- Barrier Reef Australia
- Things To Do
- Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cairns
- Barrier Reef Australia
- Things To Do
- Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cairns
Tour Code: 476
Prices From
au$199
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$121.00
Family: au$640.00
Known as the food bowl of the tropics for its coffee plantations and dairy and fruit farms, the picturesque landscape adds to the wonder and romance of this slow, scenic meander through the skies.
The exact flight schedule will depend on the time of year and weather conditions but expect be ready for a pick-up as early as 4.00am. You’ll be informed of the exact time upon booking.
Once you’ve climbed in the passenger basket you’ll be briefed on the safety and landing procedures. Then it’s a matter of taking in the magic as you gracefully float higher above land.
There are three flight options to choose from. The Express and Standard Flights, both 30-minutes, with the Standard including a cross-country balloon chase. The Express passengers will be returned to Cairns as soon as the ride is over. The Double package option consists of either two 30-minute flights or one 60-minute flight, depending on numbers for the day.
Highlights
- Watching the crew set up the balloons while it’s still dark is a pretty spectacular sight. The flames against the dark sky is quite spectacular. Floating above the morning mist is also quite surreal.
- With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Atherton Tablelands is regarded as Australia’s best ballooning location. With conditions like this a hot air balloon ride is a must-do in Tropical North Queensland.
Perfect Selfie
- Take your pick! With this spectacular view there’s a selfie opportunity every second, but the sunrise is definitely the best!
Share your selfie on our Facebook page and tag your best Instagram pics with #barrierreefaustralia for your chance to be featured.
Itinerary
Pick Up
The still, early morning conditions provide the ideal flight window for the majestic modes of transport.
Any early-morning fogginess you feel on the journey to the Tablelands is guaranteed to dissipate as soon as you reach your destination.
When prepping the night before make sure you set out your flat shoes. These can be either secure sandals or closed shoes. Avoid wearing light or white-coloured clothing as the red volcanic soil of the tablelands will easily stain your clothes. And take a bottle of water and snack with you for the trip.
If you’re flying during the cooler months, between May – September, wear long pants and bring a jacket or jumper.
The Journey
You’ll be picked up at approximately 4.00am from your Cairns accommodation or 4.30am if you’re staying in the Northern Beaches.
Once all passengers are onboard you’ll be briefed on what to expect from the day including what you can take with you in the balloon basket; hat, sunglasses, camera and video camera.
Upon arrival, the pilots may still be in the process of setting up the balloons. Watch on as they fill the balloons to full size with the aid of the attached burner. The balloon envelopes hold up to 400,000 cubic feet of hot air. Against the still-dark sky it’s a spectacular display; one that some passengers regard as a highlight of the morning.
Lift Off!
The Express and 60 minute flights will be the first to board the balloon. It is a Civil Aviation Safety Authority requirement that all passengers must be able to climb in and out of the passenger basket unaided, using the footholds provided.
The pilot will brief you once all passengers are in the basket and then it’s time for lift off. Suspended under the magnificent balloon, you’ll see the sun casts its morning rays on the countryside below.
While the first balloon is in flight the second group will track it in the ‘Cross Country Balloon Chase’ aboard the coach. The balloon is at the mercy of the breeze, so it’s an adventure for all.
Final Boarding Call
Once the balloon lands gently back to ground the Express Flight customers will board the coach for their return trip to Cairns.
Then it’s time for the changeover as the final lot of passengers, those that have booked the Standard Flight, board the balloon for their turn. This second flight will take place at approximately 6.45am. This time is only a guide however and may be subject to change.
Homeward Bound
As the basket touches ground for the final time that morning the Express customers will be well on their way back to Cairns.
For the remaining passengers, it’s time to help dismantle and pack up the balloon. Next on the agenda is a short bus ride to the Mareeba Heritage Museum for a comfort stop and a chance to purchase photos before the return journey to Cairns.
Included In Price
- Air-conditioned transfers
- Scenic Tablelands Hot Air Balloon flight
- Flight Certificate
- Experienced pilot guide
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Cairns
Departure Time
Pick up between 4:00 am and 4:30 am
Pickup Locations
- Cairns
- Cairns Northern Beaches
- Port Douglas transfers available at additional cost
Destinations
Atherton Tablelands
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Daily
Flights dependent on weather conditions
Duration
Express Flight passengers enjoy a 30 minute flight and are guaranteed an early return to Cairns, returning by 8:30 am.
30 Minute Standard Flight passengers depart between 4:00 am and 4:30 am and return to Cairns at approx. 10:15 am
60 minute Double Flight passengers depart between 4:00 am and 4:30 amand return at approx. 10:15 am.
What to Bring
- Camera (charged)
- Bottle of water & a snack
- Wear comfortable, flat shoes.
- Long pants and jacket or jumper recommended between May & September
- Avoid light or white coloured clothing as you may get dirty.
Available for Purchase / Hire
In flight digital photos
Fitness Level Required
Medium
Restrictions
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- Guests must be able to climb into and out of the basket un-assisted.
Height: From 120 Cm / 3ft11in
Child Policy
Minimum age for travel is 4 years of age.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be in writing. Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee. Please see our terms and conditions page here for details prior to booking.
- All cancellations must be advised in writing.
