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 take part in various tourist activities, one of them being hot air balloon rides, a unique experience where you will get a different perspective of the city from a bird's eye view. This is a unique experience, where 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'll tour the city and its surroundings from above, taking in views of historic buildings, monuments, skyscrapers, the city's harbour, the Yarra River, picturesque parks, gardens and other natural spaces.

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

Whether you plan to spend 1-3 days in Melbourne or even longer, seeing the city from above is always a great plan to incorporate into your itinerary. Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for a privileged view and plenty of photo opportunities.

The adventure usually starts early in the morning at the door of your hotel, where you'll connect with the driver who will be 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 selected launch sites.

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

This sunrise balloon flight in Melbourne will take you over the financial district, which features a series of skyscrapers such as the Eureka Tower. You'll also see residential areas, the Rod Laver Arena tennis stadium, and the Yarra River, which runs through the heart of the city, among others.

Useful information

Price: The experience costs approximately €380 per person.
Duration: the activity usually lasts around 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 sunrise balloon flight</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 is the hot air balloon tour of the Yarra Valley. You'll see the unique colours of the sunrise slowly cover the wine country panorama and enjoy the magical and unforgettable scenery from above.For this activity, you'll travel a short drive of around 11 minutes. You can choose to be picked up from Melboard or connect with the tour directly in Yarra town, whichever suits you. Either way, you'll 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 colours, 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</a>.And on this Yarra Valley hot air balloon tour from Melbourne, you'll have the opportunity to admire the hills and vineyards of this region, considered one of the most famous in Australia. All this while the guide tells you about the history of the area and some of its 80 traditional wineries.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: the average cost of this type of experience is approximately €305 per person.</li> <li>Duration: This tour of the Yarra Valley usually lasts around four hours.</li> </ul><div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Book a tour of the Yarra Valley|element=pa-3826">Book a tour of the Yarra Valley</a></div><h2 data-number="3. ">Globe-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, is a picturesque aerial view, ideal for a balloon ride with a group of friends, family or even if you're 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 driver-guide outside your hotel in Melbourne or at a pre-arranged location in the city centre. From there, you'll travel for approximately 60 minutes in a minibus, arriving just in time to enjoy the sunrise from the sky.You'll board the balloon and, as you gain altitude over the harbour city, watch the sunrise, which gradually illuminates the landscape in its wake, identifying a number of sites of interest. These include the following: <ul> <li><a href="link|text=The Geelong Botanical Gardens|url=https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/gbg/">The Geelong Botanical Gardens</a>, which covers 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>After your flight you'll return to the city, where you can take a excursion along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne for a different perspective of the place you've previously seen from above. It's a scenic road of around 240 kilometres, running between sea and cliffs.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: This balloon tour of the port city of Geelong is worth approximately €241 per person.</li> <li>Duration: The experience can last approximately three to four hours.</li> </ul><div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Contract a Great Ocean Road Tour|element=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=colourful balloon in the air|© Aaron Burden">colourful 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 popular destination, which you can discover on a scenic balloon flight and you'll be amazed by the alpine scenery and lush hills of this region.From central Melbourne, you'll travel with a driver-guide to the launch point in Mansfield. There, the adventure will start about 90 minutes before sunrise. You will be 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>, which is necessary for balloon inflation.You will gently take off in the balloon and you will see the whole environment start to be at your feet. You'll see the Broken Rivers, whose source is on the slopes of the Victorian Alps Park, which itself is part of the Great Dividing Range (biogeographical sub-region). In addition, Mount Buller, which in winter is covered in snow.You'll be amazed by the contrast of colours: 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'll return to the city to continue your itinerary, whether it's taking a guided tour of Melbourne, visiting some of the 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: This activity is generally 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>Dawn in Melbourne is a great time to fly over the sky in a balloon, as the air conditions allow for a smooth 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 centre. Upon arrival, the instructor will explain the basic safety rules and you will immediately board the balloon. Once aloft, you'll take in 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.And as you fly through Melbourne's CBD, you'll identify at first glance the significant Eureka Tower, which, at 297 metres tall, dominates the landscape. In fact, for another of the city's best views, 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 an amazing experience when you get off the balloon.<h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: the value of the tour is approximately €466 per person.</li> <li>Duration: The adventure lasts around 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><figure><caption 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're a wine culture enthusiast and you're 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 many vineyards it is home to. You'll be able to discover this somewhere amazing from above in a hot air balloon. Once you connect with the driver-guide in Melbourne, it's an 11-minute drive to the city of Yarra, where you'll go to the take-off point and start the real adventure. You'll feel the balloon slowly rise as the surroundings become smaller before your eyes and the sunrise on the horizonFrom the heights, you'll have the opportunity to observe the rolling hills, the Yarra River and the picturesque vineyards that characterise this region. With the help of your guide, you'll also identify 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 contrasting landscape, you'll return to the ground for breakfast. You can also take part in a local wine tasting before hopping in the car to head back 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: The duration of this activity 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 above in a hot air balloon. Get the best panoramic views of the Yarra River, the city's buildings, natural spaces and monuments. The warm, diffused light of the sun as it sets over the horizon.You'll need to head to the launch area in East Melbourne, about 11 minutes' drive from the city centre. You can arrive on your own or request a hotel pick-up, whichever you prefer. There, you'll board a balloon, but not before receiving some safety instructions. Once in the air, and with the help of your guide, you'll identify a number of sights including: <ul> <li><li><a href="link|text=The Tote Park|url=https://mooneevalleypark.com.au/precincts/tote-park/">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 honour of the men and women who participated in World War I.</li> <li>Melbourne's SEA LIFE Aquarium, located on the banks of the Yarra River and King Bridge.</li> </ul>All along this adventure you'll admire the amazing sunset themes, 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 price for this activity is around €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 Bar 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 balloon people|©Picture This Ballooning">air balloon people</figcaption></figure>The Yarra Valley is Australia's best-known wine region and a place of picturesque scenery, which looks amazing at sunset thanks to the soft, warm light cast by the sun on the horizon. Get a bird's-eye view of vineyards, rolling hills and other farmland by joining a hot air balloon ride over the locality.You'll travel from central Melbourne to the balloon launch point in the Yarra Valley, approximately 11 minutes' drive away. There, the instructor will give you some practical tips on how to avoid problems during the flight and then you'll take off.During the flight, you'll be amazed by the postcard-perfect views. You'll be able to take stunning photographs of the picturesque vineyards that dominate the landscape. You'll also see the Yarra River flowing gently towards Hobsons Bay.This experience will give you a privileged view of some of the region's most important natural areas. 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 760km² Yarra National Park</a>, 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 and other natural areas.</li> </ul><h3 data-number="">Information of interest</h3><ul> <li>Price: this balloon ride starts at around €305 per person.</li> <li>Duration: The duration of the activity is around four hours.</li> </ul>.

Reviews from other travellers

4.9

· 10 Reviews

(0 Reviews)

The whole 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 thrill of soaring into the sky is unparalleled. My girlfriend bought the tickets as an anniversary present and we had the best time. I recommend doing it at least once in a lifetime.

Balloon Rides in Melbourne

Other popular activities in Melbourne

More about: Balloon Rides in Melbourne

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

Useful information

The Best Travel Guide to Melbourne

Things to do in other destinations

Reviews from other travellers

The Best Travel Guide to Melbourne

Things to do in other destinations

Select your language