Balloon Rides in Melbourne

Melbourne is a city of contrasts that will offer you different possibilities to enjoy it. During your stay you will have the opportunity to do different tourist activities, one of them being the hot air balloon rides. This is a unique experience, in which you will get a different perspective of the city from a bird's eye view.

Ballooning is one of the best things to do in Melbourne. You will tour the city and its surroundings from the heights, being able to see some historic buildings, monuments, skyscrapers, the city's harbor, the Yarra River, the picturesque parks, gardens and other natural spaces.

1. See the city of Melbourne at sunrise from the heights in a hot air balloon

Whether you plan to be in Melbourne for 1 to 3 days or even longer, seeing the city from above is always a good plan to incorporate into your itinerary. Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise to enjoy a privileged view and take lots of pictures.

The adventure usually starts very early in the morning at the door of your hotel, where you will connect with the driver in charge of the activity. You will travel to East Melbourne, about 6 minutes drive from a central area of the city, which is usually one of the places selected for the takeoff of the balloons.

Before starting the takeoff, an instructor will teach you some safety rules to avoid inconveniences. Immediately, you will begin to soar over the city that is still sleeping. You will see the Victorian terraces, parks and the art deco area of East Melbourne.

Through this sunrise balloon flight in Melbourne you will fly over the financial district, where a series of skyscrapers such as the Eureka Tower stand out. You will also see residential areas, the Rod Laver Arena tennis stadium, and the Yarra River, which runs through the heart of the city, among others.

Information of interest

Price: the experience has an approximate cost of 380€ per person.
Duration: the activity usually lasts about four hours, including flight and transfer time.

