Early Ballooning, 30 Or 60 Minutes

Early Morning Ballooning In Alice Springs

★ 4.8

from AU$380 per adult, operator price, AU$340 per child

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Duration: About 4 hours door to door (30 or 60 minute flight)
Meeting point: Alice Springs accommodation pickup
Meals: Light individually wrapped snacks after landing
Run by: Outback Ballooning

Overview

This is a pre-dawn hot air balloon flight over the country around Alice Springs, run by Outback Ballooning, with a choice of 30 or 60 minutes in the air. The whole outing runs about 4 hours door to door, and hotel pickup and drop off are part of the package. The route passes by the MacDonnell Ranges and the Outback Ballooning site.

The morning follows a set rhythm. A driver collects passengers from their accommodation in the dark, then everyone watches the crew unpack and inflate the envelope at the launch site, which several reviewers describe with enthusiasm. Once the basket lifts, the flight drifts quietly over the outback while the sun comes up, and reviewers mention kangaroos and cattle seen below. After landing, passengers can help roll and pack the envelope, which several reviewers treated as a fun team effort, and it is entirely optional.

The flight suits most people. Physical fitness is not required, but passengers must be able to climb into the basket unaided, using foot holes, and stand for the flight. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers over 12 weeks or people with serious back or heart conditions. Children aged 6 to 14 pay a child price and must travel with an adult, and younger children aged 3 to 5 are considered case by case.

DurationAbout 4 hours door to door (30 or 60 minute flight)

What's Included

Included

30 or 60 minute hot air balloon flight (depending on option selected)
Light refreshments including sparkling wine and fruit juice
Hotel pickup and drop off
GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Not Included

Breakfast

Run byOutback Ballooning

Itinerary

Hotel pickupA driver collects passengers from their Alice Springs accommodation before dawn.
Drive to launch siteTransfer out to the launch site in the dark, ready for inflation at first light.
Balloon inflationPassengers watch the crew unpack and inflate the envelope.
Hot air balloon flightA 30 or 60 minute flight, depending on the option selected, drifting over the outback as the sun rises.
MacDonnell RangesThe flight passes by the MacDonnell Ranges.
Landing and pack upThe pilot brings the balloon down, and helping to deflate and pack the envelope is optional.
RefreshmentsSparkling wine, fruit juice, and individually packaged muffins, slices, cookies, cheese and biscuits are served after the flight.
Hotel drop offPassengers are returned to their accommodation, about 4 hours after pickup.

Town ShuttleIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this morning goes, from the pre-dawn start to what happens after landing.

Very early start. The tour requires a pre-dawn wake up, which many reviewers call well worth it since the sunrise happens during the flight. Expect a pickup while it is still dark and a total outing of about 4 hours door to door.
Standing and climbing. Passengers must climb into the basket, roughly 1.2 metres high, unaided using the foot holes and stand for the whole flight. One reviewer with a fear of heights still found it quiet, smooth and manageable.
Optional pack up. Helping deflate and roll the balloon after landing is voluntary. Several reviewers described it as a highlight and a team activity, but anyone less able bodied can stand back and take photos instead.
Food and drink. Sparkling wine, fruit juice, muffins, slices, cookies, cheese and biscuits are provided after the flight, and several reviewers appreciated the post-flight spread. No breakfast is served, so eat something before pickup if you want a proper meal.
Wildlife sightings. Several reviewers mention seeing kangaroos during the flight, along with cattle below. Sightings depend on the flight, and nothing in the listing guarantees them.
Weather dependency. Flights depend on suitable conditions and the pilot's decision is final. The listing advises booking the first available day in the area so there is room to rebook if the weather turns.

AvailabilityCheck availability →

Common issues. The main limitation is weather: if conditions are unsuitable, the flight is cancelled and passengers can rebook or take a full refund, and the pilot's call is final. The experience also needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and it carries up to 44 travellers, so it is not a small or private outing. It is not wheelchair accessible, and passengers must climb into the basket unaided and stand for the flight. Kangaroo sightings, which many travellers hope for, are not guaranteed.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Balloon Flight?

You choose between a 30 or 60 minute flight when booking. The full experience, including hotel pickup and drop off, lasts about 4 hours door to door.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop off are included, along with GST. Passengers are collected from their accommodation before dawn.

Is Breakfast Included?

No. Light refreshments are served after the flight, including sparkling wine, fruit juice, and items such as muffins, slices, cookies, cheese and biscuits. A full breakfast is not included, so eat something before pickup if you want it.

Can Children Take The Flight?

Children aged 6 to 14 pay a child price and must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged 3 to 5 are not recommended but can be considered individually, so contact the operator before booking.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for weather or low numbers, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring, And Who Should Avoid It?

The listing does not give a packing list, but bring any medication you need. The flight is not recommended for travellers with back problems or pregnancies over 12 weeks, and anyone with a medical condition or disability should discuss it with Outback Ballooning before booking.