Sometimes driving through a small part of the Australian Outback isn’t enough. See the desert from above on a morning hot-air balloon ride. This tour from Alice Springs gets you up in the air near dawn for a scenic ride. Spot wildlife, including the elusive Red Kangaroo, from above, take in views of the landscape, and enjoy sparkling wine afterward.

See expansive Outback views on this morning hot-air balloon ride
Choose between two hot-air balloon flight durations
Get the chance see how the hot-air balloons and ground crew work
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Alice Springs is included for convenience

What's Included

30 or 60 minute hot air balloon flight (depending on option selected)
Light refreshments including sparkling wine and fruit juice
Hotel pickup and drop off
GST (Goods and Services Tax)

The listed price does not include the mandatory Civil Aviation Safety Authority Insurance. This insurance charge is AUD$30 per person and applies to all passengers regardless of age. This can be paid by cash, credit card or EFTPOS on the morning of the tour.

Departure & Return

Departure Point

Possible departure locations

View departure locations

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 3 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
On occasion, the 60 minute flight time may be two separate, sequential 30 minute flights taken one directly after the other with a short changeover in between the two flights, depending on operational restrictions. Passengers will be notified the day prior should this be the case on the day of their flight.
Child price applies to 6-16 years and must be accompanied by an adult.
Children 3-5 years are not recommended but considered on an individual basis.
Weather Conditions
Safety is our primary concern and if we are prevented from flying due to unsuitable weather conditions, passengers may either re-book for another day or receive a full refund. The pilot’s decision with regard to flying conditions is final.
Where possible, the balloon flight should always be booked for the first available day in the area to allow for re-booking in case of bad weather.
General Health
Physical fitness is not a requirement to enjoy a ballooning adventure, but passengers must be able to climb up and into the basket (approx. 1.2 metres in height) unaided using the basket foot holes and stand for the duration of the flight.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules and regulations and Outback Ballooning’s policy prevent us from flying women who are over 12 weeks pregnant. Pregnancy must be advised in advance.
Illness and/or recent operations that may affect the person or other persons on the tour must be notified to Outback Ballooning in advance. Medication should be brought on the tour.
The packing up tasks at the end of the flight are optional and we would appreciate your assistance in these enjoyable activities. However, they do involve some lifting and participation is entirely voluntary. Passengers that are less able bodied are invited to stand back and take photos. Persons with medical conditions participating in the balloon flight and pack up activities do so at their own risk.
Any form of disablement must be discussed with Outback Ballooning prior to making a booking. Each person is considered on an individual basis.
The flight and carriage of any passenger will take place at the pilot’s discretion.

Sparkling Wine
Fruit juice
Selection of individually packaged muffins, slices and cookies
Cheese and biscuits
Fresh fruit
Menu subject to change without notice
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 44 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

about cancellations

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Q:What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs?

A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

Face masks provided for travelers
Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival

Q:What is the policy on sanitization during Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs?

A:The policies on sanitization are:

Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Q:What is the social distancing policy during Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs?

A:The policies on social distancing are:

Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

Q:What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs?

A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

235 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 235 reviews

Excellent!!!!

Shirley_H, Jun 2022

Excellent adventure for sure! The guys were all fantastic from start to finish. They are professional and knowledgeable. I totally enjoyed this experience and highly recommend it to all visitors to Alice Springs.

Just do it!

Suzan_C, May 2022

Very professional team. Highly recommended. Great experience. The sun rise colours and scenery were breathtaking.

Response from Host, May 2022

Thanks Suzan for the glowing review, I have said it before but our team loves what they do and it shows. Our amazing desert landscape never disappoints.

Ballooning in the early morning

Jenny_S, May 2022

An exciting way to view the surrounds of Alice Springs. The pilot and crew were very accommodating. Early morning was breathtaking

Response from Host, May 2022

Experiencing our desert landscape from the air certainly gives a different perspective and agree early morning is the best. Thanks Jenny for taking the time to write a lovely review.

The setting up and the...

Caroline_D, May 2022

The setting up and the sharing of packing up. Also the cattle mustering we experience and the sole Kangaroo .

Ballooning across Mparntwe

courtney_m, Apr 2022

The most memorable part of the ballooning experience was floating peaceful across Alice Springs as the sun was rising and looking down the see cows and kangaroos

Definitely one for the bucket list

Steve_K, Apr 2022

Great experience. Donna was an excellent pilot and made the experience really enjoyable. Calm. Relaxing. Beautiful.

Response from Host, Apr 2022

thanks Steve, the perfect 3 words to describe ballooning in the Red Centre and in general.

Great fun experience...

Jackie_M, Mar 2022

Great fun experience would love to have seen more wildlife and have a bit more commentary about the area.

