Get exclusive travel offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
By signing up, you agree to the Finder
Privacy & Cookies Policy
and
Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
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.
Top Deals
Top Companies To Book Tours
City Passes
Sightseeing Tours In Australia
Travel Booking Sites
Travel Guides
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.
Where can I book hot air balloon rides on the Gold Coast?
Does your company belong in this list?
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
Viator
Things to do in Gold Coast from $15
Ends
Available on select travel dates and activities including hot air balloon flights, skydives, wine tours, jet boat rides, whale watching cruises, attraction passes, surf lessons and more.
Cudo
Up to 51% off Gold Coast hot air balloon flights
Ends
Available on select dates until 12 June 2021 for a 30 to 60-minute experience. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Up to 10% off Australia experiences with code
Available on activities including hot air balloon flights, helicopter scenic flights and luxury car hire. Must purchase two or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Whitsundays, Cairns, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Adrenaline
Up to 50% off Australia experiences
Available on select travel dates for activities including skydiving, hot air balloon flights, quad biking, scuba diving, whale watching, bridge climbing, high tea and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Klook
Exclusive
$15 off all Australian activities with code
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $100. Activities include hot air balloon flights, tandem skydives and attraction passes. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and more. Exclusive for new members. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Up to 24% off Australia experiences for 2
Plus an extra $5 off with code on select dates when you buy 2 or more vouchers. Experiences include tours, zoo and wildlife interactions, hot air balloon flights, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Hunter Valley, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Up to 31% off flying experiences + 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 Whitsundays, 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 travel dates on hot air balloon flights, scenic flights, aerobatic flights and more. Destinations include Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Sydney, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Experience Oz
5% off first time experience
Available on select dates on activities like tours, sightseeing cruises, skydiving, hot air balloon experience, zoo and animal interactions and more. Destinations include Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide and more.
Viator
Australia hot air balloon experience from $259
Available on select travel dates in Hunter Valley, Alice Springs, Byron Bay, Cairns, Melbourne and more.
KKday
Things to do in Australia from $5
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 and more.
Adrenaline
Up to 42% off Australia activities
Available on select activities best as birthday gifts like skydiving, hot air balloon flights, quad biking, off road v8 race buggies and scuba diving. Destinations include Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Get $10 off activities with code
Available on experiences across Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and more. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, hop-on hop-off bus tours, whale watching cruises, skydives, high teas, quad biking experiences and more. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Get $5 off activities with code
Available on experiences across Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Hobart and more. Minimum spend of $250 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, hop-on hop-off bus tours, whale watching cruises, skydives, high teas, quad biking experiences and more. T&Cs apply.
Everything Australia
Up to 40% off things to do in Australia
Available on select travel dates on activities including hot air balloon flights, skydives, sightseeing cruises, whale watching cruises and dining experiences. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Perth, Gold Coast, Melbourne and more.
Adrenaline
Up to 20% off hot air balloon flights
Available on select travel dates. Destinations include Hunter Valley, Gold Coast, Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, Melbourne and more. 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 skydives, hot air balloon flights, zoo and wildlife interactions, sightseeing cruises and more. T&Cs apply.
Viator
Up to 15% off local activities
Available on select travel dates on activities including day tours, skydiving, hot air balloon flights, transfers, quad biking, attraction passes and cruise. Destinations include in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns, Canberra, Brisbane, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Up to 50% off things to do in Gold Coast + Extra $5 off w/ 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 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
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 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
-
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.
-
Campervan hire on the Gold Coast | Where to book, what to know
Take your vacation to the next level with a campervan hire on the Gold Coast.
-
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.
-
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.
-
11 romantic getaways in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for secluded luxury
Escape to the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland and stay at accommodation made for two with our top picks on where to stay for a romantic getaway.
-
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.
-
Queensland travel restrictions | What’s open in April 2021?
Here’s everything you need to know about travelling in Australia’s sunshine state in April 2021.
-
Best places to visit in New South Wales
From tropical, offshore islands to scintillating wine regions, we've rounded up the best places to visit around the state .
Ask an Expert