<div class="post-button"" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Contract a balloon flight at sunrise|element=pa-3834">Contract a balloon flight at sunrise</a></div><h2 data-number="2. ">Fly over Melbourne's Yarra Valley region in a hot air balloon</h2><figure><figurecaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1691025243/post_images/Melbourne/Walk%20in%20globe/7347209720_a05bf07a8a_b_Cropped.jpg|caption=Flight in the Yarra Valley|©Picture This Ballooning">Flight in the Yarra Valley</figcaption></figure>Among <a href="link|text=best Melbourne tours|element=sc-162-4738">the best Melbourne tours</a> you can take during your stay in the city, the hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley is a standout. You will see how the unique colors of the sunrise gradually cover the panorama of the wine region, enjoying a magical and unforgettable landscape from above.For this activity, you will travel a short distance by car of about 11 minutes. You may choose to pick up at Melboard or connect with the tour directly in the city of Yarra, at your convenience. In either case, you will arrive at the launch site and board a balloon, but not before receiving some safety instructions.The ascent will take place simultaneously with the moment of sunrise, which will allow you to enjoy a sky full of contrasts, brightness and colors, which will change little by little until the sky is completely illuminated. A true natural spectacle, which is much more attractive during the <a href="link|text=summer in Melbourne|element=sc-162-4745">summer in Melbourne</a> season.In addition, on this Yarra Valley tour from Melbourne by hot air balloon, you will have the opportunity to admire the hills and vineyards of this region, considered one of the most famous in all of Australia. All this, while the guide tells you the history of the place and some of its 80 wineries of tradition.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: the average cost of this type of experience is €305 per person, approximately.</li> <li>Duration: usually, this tour to the Yarra Valley lasts about four hours.</li> </ul><div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Book a tour of Yarra Valley|element=pa-3826">Book a Yarra Valley tour</a></div><h2 data-number="3. ">Balloon float through the skies over the Melbourne port city of Geelong</h2><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1691025620/post_images/Melbourne/Paseo%20en%20globo/1156019972_7b21f774e3_b_Cropped.jpg|caption=Melbourne - Hot Air ballon|©thomasWiNdChuah">Melbourne - Hot Air ballon</figcaption></figure>The port city of Geelong, southwest of Melbourne, stands out as a place with a picturesque aerial panorama, ideal for a balloon ride with a group of friends, with family and is even a good plan if you are in <a href="link|text=Melbourne with kids|element=sc-162-4742">Melbourne with kids</a>. You'll fly over the Bellarine Peninsula, Corio Bay and the Barwon River.To get to the launch field in Geelong, you'll connect with the guide-driver at your hotel door in Melbourne or at a pre-arranged location in the city center. From there, you will travel approximately 60 minutes aboard a minibus, arriving just in time to enjoy the sunrise from the sky.You will board the balloon and, as you gain altitude over the port city, watch the sunrise, which gradually illuminates the entire panorama in its path, being able to identify a number of sites of interest. Some of them are as follows:<ul> <li><a href="link|text=The Geelong Botanical Gardens|url=https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/gbg/">The Geelong Botanical Gardens</a>, covering approximately seven hectares.</li> <li>The Great Geelong Ferris Wheel, next to the city's waterfront.</li> <li><a href="link|text=The Eastern Park|url=https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/parks/item/eastern.aspx">The Eastern Park</a>, this is an arboretum with an important collection of pine trees.</li> </ul>At the end of the flight you will return to the city, where you can take a excursion along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne and get a different perspective of this place that you previously saw from above. It is a scenic road of about 240 kilometers, which runs between sea and cliffs.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: this balloon tour of the port city of Geelong has an approximate value of about 241€ per person.</li> <li>Duration: the experience can last from three to four hours approximately.</li> </ul><div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Contract a Great Ocean Road Tour|element=pa-3824">Contract a Great Ocean Road Tour</a></div><h2 data-number="4. ">Be part of a scenic balloon flight over Mansfield during your visit to Melbourne</h2><figure><figurecaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1691026479/post_images/Melbourne/Paseo%20en%20globo/aaron-burden-h7wpIMY3O3E-unsplash_1_Cropped.jpg|caption=colorful balloon in the air|© Aaron Burden ">colorful balloon in the air</figcaption></figure>A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne, you'll find a place considered a nature lover's paradise: the town of Mansfield.This is a very popular destination, which you can discover through a scenic balloon flight.From the center of Melbourne, you will travel in the company of a driver-guide to the launch point in Mansfield. There, the adventure will begin about 90 minutes before sunrise. You'll be able to get involved in the <a href="link|text=burner ignition