Experience the breathtaking feeling of floating silently above the Outback as the sun slowly rises over the desert on this awe-inspiring ballooning adventure.
Journey to the launch site in the cool pre dawn darkness and begin the ascent just as the morning light begins to illuminate the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Float gently across the vast expanse of the Central Australian outback – keeping an eye out for native wildlife including the iconic red kangaroo and gain an appreciation of the remoteness of the area as the balloon glides across the landscape.
Days
- 30 or 60 minutes in the balloon
Group size
- Up to 12
Start / finish
- Alice Springs / Alice Springs
- Back at your hotel around 8am
Return
- Back at your hotel around 8am
Transport
- Hot air balloon, flown by accredited pilots. Return transfers from any Alice Springs accommodation are included, with pick-up around 4:15am. Transfers on to the airport or another tour can be requested.
Meals
- No meal. Light refreshments with sparkling wine and tropical fruit juice are served at the landing site.
Route
Included experiences
- Sunrise flight — dawn over the Central Australian desert
- MacDonnell Ranges — views across the ranges from the air
- Owen Springs Cattle Station — the flight crosses the historic station
- Wildlife spotting — red kangaroos from the air
- Landing site — sparkling wine and tropical fruit juice
- Flight certificate — a commemorative certificate for everyone
- Balloon pack-up — lend the crew a hand if you want to
Pictures / Videos
Itinerary
Experience the breathtaking feeling of floating silently above the Outback as the sun slowly rises over the desert on this awe-inspiring ballooning adventure.
Starts 4:15am with pick up from your accommodation - Journey to the launch site in the cool pre dawn darkness and begin the ascent just as the morning light begins to illuminate the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Float gently across the vast expanse of the Central Australian outback – keeping an eye out for native wildlife including the iconic red kangaroo and gain an appreciation of the remoteness of the area as the balloon glides across the landscape.
After landing, you may become involved in assisting the crew as they pack the nylon balloon away or you may prefer to take photographs, the choice is yours.
At the ballooning landing site, there is time to enjoy the desert tranquility as light refreshments accompanied by sparkling wine and tropical fruit juice are served. There is an opportunity to purchase ballooning souvenirs and a commemorative flight certificate is given to all participants.
Flight distance will typically be between 10 and 20 kilometres. The balloon flight takes place approximately 15 kilometres to the south of Alice Springs adjacent to the MacDonnell Ranges and over the historic Owen Springs Cattle Station.
Return transfers from all accommodation in Alice Springs is included with every flight. Pick up time is approximately 1 hour before first light at 4:15am – time will be given when booking and exact time will be confirmed when you re-confirm the day prior to flight booked. Transfers (at the end of tour) to the airport or other tours are available on request.
You'll return back to your accommodation approx 8am.
* A mandatory Civil Aviation Authority Insurance is included in the advertised price above. The insurance charge is $30 per person.
Please note: This will show as a separate charge once you commence booking. The price shown on the table at the right is your flight price only and once you click the Book Now button the Insurance Charge will be included and shown separately.
** Children 3-5 years are not recommended but considered on an individual basis. **
*** Depending on many operational factors, which vary each day, passengers may be on the ground or in the balloon when the sun is actually coming over the horizon or rising, either way you will still see an amazing dawn.
We do not operate on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Reviews
4.9
Based on 9 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
“Like floating on a cloud.”
Feeling like floating on clouds. Smooth take off and landing. Helping to pack up the balloon. Duncan’s commentary and champagne afterwords . It was a wonderful, peaceful experience and the views of cattle, wallabies and birds were a bounce.
“Up, up and away!”
Must do when in Alice. The blue sky against the red earth is a combo you can't afford to miss. Add this to your itinerary!!
“A definite "to do" when visiting Alice Springs”
Fantastic experience from start to finish. Great guys running the show, made it fun, informative and definitely a "to do" trip when visiting Alice Springs. If you're anxious about heights, no worries with this, as there is no stomach lurching and at 1000 ft the sensation is like looking out an aeroplane window (without the window). Wouldn't hesitate to do this again, if visiting the area.
“A trip to remember”
This experience was worth every penny we paid! The ride was breathtaking and the crew amazing!!! Definitely a trip worth taking when down in Alice Springs
“A highlight of my stay in Alice Springs!”
A great way to appreciate the landscape and beauty of Mparntwe (Alice Springs).
This was a memorable experience, so peaceful and such great service including the pick up and refreshments after landing.
“Amazing Balloon Ride.”
Five star service. Ticked off a bucket list item with this company and didn't regret it. An awesome experience, highly recommended. The pilot was great, very informative, interesting, competent, great soft landing. The other team members were great, funny, enthusiastic and helpful to make it all the more enjoyable.
“Amazing Experience, best guide.”
Amazing experience. We felt so at ease with our pilot, Jason, who provided us with some local knowledge during the flight. The flight was followed by champagne and a small breakfast. Couldn’t have asked for a better morning.
“Hot Air Ballooning Alice Springs NT Australia”
Early morning pick up but a fabulous experience and worth it !!!!
Duncan and Andy are funny, friendly and professional. I would highly recommend early morning hot air ballooning in Alice Springs NT Australia
“Special experience”
We went on the tour and it was well organised and we had a wonderful experience. All the staff - the bus driver (I’m sorry I cannot remember his name but he was very nice), the person who helped us get on the balloon, and the balloon driver, Donna were just very friendly and lovely. The complimentary snack and drink were lovely. The views were not very impressive as it was mostly plain with bushes, but all the staff made us feel very safe and informative and we enjoyed the whole thing.
