Balloon Aloft Camden Valley Balloon Flight (Non- Refundable Ticket)

Map View Full Details

Rise over the Camden Valley at sunrise, about an hour from Sydney, with farmland, rivers, old homesteads and the historic town of Camden below, then finish with breakfast at the Camden Valley Inn. This is the non-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

Camden Valley Inn, Cawdor / Camden Valley Inn, Cawdor

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Hot air balloon, with crew vehicle to the launch site

Meals

A la carte breakfast

Route

Map of Balloon Aloft Camden Valley Balloon Flight (Non- Refundable Ticket)

View map

Included experiences

Launch site — help inflate the balloon at dawn
Camden Valley — sunrise over farmland, rivers and historic homesteads
Landing — help the ground crew pack the balloon away
Camden Valley Inn — a la carte breakfast with your pilot

Balloon Aloft Camden Valley Balloon Flight (Non- Refundable Ticket)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BEFORE DAWN: THE CAMDEN VALLEY INN

Your morning starts before dawn at the Camden Valley Inn at Cawdor, about an hour's drive south-west of central Sydney. The inn first opened in 1939 and has rooms, so some people stay the night before and simply walk out to the car park. You sign in while the pilot checks the local winds, then listen to a short briefing. The Camden Valley's wide floor and settled morning weather make it a favourite with balloon pilots, and today's launch site is chosen to suit the breeze.

FIRST LIGHT: INFLATION AND LIFT-OFF

A short drive brings you to the launch paddock, where inflation takes 25 to 30 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 and lift off as the sun comes up over the Macarthur region, named after John and Elizabeth Macarthur, who bred merino sheep at Camden from the early 1800s.

SUNRISE OVER THE CAMDEN VALLEY

For 45 to 60 minutes you drift with the wind, sometimes just above the treetops and sometimes 2,000 feet up. Below is the historic town of Camden, founded in 1840, with farmland rolling away on every side. The Nepean River winds past the town, and the old homesteads of the colony's early estates sit among the paddocks, with mountains on the horizon. This is the Country of the Dharawal, Gundungurra and Dharug peoples, who lived along these rivers for thousands of years before the first sheep arrived.

LANDING AND BREAKFAST AT THE INN

The ground crew follow by road and meet the balloon where it lands, upright or tipped gently onto its side depending on the wind. Help fold it away if you like, then it's back to the Camden Valley Inn for an a la carte breakfast with your pilot and the rest of the flight. Your digital photo album arrives on your phone while you eat. The whole morning takes about three and a half to four and a half hours, so you can still be back in Sydney before lunch.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Camden Valley Inn, 290 Remembrance Drive (Old Hume Highway), Cawdor. Enter the car park from Wire Lane.
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: Camden flights run every weekend and on selected weekdays. August and September are the windiest months, with more cancellations. No pets.

What to bring

Clothes suitable for walking, in layers for early morning temperatures (it is no colder in the air than on the ground)
Enclosed flat shoes, preferably waterproof, as the paddocks are often wet with dew
Hat and sunglasses
Phone and 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)
A la carte breakfast at the Camden Valley Inn
Digital in-flight photo album

Not included

Transport to the Camden Valley Inn
Accommodation the night before (the Inn has rooms)
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.