSW

Byron Bay and Orange are among the most popular hot air ballooning hotspots in NSW. But there’s plenty more to choose from. For the ultimate bucket-list ride, go hot air ballooning over the Hunter Valley. This enchanting experience will see you and a companion enjoying a sunrise ride over the verdant wine-growing region, followed by a hearty a la carte breakfast for two. As you admire the rolling countryside and vineyards from above, keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos hopping in the morning light.

Hot air balloon Victoria

Soar over breathtaking Victorian landscapes, from lush wine-growing regions to bustling cities. The most popular hot air balloon experience in Victoria is a sunrise flight over Melbourne. Experience the tranquillity of this enchanting hour before the metropolis wakes up. You'll fly over the CBD, inner suburbs and Port Phillip Bay, the perfect backdrop for a peaceful flight. There is no better way to see the hustle and bustle of the city from a bird’s eye view. Victoria is also a top spot for hot air balloon rides over wine-growing regions like Rutherglen and the Yarra Valley. 

Hot air balloon Queensland

The Sunshine State is a great place to take to the skies on a serene hot air balloon ride. The most popular Queensland experience sees you soar over the Gold Coast or its lush tree-studded hinterland, enjoying a delicious cooked breakfast for two upon touchdown. Whether you're visiting the area or you're a local, there is no better way to see the region than from above. Looking for something up North? Depart Cairns on an extraordinary hot air balloon ride over the fertile Atherton Tablelands. 

Other hot air balloon rides in Australia

The East Coast isn’t the only place you can soar through the skies. We have an array of amazing hot air balloon rides throughout the country, including Canberra, Perth and Alice Springs. A sunrise flight over the Avon Valley, for example, affords breathtaking views of rural Western Australia and a champagne breakfast by the river.

Why choose a hot air balloon experience?

There’s no better way to admire iconic Australian landscapes than from a hot air balloon floating through the skies. While helicopter and aeroplane joy flights also offer a bird’s eye view, they’re fast, loud, and cramped. Hot air balloons, on the other hand, provide a serene experience where you stand in a silent, open-air basket as you glide through the sky. The flights last much longer and offer better opportunities for photographers. Plus, this special occasion makes for a perfect gift. 

Are hot air balloons safe?

Australia has some of the strictest hot air balloon safety standards in the world, making it a great place to give this bucket-list experience a try. All registered hot air balloons must undertake regular inspections, and pilots must hold an Air Operator Certificate from the Australian Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (CASA). A balloon has no motor or mechanical component that could fail in flight. If necessary, the pilot can slowly float the balloon down to the ground like a feather. 

Are hot air balloon rides worth it?

Hot air balloon rides are well worth the splurge. For a few hundred dollars, you’ll experience the magic of gliding through the sky and admire breathtaking landscapes from above. A balloon ride provides memories to last a lifetime and plenty of opportunity to capture spectacular photos. As they last much longer than other joy flights, you get excellent bang for your buck. 

How long does hot air ballooning last?

The duration varies depending on the experience, location and weather. Most RedBalloon hot air balloon rides are roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour of flight time. The entire experience takes 3-4 hours as it includes check-in, a briefing and additional services like breakfast. Please refer to each individual hot air balloon product for specific information on how long the experience will last.

How much does it cost to ride a hot air balloon in Australia?

The hot air ballooning price varies depending on the experience, inclusions and location. At RedBalloon, we offer a variety of packages at different price points, making it easy to find an option that aligns with your budget. Most hot air balloon rides cost between $350 and $500 per person, which may include extras like breakfast, champagne, and transfers. But it’s a worthy investment because hot air ballooning in Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that truly belongs on your bucket list. 

Hot Air Balloon Gift Vouchers & Presents

All RedBalloon hot air balloon experiences can be purchased as gift vouchers. Because the experience has universal appeal, it’s the perfect Mother's/Father’s Day, Christmas, or birthday present. Hot air balloon vouchers are particularly popular among couples seeking to spend a romantic morning together–it’s a brilliant anniversary gift idea. RedBalloon vouchers have a 5-year validity, so you’ve got plenty of time to book your experience when the time is right. Plus, the recipient can choose any hot air balloon ride they like or any other RedBalloon experience. 

Hot air balloon for 2

Show that special someone you care with a hot air balloon for two gift voucher. What could be more romantic than soaring through the sky at sunrise and enjoying a delicious champagne breakfast together? A hot air balloon present is bound to put you in your loved one’s good books.

Hot air balloon packages for groups and families 

Treat the family to an event they’ll remember forever with a child-friendly hot air balloon ride. The kids will love admiring striking Australian landscapes while cruising through the sky. We also have special hot air balloon packages for groups. 

Hot air balloon packages with breakfast

Enjoy a delicious breakfast–and perhaps a cheeky glass of sparkling wine–upon touching down. Held in a spectacular setting, this post-flight breakfast offers an idyllic way to reminisce over the morning’s aviation adventures. 

Flying experiences

If you love our range of hot air balloon flights and are looking for more thrilling ideas, discover our selection of other exhilarating flying experiences. You’ll find a wide range of cool ideas on RedBalloon that will take you to new heights. Discover flying lessons, skydiving, gliding, paragliding, plus so much more.