Hot Air Ballooning near Brisbane with kids

Flying high above the South East Queensland landscape in a hot air balloon is a majestic way to begin your day, and a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion.

And did you know that children aged four years and up are allowed to fly, and for a reduced rate? If you’ve got a thrill seeking Brisbane Kid, here’s everything you need to know about hot air ballooning near Brisbane.

Hot Air Ballooning near Brisbane

If you’re old enough, you’ll remember a time when hot air balloons regularly flew over the Brisbane CBD. Due to changes in control laws of the air space surrounding the Brisbane Airport, hot air ballooning over Brisbane City is no longer allowed. There are, however, a number of operators that fly in the areas surrounding Brisbane, including the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim and Byron Bay.

Balloon Aloft – Hot Air Ballooning on the Gold Coast

Balloon Aloft promises an exhilarating ride over the Gold Coast skyline, while watching the sun rise from your elevated viewpoint, followed by a champagne buffet breakfast at the Mercure Resort. It sounds magical! This company claims to be the only operator which flies directly over the Gold Coast. Children from four years and up are welcome to fly with a supervising adult.

Balloon Down Under – Hot Air Ballooning Gold Coast

Balloon Down Under is the longest-operating hot air balloon company in Queensland and promises stunning views from Brisbane to Byron Bay. Float gently with the breezes between 1500 and 2000 feet above the Gold Coast, and experience the oldest form of flight. Afterwards, you’ll have a delicious champagne breakfast at the Mercure Resort on the Gold Coast. Children from four years old are welcome.

Hot Air – Hot Air Ballooning in the Gold Coast Hinterland

Start your day with Hot Air, watching the sun rise over the rolling hills of the Gold Coast hinterland, and with sweeping views of Mount Tamborine and Lamington National Park. Afterwards, indulge in a hot breakfast at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. Children from four years and up are welcome to join their accompanying adults on a hot air balloon adventure.

Floating Images – Hot Air Ballooning Scenic Rim

Only 30 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, Floating Images claims to be Brisbane’s closest hot air ballooning company. They promise glorious views over the beautiful Scenic Rim and Somerset regions, with the Great Dividing Range as a backdrop. Afterwards, breakfast is served in the heritage city of Ipswich. Floating Images invites children from six years and up to experience the wonder of hot air ballooning.

Balloons over Brisbane – Hot Air Ballooning in the Scenic Rim

A morning hot air balloon ride as a new day dawns, followed by a vineyard champagne breakfast (at O’Reilly’s Vineyard), and all whilst enjoying the beauty of the Scenic Rim area. It sounds divine! Balloons over Brisbane allow children from four years to join in the fun too.

Brisbane Hot Air Ballooning – Hot Air Ballooning over the Scenic Rim

As your balloon drifts over the hinterland, allowing views of the Scenic Rim, Tamborine Mountain, the Coast and Border Ranges. After the flight there is a celebratory champagne breakfast at O’Reilly’s Vineyard. Children aged four years and old don’t need to miss out on the fun either! Visit Brisbane Hot Air Ballooning online to find out more.

Byron Bay Ballooning – Hot Air Ballooning in Byron Bay

During this one hour hot air balloon flight you will experience a breath-taking panoramic view of the Byron Bay region, floating gently above the undulating lush green hills with views to Mt Warning in the north and the coastline to the east. After landing, a gourmet champagne breakfast is served by Byron Bay Ballooning. Children from four years can participate in the ride too.

Tips for Hot Air Ballooning near Brisbane

• Casual clothing is best, and wearing layers are a good idea as it gets warmer as the morning proceeds. Skirts and high heels are not suitable, as you will need to climb into the basket.
• Closed toe shoes (sneakers/joggers/walking shoes) are recommended as sometimes the launch spots will be from farmland which can be muddy and wet.
• Don’t forget your sunglasses, camera with a fully charged battery, and a cap or hat if required.
• All flights are morning/sunrise flights, as this is when winds are calmest.
• All the flights include an optional champagne breakfast. This is a ballooning tradition which began in France. You can have friends or family join you for breakfast, at an extra cost.
• Some operators allow you to help set up and pack up the balloon. It is also worth reading up on the fascinating history of hot air ballooning, and sharing these facts with your children.

Hot air ballooning can be a wonderful family activity to participate in when travelling to another region of Australia, or another country. You can read about our writer’s hot air balloon experience in our review of hot air ballooning with kids in Dubai!