Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comHot Air Ballooning in Cairns: The Ballooning Capital of the World
based on 19 reviews
Duration: 4.5 hrs (approx.)
Location: Cairns, Northern Beaches, Palm Cove and Port Douglas area, Australia
Product code: 2990C30_C60
19 reviews of Hot Air Ballooning in Cairns: The Ballooning Capital of the World
Read what other Viator.com travelers think about the Hot Air Ballooning in Cairns: The Ballooning Capital of the World. What they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved, it's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
This experience is well worth the price of admission. Watch balloons being blown up in the early dawn and then gently and quietly float above the beautiful Atherton tablelands. Afterward, join the fun of deflating and storing the balloon before heading to a hearty champagne breakfast, all before 10AM!
Reviewed by: Jamie W, United States, June 2008
Very good.
Reviewed by: George S, United Kingdom, April 2008
The sunrise was wonderful, the champagne and breakfast after was wonderful and we got back to the hotel before 10AM which left plenty of time to have a full day of activity. Loved it!
Reviewed by: Diane C, United States, April 2008
The balloon ride was magical and very safe, and the white water rafting was exhilarating and so well organised. This was a great value for the money.
Reviewed by: Nigel W, United Kingdom, July 2007
Hot-air ballooning was awesome. It was one of the best things I've done. We arrived as the staff were blowing the balloons up, and that was really interesting. Then it was time to clamber on board. I felt a little nervous, but that quickly evaporated as we took off. Soon I was flying through the sky like a true adventurer. The silence of the early morning flight was only interrupted by blasts from the gas cylinder to keep us aloft. All too soon, we started to descend, and after a couple of hops we were safely on the ground. Is it something I want to do again? Definitely! Did it make a good holiday fantastic? Definitely! We even got champagne!
Reviewed by: Judy D, Australia, July 2007
Incredible! Seeing kangaroos from a hot air balloon! How can you beat that? Well, how about a great breakfast after a morning flight? That's included. Watching the balloons fire up in the pre-dawn is outstanding. Next time I would do the 1 hour tour. If you have any reservations about hot air ballooning, put them aside and do this one.
Reviewed by: Mark K, United States, July 2007
Excellent!
Reviewed by: Peter B, United Kingdom, June 2007
First time ballooning, we will do again. Perfect organisation, beautiful experience.
Reviewed by: Ian W, United Kingdom, April 2007
The flight was spectacular and the crew was so much fun and customer satisfaction was a must. One of the best things I have ever done!
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States, March 2007
We had a great time!!
Reviewed by: Kirsty R, Australia, March 2007
It was a fantastic day and I would recommend it to anyone.
Reviewed by: Diana C, Australia, December 2006
We liked the hot air ballooning, really smooth and a fantastic sight with all the balloons in the air. Very very early start, 4am and breaky was a bit dodgy, by the time we cooked our toast most of the hot breaky had gone. There had been a free bottle of French bubbly offered online to couples instead of just a glass, however no one had told our operator!
We did the joint experience with the half day white water rafting, the rafting was good and the girl guides very friendly and upbeat, and at although not the grand rapids, it is fun. Online it does not mention these gigs do not join up. You are taken back to your hotel in between. We may have done these activities on different days if we had known. And the taxes river, air, water take your visa!
The biggest downside to this tour is the REALLY early start. Once you get over this, there are some really amazing views. We took the full hour ride, which was a bit deceiving as it was split into 2 half hour rides. Taking down the balloon was fun too.
Reviewed by: Neil K, United Kingdom, April 2008
My only disappointment was that the advertised pickup time is much earlier than the actual pick up time. It is advertised that pickup is between 5am and 5.30am but when I confirmed details I was informed that pick up was 4.10am this is not a great difference in time, but at that time of morning is great.
Reviewed by: Diane R, Australia, March 2008
Great outing! Very exciting and interesting. Don't bother with the one hour trip since much of the time is spent coming down, disembarking and loading the half-hour group.
We were charged an additional $50 for 'insurance' outside of what Viator charged. Those charges were not communicated up front and unexpected. All riders were expected to assist with the packing of the balloon when the ride was complete. If you didn't participate they called you out on it. Very dirty and physical work and after what we paid I felt it was inappropriate.
