Balloon Aloft Sunrise Balloon Flight (Refundable Ticket)

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A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Byron Bay hinterland, near Australia's most easterly point, with the coast, Mt Warning and farmland below, followed by breakfast at Three Blue Ducks at The Farm. This is the refundable ticket, so a weather cancellation doesn't cost you the flight.

Days

About 4 hours, from before sunrise

Age

5 years and over, at least 90 cm tall

Group size

Shared flight, usually 6 to 24 passengers

Start / finish

The Farm, Ewingsdale / launch site / The Farm

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Hot air balloon; crew transfer to the launch site

Meals

Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks

Route

Map of Balloon Aloft Sunrise Balloon Flight (Refundable Ticket)

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Included experiences

Launch site — help set up the balloon or watch it inflate
Byron hinterland — sunrise flight over coast, farmland and Mt Warning
The Farm Byron Bay — breakfast at Three Blue Ducks
Flight photos — digital photos of your flight

Balloon Aloft Sunrise Balloon Flight (Refundable Ticket)

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Itinerary

Map

BEFORE DAWN: THE FARM AND THE LAUNCH SITE

Your morning starts in the dark at The Farm Byron Bay on Ewingsdale Road, a working farm with paddocks, gardens and a restaurant just off the highway. Your exact meeting time comes by SMS and email the evening before, once the pilot has checked the weather. After check-in and a safety briefing, the crew drives you to the launch site, picked fresh each morning to suit the wind. You can lend a hand as the crew lays out the envelope and fans it full of air, or just stand back and watch the burner light it up against the sky.

SUNRISE OVER THE MOST EASTERLY POINT

Climb into the basket by the footholds in its side and lift off gently. Cape Byron is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, so up here you see one of the first sunrises in the country. Over 45 to 60 minutes you drift wherever the wind takes you, from treetop height to around 4,000 feet. Because you move with the wind, it feels almost still. Below are the green hills of the hinterland, the coast, and towns such as Bangalow and Mullumbimby. On the skyline sits Wollumbin (Mt Warning), the 1,156 metre core of an ancient volcano.

LANDING AND BREAKFAST

Landing can be an upright touchdown or a short slide before the basket tips gently onto its side. Both are normal, and your pilot tells you when to bend your knees and hold the handles. Then it's back to The Farm for breakfast at Three Blue Ducks, with produce from the farm on the menu and your digital flight photos to look through. The whole morning takes about four hours.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The Farm Byron Bay, 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale.
Departure time: 60 to 120 minutes before sunrise, depending on the season. The exact time comes by SMS and email the evening before.
Duration: About 45 to 60 minutes in the air; about 4 hours in all with briefing, transfers and breakfast.
Minimum age: 5 years. Children between 90 and 120 cm need a booster cushion, arranged when you book. The burner is loud and can frighten young children.
Fitness: You must be able to climb into the basket using footholds and stand for about an hour unassisted. The flight is not suitable if you are pregnant, weigh over 140 kg, have had recent surgery or broken bones, or have significant knee, hip, back or neck problems.
Please note: Flights are weather dependent and run daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. If the weather cancels your flight you can rebook or take a refund on this ticket.

What to bring

Comfortable casual clothes you don't mind getting dirty
Flat, closed-toe shoes, ideally waterproof for the dewy grass (no heels or platforms)
Layers for a cool pre-dawn start; it is no colder in the air than on the ground
Hat and sunglasses
Phone or camera, on airplane mode and secured during the flight

What is included

Sunrise balloon flight of about 45 to 60 minutes with a licensed commercial pilot
Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks, The Farm Byron Bay
Digital photos of your flight
Transfer from The Farm to the launch site and back
Insurance (no levy on the day)
Refund if the flight is cancelled for weather

Not included

Transport to The Farm (hotel transfers are a separate ticket)

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.