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 ...

Read More

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 dawn, as the landscape below begins to awaken. Breathe in the wide-open spaces, capture some magnificent photographs and watch wildlife roam below. 

7:50 am 

Return from your scenic hot air balloon experience after over an hour of flying bliss. Say cheers with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice as your balloon is packed up for the morning.

8:00 am

Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon tour finishes. Enjoy a complimentary drop-off at your Cairns accommodation and the chance to relive your experience with an included Digital Photo Package.


    Group of people on a Cairns Hot Air Balloon tour

    More Information

    Show Less

    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 $...

    Read More

    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 $80
    • Return air-conditioned transfers from Cairns accommodation

    Terms and Conditions

    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.

    Your Responsibilities:

    Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

    You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Fraser Tours / Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

    It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

    It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

    You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 


    Prices/Extra Costs:

    All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

    The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

    We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.


    Travel Risk/Insurance:

    It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 


    Merchant Fees:

    Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.


    Other: 

    Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

    All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.


    Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

    Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

    E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.

    You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

    Cancellations

    Client Cancellations:

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

    Transfers between tours can be made at the supplier's discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

    It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.


    Supplier Cancellations:

    The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

    All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

    In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.


    Refunds:

    All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

    Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

    You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.


    Accountability/Misconduct:

    All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

    Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

    Cairns Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.


    Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel / Cairns-Tours.com. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

    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!
    Jayme
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