SPORT LEISURE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

badge-bullet-rounded-7 badge-bullet-rounded-6

The heat is on! 10 Australian hot-air balloon hotspots

If you’re searching for the best places to go hot-air ballooning in Australia, then look no further.

We’ve hunted high and low and rounded up these hotspots, so you can take to the skies for a thrilling experience.

You can’t beat the view from up here…

Gain a different and breathtaking perspective of your destination. Location: Gold Coast, QLD.

1. Alice Springs, NT

The rugged landscapes of the Red Centre and surrounds are incredibly captivating and viewing them from above is truly special. Glide across the MacDonnell Ranges and admire their immense beauty while also enjoying an incredible sunrise. Also, keep watch for wildlife that may be roaming across the countryside.

The scenery in and around Alice is stunning, all the more so from high above.

2. Tropical North Queensland region

From the ground, Tropical Northern Queensland reveals a wealth of jaw-dropping beauty, so it just about goes without saying that the views from above are nothing short of mind blowing. With balloon companies operating tours out of Cairns and Port Douglas, witness majestic scenery that includes the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – two World Heritage wonders – as well as the majestic Atherton Tablelands and much more.

Stay at: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns CoconutTasman Holiday Parks - Cairns Cool Waters or BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park.

Cairns is among the nation's best ballooning destinations. Credit: Cairns Hot Air Ballooning.

3. Byron Bay, NSW

The NSW North Coast region is full of splendour and a Byron Bay hot-air balloon ride allows you to soak up all its beauty with ease. Absorb breathtaking views of the sparkling coastline that contrast nicely with the lush greenery of the sprawling hinterland.

Stay at: Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay or nearby Tasman Holiday Parks - Ballina.

Hover above both sparkling coastline and lush hinterland in Byron Bay. Credit: Byron Bay Ballooning.

4. Melbourne, VIC

Riding in a hot-air balloon is a sensational way to capture the immense variety and interest of the Victorian capital. Get a whole new perspective of the CBD and its wonderful positioning on Port Phillip Bay, follow the Yarra River as it snakes its way through the city and surrounds, peer towards the Dandenong Ranges, and spot historical, cultural, and sporting icons.

Stay at: BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park or BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park.

Wow! Melbourne from the air is astonishing.

5. Yarra Valley, VIC

As one of Australia’s best-known wine regions, the Yarra Valley is filled with rows and rows of vineyards that make for a spectacular sight from the confines of a hot-air balloon. You’ll also spy farms, rolling hills, and plenty of other beautiful scenery in this tranquil region.

Stay at: BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park.

The Yarra Valley is even more spectacular when seen from the air.

6. Gold Coast, QLD

One of the best places for a hot-air balloon ride in Australia has to be the glittering Gold Coast. Witness the region’s stunning hinterland and prized national parks, sparkling stretch of coastline, cluster of towering buildings, and much more from a vantage point that will simply steal your breath away.

Stay at: BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park, or NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park.

The vivid, contrasting landscapes of the Gold Coast are even more spectacular up here.

7. The Hunter, NSW

Taking flight in the Hunter reinforces that hot-air ballooning and wine regions go hand in hand. The vineyard-cloaked surrounds make for an absorbing sight from high above, while eye-catching farms, mountain ranges, and national parks jostle for your attention, too. When indulging in the delicious food and wine of the Hunter, this experience provides the cherry on top.

Stay at: Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley.

A hot-air balloon ride in the Hunter Valley is an essential attraction. Credit: Destination NSW.

8. Canberra, ACT

Iconic structures, beautiful parks and lakes, and sweeping mountains are all hallmarks of Canberra. The best way to see it all is within the basket of a hot-air balloon. The Nation’s Capital celebrates its love of ballooning with the annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular (March).

Stay at: Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park or Crestview Tourist Park, just out of Canberra.

Canberra loves its hot-air balloons.

9. The Barossa, SA

Another prized wine region, another ballooning hotspot. And why wouldn’t it be? Tower over the famous vineyards of leading wineries and admire the countryside and ranges in all their beauty. To add to the experience, views stretch to the ocean.

Stay at: BIG4 Barossa Tourist Park.

Take in the Barossa's beauty from a new vantage point. Image courtesy: Barossa Valley Ballooning.

10. Mudgee, NSW

A Mudgee hot-air balloon ride delivers gorgeous views and, considering the town doubles as a prominent wine region, continues the theme of ‘have vineyards, must fly over them’. Alongside row after row of vines, gain a fascinating perspective of the rolling hills, nearby mountains, and much more.

Stay at: BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park.

Mighty Mudgee shines from above. Image courtesy: Balloon Aloft.

Isn’t it time you took flight? Book your next BIG4 break now.

Related Parks

Perks+ members SAVE

on stays, plus loads more!

Already a member? Sign in