process|url=https://arbolabc.com/ciencias-tecnologia/articulos/globos-aerostaticos#:~:text=The%20balloons%20aerost%20aerost%C3%A1ticos%20use%20a,de%20the%20opening%20of%20the%20balloon">burner ignition process</a>, necessary for balloon inflation.You will gently take off in the balloon and you will see how the whole environment starts to be at your feet. You'll see the Broken Rivers, whose course rises on the slopes of the Victorian Alps Park, which in turn is part of the Great Dividing Range (biogeographic subregion). In addition, the Mount Buller, which in winter is covered with snow.You will be amazed by the contrast of colors: the green areas, the blue of the rivers and the sky, the sun on the horizon with its flashes of red, orange and yellow. Undoubtedly, a great scenic beauty. After this adventure, you will return to the city to continue with the itinerary, either undertake a guided tour of Melbourne, visit some attractions, among others.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: the tour has an average cost of €360 per person.</li> <li>Duration: Generally this activity is scheduled to last approximately four hours.</li> </ul><div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Book a guided tour of Melbourne|element=pa-3833">Book a guided tour of Melbourne</a></div><h2 data-number="5. ">Live a balloon flight experience over Melbourne's Financial District with breakfast</h2><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1691026876/post_images/Melbourne/Paseo%20en%20globo/10621860073_970904c38a_k_Cropped.jpg|caption=Balloons Over Melbourne|©David">Balloons Over Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The dawn in Melbourne is a privileged time to fly over its sky in a balloon, because the air conditions allow a quiet flight.Take advantage of this and enjoy a unique panoramic view of the city Afterwards, enjoy a gourmet breakfast on the terrace of the <a href="link|text=Sofitel Melbourne|url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1902/index.en.shtml?utm_campaign=seo+maps&utm_medium=seo+maps&utm_source=google+Maps">Sofitel Melbourne</a> or other selected hotel.This tour starts at the door of your hotel. From there you will be transferred to the take-off location, which is usually in the commune of East Melbourne, about 6 minutes drive from the city center. Upon arrival, the instructor will explain the basic safety rules and you will immediately board the balloon. Already at altitude, you will observe the art deco area of East Melbourne, along with its Victorian terraces. As you gain height, the range of the panorama will expand, taking in <a href="link|text=the Cricket Ground|url=https://www.mcg.org.au/">the Cricket Ground</a>, the <a href="link|text=Victorian National Gallery|url=https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/">Victorian National Gallery</a>, the Yarra River, the <a href="link|text=Royal Botanic Gardens|url=https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/">Royal Botanic Gardens</a>, among others.In addition, as you fly through Melbourne's financial district, you will identify at first glance the important Eureka Tower, which at 297 meters high dominates the landscape. In fact, for another of the city's best views, as you descend from the balloon you could purchase <a href="link|text=tickets for Melbourne Skydeck (formerly Eureka Skydeck)|element=pa-3901">Melbourne Skydeck (formerly Eureka Skydeck)</a> tickets</a> for a mind-blowing experience.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: the value of the tour is about €466 per person, approximately.</li> <li>Duration: the adventure lasts about four hours.</li> </ul><div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Buy tickets for Skydeck Melbourne|element=pa-3901">Buy tickets for Skydeck Melbourne</a></div><h2 data-number="6. ">Take a balloon tour of Melbourne's Yarra Valley and taste some wines</h2><figure><figurecaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1691027040/post_images/Melbourne/Paseo%20en%20globo/26552527964_0d57b20a4a_h_Cropped.jpg|caption=Yarra Valley Balloon Festival|©Ananthasubramanian Narayanan">Yarra Valley Balloon Festival</figcaption></figure>If you are a wine culture enthusiast and you are in Melbourne, then you should definitely check out the Yarra Valley Balloon Festival.This is a place that offers a picturesque landscape, thanks to the numerous vineyards it is home to. You will be able to discover this awesome place from above aboard a hot air balloon.Once you connect with the driver-guide in Melbourne, you will travel a route of about 11 minutes by car to the city of Yarra. There, you will go to the takeoff site and start the real adventure. You'll feel the balloon slowly rise as the environment becomes small before your eyes and is illuminated by the sunrise on the horizon.From the heights, you'll have the opportunity to observe the rolling hills, the Yarra River and the picturesque vineyards that characterize this region. Also, with the help of your guide, you will identify some local wineries such as <a href="link|text=De Bortoli Yarra Valley|url=https://debortoli.com.au/">De Bortoli Yarra Valley</a>, which is one of the oldest.After flying over the Yarra Valley and enjoying the contrasts of its landscape, you will return to land for breakfast. You can also take part in a local wine tasting before getting in the car to return to the city.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: the price of the Yarra flight experience with breakfast and wine tasting starts from approximately €393 per person.</li> <li>Duration: for the development of this activity, the established time is usually four hours.