Liberty balloon Flights The Great Ocean Flight

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A sunrise hot air balloon flight over Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, where coastline meets countryside, with a buffet breakfast afterwards.

Days

3.5 to 4 hours, from before sunrise

Group size

Shared balloon flight

Start / finish

Holiday Inn & Suites, Geelong / Holiday Inn & Suites, Geelong

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Hot air balloon, with ground crew vehicles to and from the launch site; make your own way to Geelong

Meals

Buffet breakfast with a glass of sparkling

Route

Map of Liberty balloon Flights The Great Ocean Flight

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Included experiences

Geelong — sunrise hot air balloon flight
Barwon River and farmland — views from the air
Port Phillip Bay and the You Yangs — views on clear mornings
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong — buffet breakfast after landing

Liberty balloon Flights The Great Ocean Flight

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

PRE-DAWN: MEET IN CENTRAL GEELONG

Your morning starts in the dark, about an hour and a half before sunrise, at the Holiday Inn & Suites on Ryrie Street in the middle of Geelong. That means as early as 4:30am in summer and around 6:30am in winter. You check in with the pilot and crew, meet the others sharing your basket and hear the safety briefing. The pilot has already watched the night's wind forecasts, and that decides where you fly from today. Then everyone climbs into the crew's vehicles for the short drive out to the launch field.

SUNRISE: WHERE COAST MEETS COUNTRY

Where you take off depends on the wind. Some mornings it's Geelong itself, others the farmland around Murgheboluc and Bannockburn, or a field on the Bellarine Peninsula, and each one gives a different view. Inflating takes about half an hour, with fans first and then the roar of the burners as the envelope stands up over the basket. Then you lift off. Geelong is Victoria's second-biggest city and the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, but from up here the city soon gives way to green hills, paddocks and the long line of the coast.

THE FLIGHT: BAY, RIVER AND RANGES

For about an hour you drift with the wind, so the air in the basket feels perfectly still. The pilot flies low over treetops at times, then climbs past 2,000 feet for the wide view. Look for the Barwon River looping through farmland on its way to the sea at Barwon Heads, and the curve of Port Phillip Bay, almost 2,000 square kilometres of water. Inland, the granite ridge of the You Yangs stands out from the flat plain, its highest point 319 metres. On the clearest mornings, can you see the ocean beyond the heads? Often you can.

AFTER LANDING: PACK UP AND BREAKFAST

Landings are gentle, though in a breeze the basket may tip onto its side, which is normal and safe. The ground crew has followed you by road and is waiting. If you like, help squeeze the air out and roll up the long silk envelope, then pose for a last photo beside the basket. The vehicles take you back into Geelong, where a buffet breakfast and a glass of sparkling wine wait at the hotel. It's the moment to swap stories about what you spotted from the air. The whole morning takes about three and a half to four hours.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, 40 Ryrie Street, 1.5 hours before sunrise. If you're driving from Melbourne, allow just over an hour.
Duration: About 3.5 to 4 hours in total.
Please note: Flights run year-round, weather permitting. The high season, with the most flights, is November to March.

What is included

Hot air balloon flight
Transport from the meeting point to the launch field
Pick-up from the landing site by the ground crew
Buffet breakfast at the Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, with a glass of sparkling

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.

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