- All cancellations are subject to a cancellation fee as per terms and conditions
- Cancellations received within 24 hours of travel are subject to 100% cancellation
Eco Certifications
Known as the food bowl of the tropics for its coffee plantations and dairy and fruit farms, the picturesque landscape adds to the wonder and romance of this slow, scenic meander through the skies.
The exact flight schedule will depend on the time of year and weather conditions but expect be ready for a pick-up as early as 4.00am. You’ll be informed of the exact time upon booking.
Once you’ve climbed in the passenger basket you’ll be briefed on the safety and landing procedures. Then it’s a matter of taking in the magic as you gracefully float higher above land.
There are three flight options to choose from. The Express and Standard Flights, both 30-minutes, with the Standard including a cross-country balloon chase. The Express passengers will be returned to Cairns as soon as the ride is over. The Double package option consists of either two 30-minute flights or one 60-minute flight, depending on numbers for the day.
Highlights
- Watching the crew set up the balloons while it’s still dark is a pretty spectacular sight. The flames against the dark sky is quite spectacular. Floating above the morning mist is also quite surreal.
- With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Atherton Tablelands is regarded as Australia’s best ballooning location. With conditions like this a hot air balloon ride is a must-do in Tropical North Queensland.
Perfect Selfie
- Take your pick! With this spectacular view there’s a selfie opportunity every second, but the sunrise is definitely the best!
Share your selfie on our Facebook page and tag your best Instagram pics with #barrierreefaustralia for your chance to be featured.
Itinerary
Pick Up
The still, early morning conditions provide the ideal flight window for the majestic modes of transport.
Any early-morning fogginess you feel on the journey to the Tablelands is guaranteed to dissipate as soon as you reach your destination.
When prepping the night before make sure you set out your flat shoes. These can be either secure sandals or closed shoes. Avoid wearing light or white-coloured clothing as the red volcanic soil of the tablelands will easily stain your clothes. And take a bottle of water and snack with you for the trip.
If you’re flying during the cooler months, between May – September, wear long pants and bring a jacket or jumper.
The Journey
You’ll be picked up at approximately 4.00am from your Cairns accommodation or 4.30am if you’re staying in the Northern Beaches.
Once all passengers are onboard you’ll be briefed on what to expect from the day including what you can take with you in the balloon basket; hat, sunglasses, camera and video camera.
Upon arrival, the pilots may still be in the process of setting up the balloons. Watch on as they fill the balloons to full size with the aid of the attached burner. The balloon envelopes hold up to 400,000 cubic feet of hot air. Against the still-dark sky it’s a spectacular display; one that some passengers regard as a highlight of the morning.
Lift Off!
The Express and 60 minute flights will be the first to board the balloon. It is a Civil Aviation Safety Authority requirement that all passengers must be able to climb in and out of the passenger basket unaided, using the footholds provided.
The pilot will brief you once all passengers are in the basket and then it’s time for lift off. Suspended under the magnificent balloon, you’ll see the sun casts its morning rays on the countryside below.
While the first balloon is in flight the second group will track it in the ‘Cross Country Balloon Chase’ aboard the coach. The balloon is at the mercy of the breeze, so it’s an adventure for all.
Final Boarding Call
Once the balloon lands gently back to ground the Express Flight customers will board the coach for their return trip to Cairns.
Then it’s time for the changeover as the final lot of passengers, those that have booked the Standard Flight, board the balloon for their turn. This second flight will take place at approximately 6.45am. This time is only a guide however and may be subject to change.
Homeward Bound
As the basket touches ground for the final time that morning the Express customers will be well on their way back to Cairns.
For the remaining passengers, it’s time to help dismantle and pack up the balloon. Next on the agenda is a short bus ride to the Mareeba Heritage Museum for a comfort stop and a chance to purchase photos before the return journey to Cairns.
Included In Price
- Air-conditioned transfers
- Scenic Tablelands Hot Air Balloon flight
- Flight Certificate
- Experienced pilot guide
Tour Languages Offered
- English
Departs From
Cairns
Departure Time
Pick up between 4:00 am and 4:30 am
Pickup Locations
- Cairns
- Cairns Northern Beaches
- Port Douglas transfers available at additional cost
Destinations
Atherton Tablelands
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Daily
Flights dependent on weather conditions
Duration
Express Flight passengers enjoy a 30 minute flight and are guaranteed an early return to Cairns, returning by 8:30 am.
30 Minute Standard Flight passengers depart between 4:00 am and 4:30 am and return to Cairns at approx. 10:15 am
60 minute Double Flight passengers depart between 4:00 am and 4:30 amand return at approx. 10:15 am.
What to Bring
- Camera (charged)
- Bottle of water & a snack
- Wear comfortable, flat shoes.
- Long pants and jacket or jumper recommended between May & September
- Avoid light or white coloured clothing as you may get dirty.
Available for Purchase / Hire
In flight digital photos
Fitness Level Required
Medium
Restrictions
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- Guests must be able to climb into and out of the basket un-assisted.
Height: From 120 Cm / 3ft11in
Child Policy
Minimum age for travel is 4 years of age.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be in writing. Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee. Please see our terms and conditions page here for details prior to booking.
- All cancellations must be advised in writing.
- All cancellations are subject to a cancellation fee as per terms and conditions
- Cancellations received within 24 hours of travel are subject to 100% cancellation
Eco Certifications
Tour Code: 476
Prices From
au$199
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$121.00
Family: au$640.00
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