Hot Air Balloon Rides: 5 to Try Near Sydney

You know those amazing images of colourful hot air balloons floating above a striking mountain range with the sunrise glistening in the background? Well, you can actually experience this very vision right here in Sydney! Hot air balloon rides in Sydney and surrounds are definitely a thing and not only reserved for romantic marriage proposals.

Kids aged 7 and over and adults can get in on the floating action with our five recommended hot air balloon rides, so get ready to soar to new heights.

1. Balloon Aloft

Balloon Aloft was the very first company to offer passenger hot air balloon rides in the whole of Australia and has been doing just that for over 35 years. The family-owned business offers scenic hot air balloon rides at several locations across NSW including the Hunter Valley, Camden Valley, Mudgee, Byron Bay and Canberra. The award-winning Balloon Aloft are a proud inductee of the TripAdvisor Hall Of Fame, so you know you’ll always get unparalleled service.

Prices start from $269 per person for adults and children 7 to 12 years and include a 1-hour ride and full gourmet breakfast.

Visit the website for more about Balloon Aloft. 

2. Aussie Balloontrek

Get ready to take to the skies and soak in the stunning surrounds of Regional NSW with Aussie Balloontrek. Operating out of Canowindara in Orange – aka the hot-air-ballooning capital of Australia – booking a flight with Aussie Balloontrek is one of those life experiences you just have to tick off your bucket list. Your scenic flight will start at early morning twilight and take you across one of the most stunningly prolific farming regions of NSW.

Aussie Balloontrek offer 45-minute flights, 1-hour flights, and deluxe half-hour flights. Prices start from $200 per person and include a barbecue breakfast with champagne, orange juice and tea and coffee, plus a special First Flight Certificate.

For more information about Balloontrek, visit their website.       

3. Hunter Valley Ballooning

Soaring above the scenic Hunter Valley vineyards from the comfort of a state-of-the-art hot air balloon will make for lifelong memories with the family. Hunter Valley Ballooning operates exclusively in the Hunter Valley region so you know you’ll be getting only the best insider knowledge of the area on every flight.

Prices start from $279 per person.

For more information on balloon flights in the Hunter Valley, visit their website.

4. Beyond Ballooning

For another popular hot air balloon company in the Hunter Valley, get ready to take flight with Beyond Ballooning. Beyond Ballooning offer Daily Balloon Flights, VIP Balloon Flights, Exclusive Balloon Flights and corporate hot air ballooning where you'll get to see the Hunter Valley from new and incredible angles.

Visit Beyond Ballooning for their hot air balloon schedule.

5. Dawn Drifters

If you’re planning on visiting the nation’s capital with the family, why not make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience and go for a hot air balloon ride with Dawn Drifters? As Canberra’s premier hot air balloon service, a ride with Dawn Drifters offers you the best of both worlds with views of the Canberra metropolis as well as regional surrounds all the way up to the rugged Brindabella Range.  

Prices start from $220 per child and $310 per adult and include a post-flight toast with bubbly and orange juice.

Visit their website for more about hot air ballooning in Canberra.

*Please note that hot air ballooning is a weather dependent activity, so always be sure to check with your tour company about the best times to fly before you book.  

Other Adventures in Sydney

Explore Sydney's Secret Spots
Outdoor Activities For Adventurous Families
Glow Worm Caves Near Sydney

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!