Liberty balloon Flights Ballooning in Yarra Valley with Breakfast

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A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley, Victoria's premier wine region, drifting over vineyards, misty hills and orchards, with a buffet breakfast at the Yarra Valley Lodge. Drive yourself to the valley, or take the Melbourne city transfer.

Days

About 4 hours, or 6 hours from the city

Group size

Shared balloon flight

Start / finish

Yarra Valley Lodge, Chirnside Park / Yarra Valley Lodge
Federation Square, Melbourne / Federation Square (city transfer option)

Return

Federation Square, Melbourne / Federation Square (city transfer option)

Transport

Hot air balloon, with ground crew vehicles; drive yourself to the Yarra Valley Lodge or take the Melbourne city transfer

Meals

Buffet breakfast at the Yarra Valley Lodge

Route

Map of Liberty balloon Flights Ballooning in Yarra Valley with Breakfast

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Included experiences

Yarra Valley — sunrise hot air balloon flight
Vineyards, hills and orchards — views from the air
Yarra Valley Lodge — buffet breakfast after landing

Liberty balloon Flights Ballooning in Yarra Valley with Breakfast

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

PRE-DAWN: YARRA VALLEY OR MELBOURNE

There are two ways to start. Drive yourself to the Yarra Valley Lodge at Chirnside Park, where parking is free all day, and arrive about an hour and a half before sunrise. Or take the Melbourne city transfer, which collects you from the coach zone on Russell Street by Federation Square while the city is still dark. Either way you check in with the pilot and crew and hear the safety briefing. The pilot reads the morning's wind, picks a launch field, and the crew drives everyone out to it.

SUNRISE: LIFT-OFF OVER THE VINES

Inflating takes about half an hour: fans first, then the burners, until the envelope stands upright above the basket. You lift off just before the sun comes up, when the air is at its calmest. Below lies the Yarra Valley, where Victoria's first vineyard was planted at Yering in 1838. Today it's famous for chardonnay and pinot noir. For about an hour you drift with the wind, so there's no breeze in the basket at all. The pilot drops low over vineyards and treetops, then climbs above 2,000 feet.

THE FLIGHT: MIST, HILLS AND KANGAROOS

On many mornings mist lies along the valley floor, with the hills rising out of it in the first sun. To the south are the forested slopes of the Dandenong Ranges, and to the north and east the Great Dividing Range closes in. Look down at the paddocks between the rows of vines. Kangaroos often graze there at dawn, and they look up at the burner's roar long before you're overhead.

AFTER LANDING: BREAKFAST

The basket may tip gently onto its side on landing, which is normal and safe. The ground crew is waiting, and you can help roll up the balloon. Then it's back to the Yarra Valley Lodge for a buffet breakfast. Self-drivers are done after about three and a half to four hours, with the rest of the day free for cellar doors and farm gates. With the Melbourne transfer, the coach takes you back to Federation Square, about six hours after pick-up.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Yarra Valley Lodge, 2 Heritage Avenue, Chirnside Park, 1.5 hours before sunrise, with free parking. With the city transfer, pick-up is from the Federation Square coach zone on Russell Street, Melbourne.
Duration: About 3.5 to 4 hours from the Yarra Valley Lodge, or about 6 hours with the Melbourne transfer.
Please note: All times are confirmed on booking, as the schedule moves with the sun through the year. Passengers over 130 kg are offered personalised booking support.

What is included

Hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley
Transport from the meeting point to the launch field
Pick-up from the landing site by the ground crew
Buffet breakfast at the Yarra Valley Lodge
Return transfer from Federation Square, Melbourne, with the city transfer option

Not included

Transport to the Yarra Valley Lodge, unless you choose the Melbourne city transfer option

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.