A hot air balloon flight is one of the most memorable ways to see Melbourne, and the sunrise flight over the city is one of its best-known experiences. The activity takes about four hours in total, with a 5am start and an hour in the air. The flight passes over the city, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne Museum, and takes in the Yarra, the parks and the skyline in early light. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the journey ends back at the meeting point. The launch site is not fixed, because the operator looks for a suitable takeoff spot depending on the wind on the day, which is part of the reality of ballooning. Groups are limited to twelve travellers. Breakfast and photos or video are offered as optional extras. It is rated 5.0 from around 490 reviews, which is extremely strong for an experience that depends on weather, and the vast majority of travellers recommend it. It is a premium activity with a premium price, and it suits couples, honeymooners, special occasions and anyone who wants a view of the city that cannot be matched from the ground.
Ballooning depends on the weather, and the operator states that good visibility cannot be guaranteed on every flight. Flights can be cancelled for wind, rain or low cloud, and you should expect to be offered a refund or another date if that happens, but check the operator's policy when you book. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start. Pickup is very early, so plan an early night, wear warm layers because the pre-dawn air is cold, and bring sunscreen and a hat for after sunrise.
Check the restrictions. The experience is not recommended for pregnant travellers and is not wheelchair accessible. Most travellers can take part, and there are no set age or height limits, but you should confirm requirements for children when you book. The flight is quiet and gentle, but landing can be bumpy and the crew will brief you on what to do, so listen to the safety instructions. Optional breakfast and photo packages are chosen at booking, and prices for these vary, so check them against your budget.
Think about the practicalities of such an early start: eat lightly, bring a camera with a charged battery, wear flat shoes and layers, and allow time to wake properly before pickup. Because the flight direction depends on the wind, you may drift towards different parts of the city on different days, so treat the route as a surprise rather than a fixed itinerary.
Think about whether the price fits your plans. It is among the most expensive activities in Melbourne, and the value is entirely in the experience and the photographs, so it is best for a special occasion. If you prefer a cheaper view, the Melbourne Skydeck and the Eureka Tower give a skyline panorama in any weather, and the Arthurs Seat gondola offers a bay view.
But for a quiet, floating view of the city waking up, the balloon is in a class of its own, and it is hard to beat for a proposal, an anniversary or a once-in-a-trip splurge.
What to expect
The experience
A sunrise hot air balloon flight of about an hour over Melbourne, with hotel pickup and drop-off and optional breakfast and photos.
Best time
Sunrise, with a 5am start. Calm, clear mornings only; the flight is weather dependent.
How long
About four hours in total, with roughly an hour in the air.
Tips
Dress warmly. Not recommended for pregnant travellers and not wheelchair accessible. Full refund if cancelled 24 hours ahead. Confirm the weather-cancellation policy when you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, honeymooners and anyone marking a special occasion.
- Families
- Check age and size requirements for children when you book; a very early start.
- Couples
- One of the most romantic experiences in the city.
- Pair with
- A late breakfast or coffee in the laneways after landing.
- Time needed
- A full morning.
Good questions
How long is the balloon flight?+
The flight is about an hour, and the whole activity takes about four hours including transfers.
What time does it start?+
The start time is 5am, with hotel pickup included.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
Ballooning is weather dependent and good visibility cannot be guaranteed. If the flight is cancelled for weather you should be offered a refund or another date; confirm the policy when you book.
What does the flight pass over?+
The flight passes the city, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne Museum. The launch site depends on the wind.
Who cannot take part?+
The experience is not recommended for pregnant travellers and is not wheelchair accessible.
