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
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.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
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.
Top picks for hot air ballooning on the Gold Coast
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
Why you can trust our recommendations for hot air ballooning in Gold Coast
- We compared hot air ballooning in Gold Coast options with top brands like RedBalloon, Adrenaline, Viator and Groupon to find the top experiences.
- We put ourselves in your shoes and considered what most people would look for when booking experiences, whether it's location, price, inclusions or availability.
- When possible, we'll include first-hand reviews of our hot air ballooning in Gold Coast experiences.
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 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) |
| |
| 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 Flight | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel Fly over: Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast Hinterland | 30 minutes |
| |
| Hot Air Balloon Experience | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel Fly over: Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast Hinterland | 30 minutes |
| |
| Gold Coast Hot Air Ballooning with Breakfast | Pick up: Gold Coast hotel Fly over: Surfers Paradise and Coast Coast Hinterland | 6 hours |
|
Where can I book hot air balloon rides on the Gold Coast?
Does your company belong in this list?
Gold Coast hot air ballooning deals
Adrenaline
Get 10% off Australia activities with code
Ends
Available on activities including skydiving, hot air ballooning, quad biking and more. Minimum spend of $350 required. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.
Experience Oz
Up to 48% off Gold Coast hot air balloon flight with photo package
Ends
Available on select dates until December 2021 for a 45-minute experience. Includes hotel transfers on select properties.
Experience Oz
Up to 28% off 30-minute Gold Coast hot air balloon flight
Ends
Available on select dates until February 2022. Includes breakfast and free photo.
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.
Viator
Things to do in Gold Coast from $15
Ends
Available on select dates and activities including hot air balloon flights, skydives, wine tours, jet boat rides, whale watching cruises, attraction passes, surf lessons and more.
RedBalloon
Up to 48% off Australia experiences + an extra 10% off with code
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and more. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Up to 19% off Australia experiences for 2
Ends
Plus an extra $5 off with code when you buy 2 or more vouchers. Include tours, skydives, high teas and attraction passes. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Viator
Up to 15% off local activities
Available on select dates on activities including day tours, skydiving, hot air ballooning, attraction passes and cruises. Destinations include in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns, Canberra, Brisbane, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Up to 23% off flying experiences plus an extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include hot air ballooning, skydiving, helicopter scenic flights. Destinations include Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hunter Valley, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.
Everything Australia
Up to 30% off Gold Coast activities
Ends
Available on select travel dates on activities including hot air balloon flights, skydives, whale watching cruises, jet boat rides and more.
Klook
Up to 23% off Australia flight experiences
Available on select dates on hot air balloon flights and scenic flights. Destinations include Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Sydney, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and more.
Experience Oz
5% off first time experience
Available on select dates and activities such as tours, sightseeing cruises, skydiving, hot air balloon experience and more. Destinations include Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide and more.
Viator
Australia hot air balloon experience from $259
Ends
Available on select travel dates in Hunter Valley, Alice Springs, Byron Bay, Cairns, Melbourne and more.
KKday
Up to 69% off things to do in Australia
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights, jet boat rides and more.
Everything Australia
Up to 40% off things to do in Australia
Available on select dates and activities including hot air ballooning, skydiving, sightseeing cruises, whale watching cruises and dining. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Perth, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane and more.
Adrenaline
Up to 50% off Australia experiences
Available on select dates for activities such as skydiving, hot air balloon flights, bridge climbing, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and more.
Klook
Exclusive
$15 off all Australian activities with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $100. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and attraction passes. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane and more. Exclusive for new members. T&Cs apply.
Exclusive
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Get $5 off activities with code
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
Exclusive
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Get $10 off activities with code
Available across Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Hobart and more. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives, high teas and more. T&Cs apply.
Exclusive
Gift It Now
Up to 44% off Gold Coast experiences
Available on select travel dates for activities including tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights, zoo and wildlife interactions, sightseeing cruises and more.
RedBalloon
Up to 48% off things to do in Gold Coast + Extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include indoor skydiving, sightseeing cruises, hot air ballooning, getaways, jet boat rides, spa treatments and more. T&Cs apply.
Adrenaline
Up to 31% 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 skis and jet boat rides, skydives, whale watching cruises and more.
RedBalloon
Up to 17% off Gold Coast hot air balloon flights
Plus an extra $5 off with code on select dates when you buy 2 or more vouchers. 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 much does hot air ballooning on the Gold Coast cost?
You can expect to pay between $195 - $360 to see the best views overlooking the Gold Coast in a hot air balloon.
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.
More guides on Finder
-
13 best pet-friendly accommodation options on the Gold Coast
A list of pet-friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast, so you can take your fur-baby travelling with you.
-
Take a sneak peek at Click Frenzy’s™ local travel deals 2021
Here's a small look into the hundreds of deals dropping at 7pm on 20 April 2021.
-
Top Queensland travel deals as borders to Greater Sydney reopen
Borders open? Check. Bags packed? Check. Travel deals that'll save you big? Check.
-
The top 11 Boxing Day travel deals for 2020 that you can’t miss
26 December is here and these are the savings we think you'll love.
-
9 things to do on Boxing Day on the Gold Coast
Get amongst it all on 26 December with these adrenaline-fuelled or family-friendly activities available on the Gold Coast.
-
7 Boxing Day hotel deals that’ll really make your “stay”
You'll be singing with up to 40% off your dream holiday accommodation.
-
9 Northern Territory road trip itineraries for epic outback adventures
Hit the open outback road and explore some of the NT's most scenic national parks, waterfalls and hot springs.
-
Gold Coast resorts for luxury accommodation with all the views
Here are the beachfront resorts with outdoor pools, kids' clubs, acclaimed restaurants and more to really set the scene on your next Gold Coast holiday.
-
Best places to visit in the Northern Territory in 2021
Unique cultural experiences and picturesque natural wonders await in these six destinations. Plus, our top picks on the territory's best camp sites.
-
Best places to visit in the Gold Coast
Find where to go on the Gold Coast for unlimited entertainment from water activities to nature, skyscrapers and beaches.
Ask an Expert
