Balloon Aloft

Hot air balloon flights in Australia with more than four decades of experience

Balloon Aloft is an Australian family-owned company dedicated to hot air balloon flights. In 1980 it offered Australia's first passenger balloon rides and, more than forty-five years later, it presents itself as the market leader and benchmark operator in the country. The company operates in five locations: Byron Bay, Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Camden (Sydney) and Burketown (Moungibi).

Flight experience

The experience begins before sunrise, with passengers and crew meeting at the meeting point and transferring to the launch site. There the balloon is inflated and the flight begins, lasting approximately one hour drifting. After landing, passengers can take part in packing up the balloon and even walk inside the deflated balloon if conditions allow. The activity concludes with a celebration breakfast at a local restaurant.

The company has a fleet of balloons with capacities ranging from 2 to 24 passengers. On shared flights, between 6 and 24 people usually travel, in baskets divided into compartments that allow passengers to face outwards to enjoy the views.

Locations and services by site

• Hunter Valley: 45 to 60-minute flights with breakfast at Restaurant Cuvee, Peterson House.
• Camden (Sydney): 45 to 60-minute flights with breakfast at Camden Valley Inn.
• Byron Bay: 45 to 60-minute flights with breakfast at Three Blue Ducks, The Farm.
• Mudgee: 45 to 60-minute flights with breakfast at Gigi's Restaurant, Clairfield Hotel.
• Burketown (Moungibi): 30 to 40-minute flights, afternoon only and winter only, in the Gulf of Carpentaria area.

Prices published on the website start from AU$299 per person. Tickets and gift vouchers are transferable between the different locations, offering flexibility to customers.

Accessibility

The company presents itself as an accessible tourism operator. In 2023 it added the state's first accessible hot air balloon to its fleet, with the aim of ensuring that everyone can experience a balloon flight. It offers accessible flights and an accessibility guide.

Awards and certifications

Balloon Aloft has received the Gold award in Adventure Tourism and the Gold award in Excellence in Accessible Tourism at the Australian Tourism Awards. It was also inducted into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in the Adventure Tourism category. The company also holds Quality Tourism Australia accreditation and is a member of the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame, after winning more than six consecutive Travellers' Choice awards. In 2024 it was recognised as Adventure Tourism Operator of the Year at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

Team and safety

The team of pilots and flight crew includes several Australian hot air ballooning champions and a Women's World Champion. The company presents itself as a family business that operates with dedication to the safety and comfort of passengers, sharing its knowledge of each flight region.

Sustainability

The company declares its commitment to minimising environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices, with the aim of reducing its carbon footprint, protecting natural habitats and encouraging environmentally friendly practices. It presents itself as a carbon neutral operation.

Other services

In addition to regular flights, Balloon Aloft offers corporate flights, promotional flights, tethers and balloon hire. It also sells gift vouchers redeemable at any of its New South Wales locations and for the Burketown (Moungibi) experience.

FAQs and conditions

The activity depends on weather conditions. If a flight is cancelled due to bad weather, passengers can reschedule within the validity period of the ticket or voucher. Flexi ticket holders may request a refund, possibly with an administration fee, while gift vouchers and flight tickets only allow rescheduling.

Flights usually require passengers to meet between 60 and 120 minutes before sunrise, with meeting times varying by month. The company notifies the exact time on the afternoon before the flight.

For flights in regular baskets, passengers must meet the 'Fit to Fly' requirement: no significant knee, hip or back problems; no recent surgeries or broken bones; able to stand for an hour; able to climb into the basket using the footholds cut into the side; bend your knees to absorb a bump as the balloon lands; weigh less than 140 kg and not be pregnant. Adults of any age who meet these requirements are accepted. Accessible options are available for those who cannot meet the conditions for regular flights.