Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley - Flight (Non-Refundable)

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Float over the vineyards of Pokolbin and Lovedale at sunrise for about an hour, then come back to Peterson House for sparkling wine and a gourmet breakfast on the deck above the vines. This is the non-refundable ticket.

Days

About 1 hour flight, 3.5 to 4.5 hours in total

Age

5 years and over, at least 90cm tall

Group size

Shared balloon flight

Start / finish

Peterson House, Pokolbin / Peterson House, Pokolbin

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Hot air balloon, with crew vehicle to the launch site

Meals

Gourmet breakfast with sparkling wine

Route

Map of Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley - Flight (Non-Refundable)

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Included experiences

Launch paddock — help inflate the balloon at dawn
Hunter Valley — about an hour over the Pokolbin and Lovedale vineyards
Landing — help the ground crew pack the balloon away
Peterson House — breakfast and sparkling wine on the Restaurant Cuvee deck

Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley - Flight (Non-Refundable)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BEFORE DAWN: PETERSON HOUSE, POKOLBIN

Your morning starts in the dark at Peterson House in Pokolbin, about two hours north of Sydney. Vines have grown in this valley since the 1820s, which makes the Hunter one of the oldest wine regions in Australia, and Peterson House is the winery that made its name on sparkling wine. You sign in while the pilots read the morning's winds, then listen to a short briefing. The wind decides everything in a balloon, so the pilot picks today's launch paddock from more than a dozen around the lower Hunter to suit it.

FIRST LIGHT: INFLATING THE BALLOON

A short drive brings you to the launch paddock while the light is still grey, and inflation takes 25 to 30 minutes. A fan blows cold air into the envelope as it lies across the grass, then the burners heat it until the balloon swings upright over the basket. Grab a rope and help, or stand back with your camera. The idea is older than you might think: the first people to fly rose over Paris in 1783, in a hot air balloon built by the Montgolfier brothers. Then you climb in using the foot holds cut into the side of the basket.

SUNRISE: AN HOUR OVER THE VINEYARDS

The basket lifts off as the sun comes up. You travel at the speed of the wind, so the air around you feels still, and the only noise is the burner. For about an hour you drift, sometimes skimming the treetops and sometimes 2,000 feet up. The breeze decides the route: over the vines of Pokolbin and Lovedale, or out towards Rothbury or Broke, with farm dams, paddocks and national park below. Along the western side of the valley runs the Brokenback Range, the long ridge behind Pokolbin's vineyards. This is Wonnarua Country. Look down for kangaroos, which often graze the vineyard edges at dawn.

LANDING AND BREAKFAST AT PETERSON HOUSE

The ground crew follow by road and are waiting when the balloon comes down. The basket either settles upright or drags a short way and tips onto its side, and both are normal. Help fold the balloon away if you like, then ride back to Peterson House. Breakfast is on the deck of Restaurant Cuvee, looking over the vines, with a glass of the house sparkling wine to toast the flight with your pilot. Your digital photo album arrives on your phone while you eat. The whole morning takes three and a half to four and a half hours, with the rest of the day free for the cellar doors.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Peterson House, 2457 Broke Road, Pokolbin, on the corner of Wine Country Drive.
Departure time: About 60 to 120 minutes before sunrise; the exact time is sent by text and email the evening before.
Duration: About 1 hour in the air; about 3.5 to 4.5 hours for the whole morning with breakfast.
Minimum age: Children from 5 who are at least 120cm tall can fly with an adult; from 90cm with a booster cushion arranged ahead. There is no upper age limit.
Fitness: You climb into the basket using foot holds in its side, stand for about an hour, and bend your knees and hold the handles for landing. Not suitable if you are pregnant, or have serious knee, hip, back or neck problems or recent surgery or broken bones. Adults up to 140kg.
Suits: Couples, families with children 5 and over, and anyone celebrating. Wheelchair users fly in a separate accessible basket with a door, on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, which is a different ticket.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free breakfasts are available on the morning; tell us of anything more complex when you book.
Please note: Flights run daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. August and September are the windiest months, with more cancellations. No pets.

What to bring

Comfortable, casual clothes you don't mind getting dirty, in layers for the cool pre-dawn
Flat, closed-toe shoes, ideally waterproof for dewy paddocks (no heels or platforms)
Hat and sunglasses
Phone or camera (phones go on flight mode in the air)

What is included

Sunrise balloon flight of about 1 hour
Gourmet breakfast at Restaurant Cuvee, Peterson House
Champagne celebration and sparkling wine tasting
Digital in-flight photo album
Transport between Peterson House and the launch and landing sites
Insurance and levy

Not included

Transport to Peterson House (driving is easiest; public transport in the valley is limited)
Breakfast for friends or family who aren't flying

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.