Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon Experience

FROM: $450
24
SingleDay
FOR AGES
3 Years+
4.8 (4 Reviews)
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Free Cancellations - Up To 48 Hours Before Departure

Departure Times

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

Departure Point: Pick up from Cairns accommodation.

Pricing Options

$450 AUD / Person - General (Ages 3+) - Self Drive (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2027)
$495 AUD / Person - General (Ages 3+) - With Cairns Return Transfers (Between: 11 Sep 2025 and 31 Mar 2027)

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 glass of sparkling wine on landing
  • The ultimate way to see the Atherton Tablelands and celebrate your Cairns getaway

Overview

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

Sample Itinerary

Show Less

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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Important Information

Children under 3 years old cannot participate. 

Children 3 - 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. 

Children aged 13-17 years old can travel on the balloon flight by themselves, but must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration of the tour.

You must be able to climb up the 1.2 meter foothold ladder into the hot air balloon basket without assistance. 

You must be able to stand for the duration of the flight 

Pregnant women and those who participated in diving the previous day are not suited to this activity.

Passengers with medical conditions or that have accessibility issues, please check with your doctor or specialist prior to booking. 

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
  • Knowledgeable commentary from your pilot and crew
  • Glass of sparkling wine or juice with a light snack upon landing
  • Commemorative flight certificate
  • Premium digital photo package
  • Return air-conditioned transfers from Cairns accommodation

Cancellations

No shows or client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

A refund in the event of cancellation is subject to both our Cancellation Policy and the terms of the supplier.

Terms and Conditions

Our Terms & Conditions apply to this experience. Please review them before booking.

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

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Overall Rating

4.8 / 5.0

Based on 4 reviews

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