Balloon Flight, Gold Coast - QLD

Absolute Magic

Experience:

Indulge in the sensation that is hot air ballooning. During this balloon flight you will float like the clouds as you witness the sunrise climbing over the unforgettable panorama of Surfers Paradise, a magnificent experience...

Watch the sun reflecting off the myriad of canals and waterways and view the forest-covered mountains of the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Appreciate what is the most spectacular flying area Australia has to offer. As you are floating you will feel no wind as you have become the wind, simply relax and enjoy the oldest and most romantic form of flight known to man.

After your flight you have the opportunity to reflect on the experience over a delicious buffet breakfast, before receiving your personalised flight certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Do you provide pickups?
A. Yes, a complimentary pick-up and return service is available from local accommodation providers. Local passengers will assemble in the reception area of the award winning Radisson Resort Gold Coast. Collection and meeting times will be advised at the time of making your booking.

Q. When do you fly?
A. Every morning, meeting 1 hour before dawn, weather permitting (7 days, 365 days per year).

Q. How long is the flight?
A. The flight lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the wind speed and direction on the morning. But plan on being with us for about 3-4 hours from start to finish.

Q. How high do you go?
A. Most flights take place from treetops to 3000 or more feet, depending on wind direction and speed. The balloon might go higher during the flight to give the passengers a beautiful view, but it also will skim just above the trees giving the passengers ‘an aerial nature walk’ over the trees and floating gently above the fields.

Q. How far do you travel?
A. The balloon travels 5-20kms depending on the wind strength. We have a retrieval 4WD vehicle following on the ground in radio contact.

Q. How long does it take to inflate the balloon?
A. It usually takes around 30 minutes to inflate the balloon after arrival at the chosen launch site. You can get involved with the inflation or stand back and take photos.

Q. Why does it have to fly so early in the morning?
A. Balloons need very stable weather conditions and this occurs most predictably in the few hours just after dawn. We wish to fly before the sun can heat up the ground and the wind and ‘up lift’ starts. Winter months provide pleasant conditions for ballooning.

Q. How many people go into the basket?
A. It depends on the size of the balloon. Most of our areas have several sizes of balloons, the largest capable of taking 16 persons plus the pilot. We are usually flying our larger balloons on the weekends. But we have 12 person, 10 person, 8 person and 4 person balloons as well. We bring out the best size to comfortably lift the number of people who book on a given day.

Q. Can I bring a friend/family member to come along and watch me take off/land?
A. Yes you can, but if the balloon is full then the pickup vehicle will be full as well. They can however follow the pickup vehicle to the destination in their own vehicle.

Q. Is there lunch available for non-flyers?
A. Yes, non-flyers can have lunch for $25 payable only on the day.

Q. Does it get cold up there?
A. No, it is no colder in the balloon than on the ground. In fact, the coolest part of the morning is when we meet. It gets warmer from that point on, and quite cosy when flying in the balloon. We therefore recommend that you wear clothing in layers so you can take off a jacket or sweatshirt whilst in the balloon and not become overheated.

Locations:

Queensland, Gold Coast.

Duration:

Flying time is approximately one hour. You will also enjoy a celebratory buffet breakfast and presentation of personalised flight certificates, so please allow up to three hours for the entire experience.

Dress Code:

We recommend you wear comfortable casual clothes, sturdy shoes and a hat. Don’t forget your camera.

Additional Info:

We are Australia's oldest and largest ballooning company, so you are in great hands.