Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride

Experience Breathtaking Views Over Cairns with a Classic Hot Air Balloon Ride!

  • Free cancellations*
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Full details

Start your day with the ultimate adventure—Cairns’ most iconic hot air balloon experience!

Ready for a breathtaking start to your day? Glide high above the stunning Atherton Tablelands on a sunrise hot air balloon ride! With Cairns’ largest fleet of balloons and spectacular views, this is your chance to experience Australia from a whole new perspective.

Our guide to Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride

Soar gently above the picturesque Atherton Tablelands at dawn in one of Australia’s largest fleets of hot air balloons. Departing from Mareeba, you’ll float through the sky, taking in stunning landscapes as the sun rises—perfect for soaking up the wide-open spaces and fresh air.

With a highly trained and fun crew, every day feels like a balloon festival! Enjoy the unique sensation of hot air ballooning with expert commentary and a commemorative certificate to remember your adventure.

Itinerary (subject to change):

  • Pre-dawn pick-up: Get picked up from your Cairns accommodation and enjoy a 1-hour scenic transfer to your launch site.
  • Flight at 6:30 AM: Rise above the beautiful Atherton Tablelands and take in breathtaking views. Our lively crew and expert pilots will make sure you have an unforgettable experience.
  • Landing at 7:50 AM: Celebrate your adventure with a continental breakfast featuring fresh fruits, pastries, and a glass of bubbly or juice as you chat with the crew and fellow passengers.
  • Return to Cairns: Depending on the season, you’ll be back in Cairns between 9:00 and 9:30 AM.

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 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.
  • Unless the camera fails, digital photos will be provided on every flight. If the camera fails, no compensation or refund will be given.

*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.