We arrive just in time to see your hot air balloon inflate & sip a pre-flight drink. Take off & experience the fun & unique sensation of hot air ballooning in the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. Your hot air balloon floats for a whole hour over the picturesque landscape at sunrise, breathe in the wide-open spaces!
We'll see kangaroos and watch out for the variety of Australian birdlife. Take in the peace & serenity that is ballooning.
Length: 1 hour balloon flight
Time: 5:30 am - Pick up Time
6:30 am - Flying Time
Summary: Tour includes hotel pickups and dropoffs. Rates are per person in US dollars and include tax. Please reserve online or call us toll-free at 888-317-3570.
You decide when to return! Maybe take a stroll after breakfast on one of Cairns' beautiful tropical beaches or a few more photographs with a palm tree background and no shoes! Return limousine transfer is available at your disposal until noon, please advise your driver when you wish to depart for your hotel.
Tour Includes
~ Extra Sleep In
~ Personal Chauffeur
~ Limousine transfers
~ Pre flight drinks
~ 60 minute scenic Balloon Flight
~ 5 star resort a la carte breakfast beachside - Sebel Reef House or Thala Beach Resort or similar
~ Bottle of Champagne
~ Complimentary set of in-flight photos
~ All insurance levies included
~ Use of binoculars in-flight
~ Expert Interpretive Commentary
~ Use of the private vehicle until 12 noon for exploring or relaxing
Recommendations
~ Walking shoes
~ Camera
~ Dress casual outdoor layered clothing.White clothing not recommended due to bush environment
FAQ's
What do I bring on the morning ballooning?
Dress as for a casual walk in the bush, sensible sturdy shoes are recommended. We suggest you bring sunglasses, a hat/cap and dress in layered clothing. During the morning as the sun comes up, the day will become warmer.
Remember there is so much to see from an entirely new perspective, you will want to record it all to relive later, your own camera or video camera are welcomed on board. Don't forget your cash or credit card (M, V) for that extra special souvenir of your fantastic balloon experience.
How is the balloon steered?
Balloons cannot be steered! Some directional control is possible by ascending or descending into air currents going in a different direction, this information is checked prior to take off be releasing a small helium balloon and checking up to date weather reports. The pilot can raise or lower the balloon by controlling the temperature inside the balloon.
What about Vertigo - I hate heights?
Balloon flight is very gentle and stable and because you start from the ground and gently lift up, rather than looking off the edge of a building - there is quiet a different sensation. We recommend you try it - so many of our passengers attest to how surprised at how comfortable and safe they felt flying with Hot Air.
How high do balloons fly?
Most balloonists enjoy low-level flight as more can be seen. We often see Wallabies and other wildlife in the bushland surrounding creeks. The typical balloon flight would be anywhere from tree level to approximately 3,000 ft. The Mareeba district allows balloons to fly anywhere up to 7,500 feet.
What regulations are in Place?
Balloons are required to be fully registered aircraft with the Australian Civil Aviation and safety Authority and are subject to regular airworthiness checks by authorised personnel. Pilots need to have different levels of experience before they are allowed to progress to larger balloons and this again is carefully monitored by CASA. Each commercial operation must operate with a nominated Chief Pilot and under an Air Operators Certificate from CASA.
Tour includes hotel pickups and dropoffs. Rates are per person in US dollars and include tax. Please reserve online or call us toll-free at 888-317-3570.