Balloon Aloft Mudgee Sunrise Balloon Flight (Refundable Ticket)

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Drift over the vineyards, farmland and rolling hills around Mudgee at sunrise, with the town waking up below, then sit down to a gourmet breakfast with your pilot. This is the refundable ticket.

Days

45 to 60 minute 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

Mudgee / Mudgee

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Hot air balloon, with crew vehicle to the launch site

Meals

Gourmet breakfast

Route

Map of Balloon Aloft Mudgee Sunrise Balloon Flight (Refundable Ticket)

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Included experiences

Launch site — help inflate the balloon at dawn
Mudgee region — sunrise over vineyards, farmland and hills
Landing — help the ground crew pack the balloon away
Mudgee — breakfast with your pilot

Balloon Aloft Mudgee Sunrise Balloon Flight (Refundable Ticket)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BEFORE DAWN: MEET IN MUDGEE

Your morning starts before first light in Mudgee, about three and a half hours north-west of Sydney. The town's name comes from a Wiradjuri word usually translated as "nest in the hills", and from the air you'll see why: it sits in a valley with ranges on every side. You sign in with the pilot and crew, who check the morning's winds and then give you a short briefing. The wind also picks the launch site, chosen on the morning from more than a dozen around the district.

FIRST LIGHT: LAUNCH AND INFLATION

A short drive takes you to the launch paddock, where inflation takes 20 to 25 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 by the foot holds in the basket wall and wait for the burners to lift you off the grass.

SUNRISE OVER THE MUDGEE VALLEY

You lift off as the sun clears the hills and fly for 45 to 60 minutes, often 2,000 feet up, though moving with the wind it hardly feels like moving at all. Below are the vineyards of a region with more than 40 family-owned wineries. German settlers planted Mudgee's first vines in 1858, and the district is best known for its reds. The Cudgegong River runs through the town, and around it lie the paddocks, farm dams and folded hills of Wiradjuri Country, with the streets of Mudgee waking up beneath you.

LANDING AND BREAKFAST

The ground crew follow by road and meet you where the balloon comes down. The basket settles upright or tips gently onto its side, and both are normal ways to land. Help pack the balloon into its bag if you like, then head back into town for a gourmet breakfast with your pilot and the rest of the flight, and a look through your in-flight photos. The whole morning takes three and a half to four and a half hours, leaving the day free for Mudgee's cellar doors.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Gigi's Restaurant at the Clairfield Hotel, 1 Sydney Road, Mudgee. The meeting place is confirmed with your flight details.
Departure time: About 60 to 120 minutes before sunrise; the exact time is sent by text and email the evening before.
Duration: 45 to 60 minutes 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.
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: Mudgee flights generally run Friday to Monday. 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

45 to 60 minute sunrise balloon flight
Transport to and from the launch and landing sites
The chance to help inflate and deflate the balloon (optional)
Gourmet breakfast after the flight
Digital in-flight photography

Not included

Transport to Mudgee and to the meeting point
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.