Response from Host, Mar 2022

Wildlife and the weather are 2 aspects of ballooning that unfortunately we have no control over, we would love it if we did. Our pilots are always happy to chat to our passengers but are also aware that people need to enjoy the quiet serene feeling of watching the world go by. Thank you for your feedback, Jackie and glad you had a fun time with us.

Sunrise in the desert

Linda_P, Feb 2022

The very coordinated take off The stunning scenery All the staff and of course the champers are the end Great way to start the day

Response from Host, Mar 2022

thanks Linda, we think its a great way as well.

Wonderful outback ballooning experience

Erin_L, Nov 2021

Wonderful hot air ballooning experience over the west macdonnell ranges. Duncan (pilot) and Marco (driver) did an amazing job.

One for the bucket list

Robyn_M, Sep 2021

An awesome experience from start to finish. Professional staff, great pilot. A magical way to experience the outlying area of Alice springs and a beautiful sunrise.

Response from Host, Sep 2021

Thanks Robyn, very pleased that you enjoyed your time with us and magical is certainly a very apt way to describe our backyard.

A fantastic experience and I would do it again!

John_P, Aug 2021

Just going up in a hot-air balloon. It was a fantastic experience just floating over the desert and seeing the trees and scrub below us. Another highlight was to see the sunrise over the desert. Very enjoyable and we felt very safe with the professional operator. Fun afterwards to share the bubbly and the light breakfast with the other twelve passengers.

Response from Host, Aug 2021

Thanks for the great review, glad you enjoyed your time with us.

A very pleasant morning

Amitabh_M, Jun 2021

The wind conditions weren’t favourable at the start but the team did not give up and kept trying. The ride itself was very smooth. I’d have liked a little more commentary.

1 traveler found this review helpful

So much to see

Veronica_V, Apr 2021

Beautiful sunrise and wonderful view of the landscape. Felt very safe, the pilot and the ground crew certainly knew what they were doing. Nice soft landing which on occasions doesn't happen. Champagne breakfast to finish the morning off.

Response from Host, May 2021

Thanks for your kind comments, our crew and pilots love what they do and who wouldn't enjoy their office being outside with amazing views to share with their passengers.

Bucket List No 1

Jenny_D, Apr 2021

Lift off was awesome, sunrise from 1000ft up was spectacular, our pilot's great, informative tour, being a part of the balloon pack up & the champagne & goodies food pack @ the end was the creme de la creme. Thank you so very much for another one of my bucket list ticks.

Response from Host, May 2021

Thanks Jenny, glad we could help you with your bucket list and that you enjoyed your time with us.

Highlight of our trip

John_B, Apr 2021

What an amazing experience Despite an extreme fear of heights I felt safe and secure The view was amazing and staff warm and friendly I would recommend everyone do this on their trip to Alice Springs

Response from Host, Apr 2021

Thanks for the great review John and allowing us to take you for a balloon flight despite your fear. The peaceful way the balloon leaves the ground coupled with the amazing views you can see without actually looking down, ballooning certainly has a unique way of calming everyone. No better way to watch the world go by.

Up up and away in their beautiful balloon

Stephen_H, Nov 2018

Many moons ago, our son went as a student ambassador with People to People and all he talked about was going up in a hot air balloon in the outback at sunrise. So, we were in Australia and we took this tour. The company was extremely organized and worked diligently in getting us informed, up in the air and down on the ground. I was taken aback on just how much work it was to operate a hot air balloon, but when you consider nature is in charge, it makes sense. We were on time in the air and drifting along in no time. Our three guides were absolute experts and I have no words to describe how serene and calming a hot air balloon ride is. Unfortunately there was no wild life to be seen (Kangroo's don't seem to be up and about most of the time) but this was totally worth the money and has inspired us to do more hot air ballooning!

1 traveler found this review helpful

A nice early morning flight outside...

KjellAke_A, Mar 2018

A nice early morning flight outside Alice SPrings. We did not have a perfect sun rise on our tour but still a very nice morning. The flight ended as it should with champagne sparkling wine. Ver nice crew for pickup and a really good captain of teh flight.

This was an amazing experience and a...

Norman K, Aug 2017

This was an amazing experience and a very well run business

Such an amazing experience. Although...

Natalie_B, May 2017

Such an amazing experience. Although it's been super early, it's been a wonderful thing to just be in complete silence up in the air. Great views of the landscape.

Absolutely worth the 4.00am...

Yva_T, Jan 2017

Absolutely worth the 4.00am start. Slightly disappointed that I didn't get the 1 hour flight which I had paid for, but this was because everyone else had only booked for the cheaper half hour and December / Christmas is definitely not their busy season. The tour company were at least honest enough to refund the extra half hour. Would recommend to everyone to do this for the experience.

Questions?

Product code: 26227_30_60FLT

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