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Hot air ballooning in Gold Coast: A guide to the top experiences, locations and deals
See the beauty of the Gold Coast as you float through the sky in a hot air balloon during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Lush green views of the Hinterland or sparkling coastal views from above is what you can expect when you sign yourself up for a hot air balloon ride on the Gold Coast.
To get you on board, we've outlined the best experiences in and around the Gold Coast that will make for an unforgettable morning.
Where can I book hot air balloon rides on the Gold Coast?
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Top picks for hot air ballooning on the Gold Coast
Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight from RedBalloon
Best for: Price
- Highlights:
- Includes transfers from your Gold Coast hotel
- Receive a personalised flight certificate after you land
- Views of the Gold Coast, its rolling hills and waterways
Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon and Jet Boat Adventure Combo from RedBalloon
Best for: Adventure seekers
- Highlights:
- 30 minute hot air balloon and 55 minute jet boat ride package
- Includes transfers from Gold Coast hotels
- Flight certificate upon landing
- Glass of sparkling and breakfast at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard
Hot Air Balloon Flight With Breakfast from Adrenaline
Best for: Value
- Highlights:
- 60 minute flight and champagne buffet breakfast for $324
- Includes transfers from select Gold Coast hotels
- Receive a personalised flight certificate when you land
Hot Air Ballooning including Champagne Breakfast from the Gold Coast from Viator
Best for: Experience height
- Highlights:
- 30 or 60-minute hot air balloon ride
- Full hot breakfast, including champagne
- Entry to O'Reilly’s Grand Homestead & Vineyard
- Hotel pick-up and drop off included
Hot Air Ballooning Over the Gold Coast Hinterland and Wineries from Experience Oz
Best for: Views
- Highlights:
- 30-minute scenic ride
- Views of the city and hinterland
- Access to O'Reilly's Homestead & Vineyard
- Includes hot breakfast and champagne
Hot air ballooning on the Gold Coast: Compare experiences, locations and more
| Company | Location | Duration | Extras/inclusions | Book with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel Fly over: Gold Coast Hinterland and wineries | 30 minutes |
| |
| Hot Air Ballooning Over Hinterland | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel Fly over: Gold Coast Hinterland | 30 minutes |
| |
| Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne Breakfast | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel or meet up at Nerang or Canungra Fly over: Gold Coast Hinterland | 60 minutes |
| |
| Hot Air Balloon and Jet Boat Adventure Combo | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel or meet up at selected meeting point Fly over: Gold Coast Hinterland | 30 minutes |
| |
| Hot Air Balloon and Jet Boat Adventure Combo | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel or meet up at selected meeting point Fly over: Gold Coast Hinterland | 30 minutes |
| |
| Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight | Pick up: From select Gold Coast hotels Fly over: Gold Coast, Hinterland, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, weather dependent | 30-60 minutes (depending on day) |
| |
| Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight with Free Cruise | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel Fly over: Gold Coast Hinterland and wineries | 30 minutes |
| |
| Hot Air Balloon for 2 with Breakfast | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel Fly over: Surfers Paradise | 60 minutes |
| |
| Hot Air Ballooning Over Gold Coast | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel Fly over: Surfers Paradise, city skyline and Hinterland, weather dependent | 60 minutes |
| |
| Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel Fly over: Surfers Paradise | 60 minutes |
| |
| Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel Fly over: Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast Hinterland | 30 minutes |
|
Gold Coast hot air ballooning deals
Experience Oz
Up to 48% off Gold Coast hot air balloon flights
Ends
Available for travel until 31 December 2020. T&Cs apply.
Experience Oz
Up to 24% off Gold Coast hot air balloon flights with breakfast
Ends
Available for travel in January 2021 and includes a free photo. T&Cs apply.
Experience Oz
Up to 48% off Gold Coast experiences
Available on select travel dates in 2021. Includes hot air balloon flights, sightseeing cruises, tours, skydives, attraction passes and more. T&Cs apply.
Gift It Now
Up to 44% off Gold Coast experiences
Available on select travel dates for activities including tandem skydive, hot air balloon flights, zoo and wildlife interactions, sightseeing cruises and more. T&Cs apply.
Viator
Up to $26 off things to do in Australia
Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021 to Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns and more. Activities include day tours, skydiving, flight experiences, transfers, attraction passes, cruises and more. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Gold Coast: Up to 50% off things to do + Extra 10% off with code
Available on select dates and activities including indoor skydiving, sightseeing cruises, hot air ballooning, getaways, spa treatments and much more. Minimum spend of $100 applies. T&Cs apply.