</li> </ul><h2 data-number="7. ">Get the best panoramic view of Melbourne from a hot air balloon at sunset</h2><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1691027292/post_images/Melbourne/Paseo%20en%20globo/42197871091_44329a26d5_k_Cropped.jpg|caption=Melbourne: Balloons at sunrise|©Richard Forward">Melbourne: Balloons at sunrise</figcaption></figure>The Melbourne sunset is a magical time to view the city from high above in a hot air balloon. Get the best panoramic views of the Yarra River, buildings, natural spaces and monuments of the city. All of them, covered by the warm, diffused light of the sun setting over the horizon.You'll need to head to the launch area in East Melbourne, about 11 minutes' drive from the city center. You can arrive on your own or request hotel pick-up, as you wish. There, you will board a balloon, but not before receiving some safety instructions. Once in the air, and with the help of the guide, you will identify a number of tourist attractions, including:<ul> <li><li><a href="link|text=The Tote Park|url=https://mooneevalleypark.com.au/precincts/tote-park/">The Tote Park</a>, a small natural lung with several attractions for the whole family.</li> <li>The Eureka Tower, considered the tallest skyscraper in the city.</li> <li><a href="link|text=The Shrine of Remembrance|url=https://www.shrine.org.au/">The Shrine of Remembrance</a>, a historic memorial erected in honor of the men and women who participated in World War I.</li> <li><li>The Melbourne SEA LIFE Aquarium, located on the banks of the Yarra River and King Bridge.</li> </ul>Throughout this adventure you'll admire the amazing themes of the sunset, as the sun slowly sets and the city lights come on, creating a different atmosphere. On your way down, you can enjoy <a href="link|text=Melbourne by night|element=sc-162-4743">Melbourne by night</a> and, for example, continue the fun on a hidden pub crawl around Melbourne</a>.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: the average value of this activity is about €380 per person.</li> <li>Duration: this experience lasts approximately four hours.</li> </ul><div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Contract the hidden bars tour|element=pa-3893">Hire the hidden bar tour</a></div><h2 data-number="8. ">Take a balloon ride over the Yarra Valley at sunset</h2><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1691027489/post_images/Melbourne/Paseo%20en%20globo/7390588836_68f1b85c21_k_Cropped.jpg|caption=air ballooning people|©Picture This Ballooning">air ballooning people</figcaption></figure>The Yarra Valley is Australia's best-known wine region and a place with a picturesque landscape, which at sunset looks amazing thanks to the soft, warm light cast by the sun on the horizon. Admire as the crow flies the vineyards, rolling hills and other farmland by joining a hot air balloon ride over the locality.You'll travel from downtown Melbourne to the balloon launch point in the Yarra Valley, about an 11-minute drive away. There, the instructor will give you some practical tips to avoid any inconvenience during the flight and then start the takeoff.During the flight, you will be amazed with the postcard views obtained. You will be able to take stunning photographs of the picturesque vineyards that dominate the landscape. You will also see the Yarra River flowing gently in the direction of Hobsons Bay.In this experience you will have a privileged view of some of the most important natural areas in this region. For example:<ul> <li><a href="link|text=The Yarra National Park|url=https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/yarra-ranges-national-park?utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_campaign=GMB-2020">The Yarra National Park</a>, covering 760 km², which lies between the Victorian Alps and Melbourne.</li> <li><li>The Toolangi State Forest, with a significant eucalyptus tree reserve.</li> <li><a href="link|text=The Kinglake National Park|url=https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/kinglake-national-park?utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_campaign=GMB-2020">Kinglake National Park</a>, which covers 232.1 km² and consists of mountains, trails, waterfalls, among other natural areas.</li> </ul><h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: the value of this balloon ride starts at about 305€ per person.</li> <li>Duration: the duration of the activity is about four hours.</li> </ul>.

Reviews from other travellers

4.9

· 1279 Reviews

(0 Reviews)

The entire team that assisted us was very attentive and professional. I went with my younger children and we felt 100% safe...

I have taken some amazing pictures, I felt very excited when we were at the top. Many thanks to all the team who helped us and instructed us every step of the way.

Very safe, I would do it again without hesitation. I was impressed with how big the balloons are! brutal!

Beautiful views. I thought it was great that we did it at sunrise.

Magical experience, the emotion one feels when rising to the sky is unmatched. My girlfriend bought the tickets as an anniversary gift and we had the best time. I recommend doing it at least once in a lifetime.

Balloon Rides in Melbourne

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1. See the city of Melbourne at sunrise from the heights in a hot air balloon

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Reviews from other travellers

The Best Travel Guide to Melbourne

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