Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride
Unforgettable Sunrise Balloon Ride Over Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands
- Free cancellations*
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Full details
Cairns’ Most Iconic Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience
Watch the world wake up from above on a sunrise hot air balloon experience in Cairns, offering breathtaking views, expert pilots and a truly memorable start to the day.
Our guide to Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride
Start your day in the most unforgettable way with a classic hot air balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands, complete with return hotel transfers from Cairns. After an early-morning pick-up, you’ll arrive in time to watch the spectacular balloon inflation, a magical start to your experience.
As the sun rises, lift gently into the sky and float above the stunning Atherton Tablelands, where rainforest-fringed mountains, rolling countryside and patchwork farmland stretch out below. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as your experienced pilot guides you smoothly across this breathtaking landscape.
After landing, join in the traditional balloon pack-up games, a fun and hands-on part of the experience, before boarding the coach for your return transfer around 9:30am.
To finish the morning in style, toast your flight with a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice — the perfect way to celebrate an incredible aerial adventure.
Departs:
Daily, year-round except 25th December and 1st January.
Hotel Pick-up:
This tour picks up from centrally located Cairns accommodation.
Duration:
Around 5.5 hours.
Departure Time:
Approximately one hour before sunrise (approximately 5:00 AM).
Terms and conditions
Terms and conditions for Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride
- All pick-up and drop-offs are approximate and seasonal and will be confirmed upon booking.
- You must be able to climb up the 1.2 meter foothold ladder into the hot air balloon basket without assistance.
- You must be able to stand during the entire flight.
- Children 0 to 2 years inclusive are not eligible to fly. Proof of age is required for children aged 3 to 5 years inclusive.
- Wear casual outdoor layered clothing suitable for a bush environment (white clothing not recommended).
- Enclosed footwear is compulsory.
- Please bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a bottle of water and a camera.
- In the event of inclement weather, the flight will be cancelled but can be re-booked for another day. If unable to travel on an alternative day, a full refund applies.
- It is a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and company requirement that Passengers flying with the Operator must be able to climb INTO the basket unaided.
- All times are an INDICATION only. Please note that times do change summer/winter/spring, exact start times given on receipt of your full booking details.
- Pregnant women and those who participated in diving the previous day are not suited to this activity.
- Passengers with medical conditions or that have accessibility issues, please check with your doctor or specialist prior to booking.
- No passengers will be allowed to fly if their judgement is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or prescription medicine.
- Due to weight and safety restrictions, handbags and backpacks will not be carried on the hot air balloon.
- Photos are taken by the pilot and support crew as part of balloon operations and fall secondarily to CASA safety requirements and operational Standard Operating Procedures. In some cases the pilot or crew will prioritise these primary tasks and photos will not be taken.
- Similarly, due to the outdoor environment within which our operation occurs, photographic equipment failure may occur. Whilst we take precautions against such failure and endeavour to have back up systems in place, such failure may result in a loss of data.
- Photos included as part of any package are offered in good faith, and offered on the proviso that photos are available. No discount, refund or compensation will be provided in the event that photos are not available.
*Cancellation policy:
Free cancellations and amendments are allowed for bookings cancelled with the tour operator up to 72 hours before your chosen activity date. Please keep in mind that there is a significant time difference between Australia and the UK, so be sure to allow for this when making your cancellation. After the 72-hour window, no amendments or refunds will be provided.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride
- Are the balloon flights at sunrise? Will I see the Sunrise?
Hot Air Balloon flights in Australia are at dawn because this is the time of day that provides the optimum weather conditions for launching balloons. Depending on many operational factors, which vary each day, passengers may be on the ground during inflation or in the balloon when the sun is actually coming over the horizon or rising. Viewing of "Sunrise" is therefore not guaranteed, as different people have a different perception of what this is likely to be. Although, either way, the Australian sky during the first hour of light is always amazing and you will see an amazing dawn. - Does it fly over the Great Barrier Reef? Can you see the Great Barrier Reef from the balloon?
The balloon flies over Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands, not over the Great Barrier Reef. Mareeba is a perfect place for hot air ballooning, just over one hour drive from Cairns. - What happens if tour is cancelled due to bad weather?
If your Cairns Sunrise Balloon Adventure is cancelled due to bad weather, you will be given the option to rebook for another day locally, or to receive a full refund. There's a very high take-off rate and Cairns is one of the best locations in the world for reliability & hot air ballooning. - Is there a weight limit? What is the weight limit?
There's no weight limit for the Cairns Sunrise Balloon Adventure. However, it is a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and company requirement that Passengers flying with the Operator must be able to climb INTO the basket unaided, so that in the event of an emergency passengers are also able to climb out of the basket unaided. The side of the basket is approx. 1.2 metres high with two footholds for Passengers to use like a ladder when climbing into the basket. The Operator’s staff will be in attendance to supervise Passengers climbing into the basket but are not allowed to actively assist Passengers into the basket. The Pilot in command will make the final decision on whether a passenger is able to climb into the basket unaided and therefore travel on the balloon flight. - How can a small child see in the balloon? Is there a height limit?
There is no height limit for flying. The basket is approximately 120cm high, there are a couple of footholds on a side of basket and small children can have views through those holes. The minimum age for a child to fly is 3 years. - Do I have to wear shoes on the Hot Air Balloon?
Yes, shoes are required for the safety of all our passengers and staff. We recommend wearing flat enclosed shoes for your balloon ride. - What do I bring on a morning, hot air balloon adventure?
Dress as for a casual walk in the bush, sensible sturdy shoes are recommended. We suggest you bring sunglasses, a hat/cap and dress in layered clothing. During the morning as the sun comes up, the day will become warmer. Remember there is so much to see from an entirely new perspective, you will want to record it all to relive later, your own camera or video camera are welcomed on board. Don’t forget your cash or credit card (M, V) for that extra special souvenir of your fantastic hot air balloon experience. - What about Vertigo - I hate heights?
A Hot Air Balloon flight is very gentle and stable and because you start from the ground and gently lift up, rather than looking off the edge of a building. We recommend you try it – so many of our passengers attest to how surprised at how comfortable and safe they felt flying with Hot Air.
