Global Ballooning Australia Mansfield Sunrise Balloon Flight

Map View Full Details

A sunrise or afternoon hot air balloon flight over Mansfield in Victoria's High Country, about an hour over farmland, forested hills and the foothills of Mt Buller. Sunrise flights run all year from Alzburg Resort, and afternoon flights run from Delatite Winery from May to September.

Days

About 1 hour flight, 3 to 4 hours in total

Age

6 years and over; under 16 with an adult

Group size

Shared balloon flight

Start / finish

Alzburg Resort, Mansfield / Alzburg Resort, or Delatite Winery / Delatite Winery

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Hot air balloon; make your own way to Alzburg Resort or Delatite Winery

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Global Ballooning Australia Mansfield Sunrise Balloon Flight

View map

Included experiences

Alzburg Resort or Delatite Winery — check-in and balloon inflation
Mansfield from the air — about an hour aloft over farmland, hills and creeks
Mt Buller foothills — views towards the Victorian Alps
Landing — pack away the balloon and receive your flight certificate

Global Ballooning Australia Mansfield Sunrise Balloon Flight

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AND INFLATION

Mansfield sits where the farmland meets the foothills of the Victorian Alps, about two and a half hours from Melbourne, and the high country around it is where The Man from Snowy River was filmed in 1982. On a sunrise flight you check in at Alzburg Resort about an hour and a half before sunrise, while it's still dark, and your exact time arrives the evening before. On an afternoon flight, run from May to September, you meet at Delatite Winery between 2:30 and 3pm instead. Either way, the crew lay out the envelope and fill it with fans and burners, and everyone is invited to lend a hand.

IN THE AIR: ABOUT AN HOUR OVER THE HIGH COUNTRY

Climb into the basket and the balloon lifts off with almost no sense of movement. Because you travel with the wind, there's no breeze in the basket, only the roar of the burners now and then. For about an hour you drift at around 1,000 feet over paddocks, forested hills and winding creeks. Ahead rises Mount Buller, 1,805 metres high and white with snow in winter. The direction you take depends on the wind on the day, so every flight follows its own line. The crew take in-flight photos when the conditions suit the camera, but bring your phone too.

LANDING AND PACK-UP

Before touchdown the pilot calls landing positions: knees bent, back to the side of the basket, hands on the handles. Landings can be bumpy, with the basket skidding a little on the grass, which is all part of it. Then everyone helps squeeze the air from the envelope and roll it up, and you receive your flight certificate. From check-in to finish, allow three to four hours in all. After a sunrise flight that leaves you free for a late breakfast in town, and an afternoon flight finishes in the early evening.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Sunrise flight: Alzburg Resort, Mansfield. Afternoon flight: Delatite Winery, 390 Pollards Road, Mansfield. Both have free parking.
Departure time: Sunrise flight: check in about 1.5 hours before sunrise; your exact time is sent the evening before. Afternoon flight: check in between about 2:30 and 3pm; your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 1 hour in the air; allow 3 to 4 hours in total. Afternoon flights finish around 6 to 6:30pm.
Minimum age: 6 years. Under 16s fly with an adult; 16 and 17 year olds need a guardian's consent to fly alone.
Suits: Couples and families with children 6 and over. Sunrise flights run all year, afternoon flights from May to September only.
Please note: Flights depend on safe weather and minimum numbers. If yours is called off you can move to another date; weekend flights can book out weeks ahead, so weekdays are easier. Landings can be bumpy: no flying in the third trimester of pregnancy, and frail passengers should say so when booking. An easy-access basket with a door and seats is available, but wheelchairs can't go on board.

What to bring

Closed-toe shoes (compulsory; no heels, thongs or open toes)
Warm layers you can peel off, and a cap or hat
Spare socks and shoes, as dew can soak your feet
Your phone or camera (taken at your own risk)
Zip pockets for small items; bags can't go in the basket

What is included

About 1 hour balloon flight
Complete flight and ground insurance
Carbon neutral flight (emissions are offset)
Complimentary in-flight photos, weather permitting
Flight certificate
Free parking at Alzburg Resort or Delatite Winery

Not included

Meals and drinks (no meals are listed)
Transport to Alzburg Resort or Delatite Winery

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.