- Open 7 Days
1. Activity Highlights
Special Souvenir: [Free Fridge Magnet] Every passenger who successfully completes the flight will receive an exquisite hot air balloon fridge magnet.
Stunning Yarra Valley: Experience Victoria’s most spectacular wine region. Fly over winding country roads and vast vineyards in the soft morning light.
Ultimate Experience: Gently ascend and glide over forests, farms, and mist-covered valleys as you witness the sunrise.
Escape the City: Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this natural venue offers panoramic views, native wildlife, and stable weather conditions.
2. Duration
Total Time: Approximately 4 – 4.5 hours.
Includes: Drive to the launch site, balloon setup/pack-up, approx. 1-hour flight, return transfer, and buffet breakfast.
3. Reference Itinerary
Check-in: Meet at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa.
Balloon Setup: A unique opportunity for passengers to assist staff in inflating and preparing the balloon.
The Flight: Approximately 1 hour of scenic flying time.
Balloon Pack-up: After landing, join the crew in folding and packing away the balloon.
Breakfast: After the experience, the crew will transfer you back to the hotel to enjoy a buffet breakfast.
1. Important Notices & Communication
WeChat Contact: If the flight proceeds, a WeChat group (including passengers, pilots, and staff) will be created on the day. Contact us if you need to provide your ID.
Flight Confirmation: MANDATORY! You must check the latest flight updates the night before to confirm if the flight is proceeding and the exact meeting time. Refer to your confirmation letter for details.
2. Meeting Information
Meeting Point: Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa
Address: 1309 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen VIC 3775
Parking: Free parking is available at the meeting site.
Monthly Estimated Meeting Times (Subject to final notification):
Jan: 4:30–5:00 | Feb: 5:00–5:30 | Mar: 5:30–6:00 | Apr: 5:15–6:00
May: 5:30–6:00 | Jun: 6:00–6:30 | Jul: 5:30–6:00 | Aug: 5:15–5:45
Sep: 4:30–5:15 | Oct: 4:30–5:15 | Nov: 4:15–4:45 | Dec: 4:15–4:45
3. Instructions & App Download
Self-Drive: After booking, check your email for the confirmation. You must make your own way to the meeting point on the day of the flight.
App Confirmation (Mandatory): Download the Global Ballooning Australia app.
Setup: Enter your flight location and date, and enable notifications. You will receive exact meeting/pickup times the night before.
Email Link: A flight status link will also be sent to your registered email.
4. Weather & Cancellation Policy
Weather Cancellations: If cancelled due to poor weather, please contact Global Ballooning to reschedule.
No-Show Policy: Failure to follow the flight confirmation process resulting in a missed flight will result in a voided booking with no reschedule or refund.
1. Eligibility & Health Restrictions
Age & Pricing: Minimum age is 6. Children aged 6-12 (inclusive) qualify for child rates; ages 13+ are charged as adults.
Supervision: Children (6-12) must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers aged 13-18 require guardian consent to fly unaccompanied.
Physical Fitness: No major surgery in the last 6 months; must be capable of standing for 1 hour.
Weight Limit: Generally limited to 140kg; exceeding this may incur extra fees.
Safety Note: Not recommended for late-stage pregnancy. The pilot reserves the right to refuse boarding for safety reasons (e.g., high winds).
2. Weather Policy & Flight Confirmation
Pilot’s Call: All flights are weather-dependent. The pilot makes the final safety decision.
Updates: Download our app and enter booking details. You will be notified by 6:00 PM the night before regarding flight status and exact meeting times.
Check-in: You can complete the waiver and check-in process via the app the evening before.
3. Dress Code & Pre-flight Notice
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Strictly no high heels, flip-flops, or open-toed shoes. Bring spare socks as feet may get wet from morning dew.
Clothing: Wear warm, sturdy, layered outdoor clothing (like hiking gear). Due to burner heat and potential sparks/soot, do not wear flammable or bright fabrics (no compensation for damage).
Belongings: Pockets must have zippers. No bags allowed on the balloon (can be left in vehicles). Cameras are welcome at your own risk; no selfie sticks or tripods.
Participation: Ballooning is interactive; we encourage guests to assist with set-up and packing.
4. Meeting Time & Accessibility
Meeting Time: Usually approx. 1.5 hours before sunrise; exact time as per app notification the night before.
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users. The basket is approx. 1m high with foot holes and a ladder for access.
Cancellation 0-7 days before departure: 100% of the booking amount will be charged (100% loss).
Cancellation 8 days or more before departure: Full refund (0% loss).
Booking Confirmation: Upon successful booking, a confirmation voucher will be sent to your email containing essential details and participation notices. Please read it carefully. In the absence of feedback, it is assumed that you have read and acknowledged all information provided.
Agency Role: We operate solely as an intermediary agency responsible for booking travel products on behalf of travelers.
Insurance Recommendation: We strongly advise travelers to purchase travel insurance. Suppliers (attractions, hotels, transport companies, etc.) are directly responsible for the quality, service, and safety of their products. We are not liable for any safety issues related to the booked products.
Accident Handling: In the event of an accident where no insurance was purchased, we will provide assistance only.
Forced Cancellations: If a booking is cancelled due to the supplier’s reasons, we will provide a full refund of the booking amount but will not offer additional compensation.
Mediation: We will make every effort to assist travelers in communicating and negotiating solutions with the suppliers.
Special Terms for Marine Products: For marine-based products (including but not limited to cruises and whale watching), suppliers reserve the right to arrange alternative vessels or modify itineraries, schedules, routes, and/or destinations. Suppliers reserve the right to cancel or abandon a voyage for weather or safety reasons. We are not responsible for any losses or expenses incurred by passengers due to such substitutions or cancellations.