Adrenaline
Up to 33% off things to do in the Gold Coast
Available on select dates for activities like driving experiences, hot air balloon flights, helicopter scenic flights, jet ski and boat rides, skydives and more. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Up to 17% off Gold Coast hot air balloon experience
Available on select travel dates plus extra 10% off with code. Minimum spend of $100 applies. T&Cs apply.
Frequently asked questions about hot air ballooning on the Gold Coast
Where can I do hot air ballooning on the Gold Coast?
All hot air ballooning experiences that depart from the Gold Coast fly over the Gold Coast region. This can include the Hinterland, wine regions, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
Your specific view of the day is determined by the wind speed and direction. This will be assessed by your pilot on the morning of your flight.
How high does the hot air balloon fly?
The height of your flight depends on the wind and its strength. Typically, you'll fly from 1,000-4,000 feet above ground.
How many people can fit in a hot air balloon?
While numbers may vary on the day, Gold Coast's hot air balloons fit up to 24 passengers. These are spread around the balloon with half on one side and half on the other for balance.
Is there a minimum age to fly?
Yes. Due to safety precautions, passengers must be 3+ years to fly. Typically, children under 6 fly free.
What types of clothing should I wear?
Flights take off before sunrise as this is when weather conditions are most stable. Depending on the season you're flying you may wish to bring a jumper or jacket to stay warm before the sun rises.
As you'll be climbing in and out of the basket, sturdy closed shoes are mandatory.
Wearing a hat is also advised as it can get hot standing next to the balloon's burner.
Where exactly will we fly?
The exact destination varies day by day as it's dependent on the wind speed and direction. You could fly over the Gold Coast Hinterland, its wine region and farm paddocks. If you're lucky, the wind could bring you along the coast over Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
Hot air ballooning on the Gold Coast review
Scenic, relaxing and magical – this hot air balloon ride has it all.
From the views of the hinterland to how smooth the hot air balloon ride was (it feels as though you're floating on a cloud), I was super impressed by how enjoyable and relaxing our journey was.
The hour goes by in a flash but you have plenty of time to capture the scenery, including that gorgeous golden sunrise.
What I liked
- Flight length. I booked a 60-minute flight. However, looking at the terms and conditions it says that they can run as short as 40 minutes. Now I've been on hot air balloons in the past where that 60 minutes has been cut back massively leaving me quite disappointed and angry. Not here. We got the full hour in the air and weren't bored for a moment.
- The sunrise. Flights are timed to be in the air as the sun rises, colouring the land below a shade of gold. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good sunrise/sunset.
- Friendly and personable guides. From the moment we were picked up to drop off, our driver and balloon pilot were friendly and happy to answer our questions. (Not that we had too many.)
- No long waiting times. I'd read in previous reviews that there was long waits as the bus made its way to hotels to pick up people. We were the first to be collected and I didn't feel the time was inconveniently stretched out at all.
- Easy to contact for changes. I purchased two flights, one for myself and one for my husband. This was done separately but the team were happy to add him onto my itinerary post-purchase so that we could fly together.
- You can bring your camera. There is a camera dangling off the balloon that takes full flight shots but you're more than welcome to bring your own phones and cameras for the ride.
What I didn't like
- The view was a little one-dimensional. The flight path is dependent on the wind and we travelled over paddocks and small towns. The hinterland could be seen in the distance but neither the city skyline nor beach were in view.
- The balloon feels packed. This is true of any hot air balloon ride but for first timers, it's important to know that you won't have the whole section of the balloon to yourself. You'll often be sharing it with four or five other people which restricts your space – though rarely your view.
Things to keep in mind
- Closed shoes must be worn. This is advised when you make your booking.
- The view you receive depends on the weather. There's an assumption that you'll fly over the coast but this is only the case if the winds comply. On the morning of your flight, the pilots will test for the safest route so you could wind up travelling anywhere within the Gold Coast area.
- You can't bring a bag on board. Camera bags are allowed otherwise all is left in the bus. Since you don't need money, it's best to wear something with pockets and carry the essentials, AKA phone and keys, only.
Stephanie went on a 60-minute hot air balloon Gold Coast flight with Balloon Down Under on 22 February 2020. She was a guest of Klook.
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