07 4082 7470

Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon Experience

FROM: $420
24
SingleDay
Min. Age
3 Years+
4.8 (4 Reviews)

Departure Times

Departs: 4:00 - 6:30am approx. - Daily
Returns: 9:30am approx. - Daily

Departure Point: Pick up from Cairns accommodation.

Pricing Options

$420 AUD / Person - Weekday Rate - Classic Balloon Ride (Self Drive) (Between: 01 Apr 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)
$450 AUD / Person - Weekend Rate - Classic Balloon Ride (Self Drive) (Between: 01 Apr 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)
$440 AUD / Person - Weekday Rate - Classic Balloon Ride (inc. Return Transfers) (Between: 01 Apr 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)
$495 AUD / Person - Weekend Rate - Classic Balloon Ride (inc. Return Transfers) (Between: 01 Apr 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)

Soar gently above the ancient Atherton Tablelands with a unique hot air balloon experience!

  • Watch the tropical rainforest come to life on a scenic balloon ride at dawn.
  • Take in the spectacular sites from above for over an hour.
  • Enjoy a pre-flight health beverage and a glass of sparkling wine on landing.
  • Reflect on your experience with an included Digital Photo Package worth $80!
  • The ultimate way to see the Atherton Tablelands and celebrate your Cairns getaway.

Rise before dawn, set to the skies and glide above the ancient rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands in a classic hot air balloon! Offering visitors and locals the chance to experience the wide-open bliss of Cairns from a whole new perspective, the Classic Hot Air Balloon Ride includes a Commemorative Certificate, a glass of sparkling wine on landing and a Digital Photo Package of your experience.

Immerse yourself in the Australian bush at dawn, enjoying incredible panoramic views from your hot air balloon. Gently gliding along for over an hour, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies below. An unforgettably unique way to celebrate, surprise a special someone or experience the Atherton Tablelands from above!

Highlights

  • Unique hot air balloon experience over the Atherton Tablelands
  • Enjoy a flight time of over an hour
  • Expert knowledge from your experienced pilot and crew
  • Gentle flight with unbeatable scenic views 
  • Pre-flight health beverage and glass of sparkling wine on landing included
  • Commemorative Flight Certificate included
  • Free Digital Photo Package included worth $80
  • Return air-conditioned transfers from Cairns accommodation

Cairns Hot Air Balloon tour over the Atherton Tablelands


Important Information

  • Guests must be at least four years of age and be able to climb in and out of the basket unassisted. 
  • Pregnant persons beyond 3 months (13 weeks) of pregnancy are not permitted to fly.
  • We request that guests refrain from wearing white clothing to avoid being stained by red soil and do not wear high heels.
  • Classic flight provides a full flight experience to suit the prevailing flying conditions of the day.
  • Please note that flight times are only guidelines and are subject to change over summer/winter/spring.

Sample Itinerary

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Pre-Dawn Pick Up

Rise before the sun and enjoy a complimentary pick-up from your Cairns accommodation. Kick back on your air-conditioned couch for approximately an hour before reaching the Mareeba Heritage Centre.

6:30 am

Begin your ascent over the ancient rainforest gullies of the Atherton Tablelands from Mareeba. Get to know your experienced crew on the ground and set to the skies at ...

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More Information

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What To Bring

  • Your ticket
  • Please wear flat, enclosed walking shoes
  • Dress in casual outdoor clothing (White clothes are not recommended due to the red soil)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Camera

What's Included

  • Over an hour's flight time over the Atherton Tablelands
  • Knowledgable commentary from your pilot and crew
  • Pre-flight health beverage and glass of sparkling wine on landing 
  • Commemorative Flight Certificate
  • Free Digital Photo Package worth $...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any weight restrictions?

There are no weight restrictions, however, if someone is over 100kg, we ask that you please advise us at the time of booking so the Hot Air Balloon crew can manage balloon allocations spaces. It is a requirement however that all passengers can climb in and out of our 1.2 meter high basket which is done by two foot holds in the side of the basket and stand for the duration of the flight.

How many people can fit in the baskets?

The largest balloon basket can hold between 15 to 24 people at a time. This varies daily as it is dependent on the air temperatures and the loadings on the day you depart. 

Do we fly over the Great Barrier Reef?

This tour flies inland over Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands approximately one hour drive from the ocean where the conditions are some of the best for Hot Air Ballooning in the world. Flying coastally can have very unreliable weather conditions and patterns, so it is unlikely you will be able to see the Great Barrier Reef on your flight. 

Where does the Hot Air Balloon Ride take place in Cairns?

Hot Air Ballooning in Cairns takes place in the highlands of the Atherton Tablelands in Mareeba, approximately a 1 hour drive west from the Cairns CBD. flying inland from the coast offers better weather conditions are much more reliable and permit daily departures all year round. Transfers are available from most hotels in the Cairns CBD.

What wind speed can hot air balloons fly in?

Hot Air Balloons fly best in light stable winds around 6 to 10 kilometres per hour.

How long is the total flight time in the air?

Hot Air Balloon crew prioritise a safe flight with a suitable landing location over meeting any flight duration targets. Generally speaking, most flights are between 39-65 minutes.

How high does a hot air balloon fly?

The height the balloon flies depends on the air temperatures and wind patterns on the day. On average balloon flights from Cairns fly at approximately 3000 ft (apx.1000m).

Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8 / 5.0

Based on 4 reviews

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Reviews by our Cairns Tours customers

Sam Ruddle, 20 Sep 24
Very good experience. Very safe and professional and experienced operators. The crew and pilot are friendly and knowledgeable. The views across tablelands are spectacular. I have done this twice over 15 years and recommend this as a high standard tour.
Chris Glenski, 01 Jul 24
Great part of our Honeymoon, truly a great experience. We did a private basket, it was very intimate and beautiful. We have gone ballooning in Mexico, US, Italy, and now Australia, and this operator was no disappointment. The tablelands were amazing to see in the early morning.
Alison Angier, 20 Jun 24
Absolutely awesome!! Friendly staff and very informative. Great morning seeing the sunrise from the serenity of the air. Fun to help pack up the balloons and enjoy some banter and drinks and nibbles after. Highly recommend.
Sarah Happel, 17 Dec 22
We debated for a little while about doing the hot air balloon as it is a bit pricy and a very early wake up, but we are so glad that we decided to go for it! Very peaceful & relaxing, stunning views. They gave us champagne but no breakfast included, fyi. (I think it promised breakfast in the brochure). We were home before 9:00 am, took a nap & then joined a half day rafting trip. Great day!
Lou
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