The Best Guide to Hot Air Ballooning in Melbourne and Yarra Valley

If you’re in Melbourne, you’re in luck because you don’t need to go too far for an epic hot air balloon experience! You can go on the best hot air balloon ride in Melbourne and the nearby Yarra Valley, which offers different breathtaking views but the same exhilarating experience. 

Ready to plan your trip? Before you grab your coats and head out the doors, here’s everything you need to know about going on a hot air balloon ride in Melbourne and Yarra Valley.

The great thing about Melbourne is that there are two excellent places to ride a hot air balloon: Melbourne CBD and Yarra Valley, only a couple of minutes away from the heart of the city. 

You can go on a hot air balloon ride near Melbourne at Victoria’s stunning wine region: Yarra Valley. Here you’ll be treated to a sunrise like no other, plus you’ll have the best seats in town when you’re thousands of feet up in the air!

Fly over the picturesque rolling hills, vineyards, valleys, and farmlands that are known landmarks of Yarra Valley. All the while, revel in the soft sway of the moving hot air balloon, enjoy the breeze, and take lots of lovely photos with your friends and fam. 

Whether you’re a tourist or a born and raised Melbournian, it’s always nice to see the city from a new perspective by riding a hot air balloon over Melbourne. With this ride, you’ll see the sun emerge from the city’s skyscrapers and iconic landmarks such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australian Open Tennis Centre, and the iconic Yarra River. 

For the Yarra Valley ride, expect to be on air for approximately an hour—that’s plenty of time to take in the sights and capture the moment! The hot air balloon ride in Melbourne will take a little longer, so expect it to last for three or four hours. 

Assisting with the inflation and deflation of the balloon is also part of the experience. It's also a chance to learn and bond with your loved ones and co-passengers and get fantastic photos.

Thousands have experienced riding hot air balloons over Melbourne and Yarra Valley, and they’ve all been fun and safe experiences. Your balloon will be manned by expert pilots and experienced crew who will make you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. All you have to do is relax. 

For both hot air balloon rides in Melbourne and Yarra Valley, it’s recommended to wear warm clothing like coats, jackets, caps, and hats. For a relaxing time onboard, it’s also best to wear comfy walking shoes since you’ll be standing up throughout the ride. 

For Yarra Valley, closed-toe shoes and warm socks will help as you walk on grassy parklands after the ride. Since there may be morning dew during the early ride, expect that your feet may get wet, so it’s best to pack a change of socks. 

Many families have enjoyed hot air balloon rides throughout the years. However, children must be six years of age and older to participate in the activity for safety. Those with impaired mobility, wheelchairs, and strollers are not recommended to join due to the nature of the ride. 

For an easy, hassle-free hot air balloon ride in Melbourne and Yarra Valley, you can book on Klook for $351! Once you’ve booked on the website or app, you’ll be emailed a confirmation and given a voucher which you can print or keep on your mobile device to present at the location. 

If you booked a Yarra Valley ride, expect to receive an email two working days before your experience. Included here are the details on the meeting place and time (usually an hour before sunrise, which varies throughout the year), your passenger information, and your flight number. Make sure to check your pre-flight message at 18:30 in the evening before your flight by calling 0456 713 732.

On the day, you’ll have a short pre-flight briefing with a trusty pilot and crew. After the ride, you will be provided with morning tea and coffee, or you can dine at RACV Healesville Country Club for a hot breakfast with champagne. After all, you must be ravenous after that one-of-a-kind experience!

If you choose to ride a hot air balloon in Melbourne, you’ll meet up on the right-hand side of the reception of the Sofitel Hotel, which is a short 10-minute walk from Parliament Station. You’ll be picked up at 4:30 AM during the Summer and 6:30 AM during the Winter to head out to the launch site. However, times may vary throughout the year depending on the time of sunrise.

Take note that this activity will push through in all weather conditions, so a bit of rain won’t hinder your experience. However, it will be cancelled during strong storms. In that case, you can either book an alternative date or request a full refund.

Now that you know everything you need to know about going on a hot air balloon ride in Melbourne and Yarra Valley, it's time to get your caps and camera ready for your trip. Make sure to book your tickets and note all the essential details, from meet-up times to location!