FAQ's

How much does a balloon flight cost?

Your hot air balloon flight over the Rainbow Region with a champagne breakfast costs $325 per adult. For full details of the balloon experience, our range of prices and our terms and conditions please read our price list

How long is the flight?

Usually your balloon ride will last around one hour. The exact length depends on the wind direction and strength. The whole morning from the time we meet at our base to the end of the Champagne breakfast is around 4 hours.

Where do we meet?

Please meet at our base, located just 5km north from the Byron Bay turnoff on the Pacific Highway. Turn into Gray's Lane, then 2nd left into Old Brunswick Rd. Proceed to the Blue Hangar.(see map)

When do you fly?

We take off just around sunrise, when the air is calm and stable.
Meeting time is usually 45 minutes to one hour before dawn. The exact time will be given to you when you call in for your weather check the evening before the flight.

What days do you fly?

We fly every day weather permitting, except for Christmas Day, New Years Eve & New Years Day.

What do I do if my flight is cancelled?

If we cancel the flight, you can either reschedule for another day or have a full refund. If you cancel the flight at short notice, a fee may apply. For cancellation conditions please see our terms and conditions.

Why are flights sometimes cancelled in good weather conditions?

This is due to the strength of the wind - which isn't at the same strength on the ground as higher up. We're obliged to cancel flights when the wind is more than 10kts for safety reasons.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your safety is paramount to us and we will not fly when it is wet or too windy.
Hot air ballooning is a weather dependent activity - we can only fly safely in calm light winds normally about 3 to 10 kts.
Any flight may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, this is normally done the night before when you phone for confirmation. The weather can outwit even the best meteorologists and an early morning cancellation or even a cancellation on the field is feasible, although this is very rare.
We do appreciate that you may be disappointed if your flight is unfortunately cancelled due to adverse weather, but it is done with your safety in mind and the wait for that perfect morning is always worth it.
Gift Vouchers are Non-Refundable.

Is it safe?

Unlike centuries ago, hot air balloons these days are safer than ever and one of the safest form of flight in the world today. We fly balloons from the Australian manufacturer Kavanagh Balloons - recognized worldwide for their excellence in design, innovation and manufacturing.
Our Senior Pilot Chris Dewhirst is one of the world's very best pilots.
He was the first to fly a Hot Air Balloon over Mt Everest, and first to start commercial Hot Air Balloon operations in Australia.
He and his team of professional fully licensed Commercial Pilots will give you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the flight scenery around you, knowing you are in safe and qualified hands.
All operations are conducted under an Air Operator Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that the highest safety standards in operation and maintenance are adhered to.

How many people does a balloon hold?

Between 2-5 for the smaller basket and 10-13 people in the larger one depending on total weight and on the ambient air temperature - after the flight get your pilot to explain exactly what factors he is looking at when he makes the weight calculations.

Can extra people join me for breakfast?

Yes, you can book this through us. The cost is $30 per adult and $15 per child (up to the age of 12).

Are discounts available for groups?

Yes, we offer group discounts. Please contact our office on 1300 889 660 or via email on info@byronbayballooning.com.au for more information.

Can I purchase an open dated gift certificate and how long is it valid for?

Yes, we have open dated gift certificates. They are valid for twelve months, and are transferable, but not refundable.

Are there any accommodation packages?

Yes, we offer accommodation packages. Please refer to our Packages page.

Is it cold during the flight?

The coldest part of the morning is on the ground whilst we are inflating the balloon. It is not cold in the balloon - the temperature is the same as on the ground, we move with the breeze so there is no wind chill factor.

What happens on the morning?

We meet at the confirmed time and you are taken in our vehicles to the launch site, which is determined according to the weather patterns on the day. You are then welcome to help us with the inflation of the balloons, which takes about 20 minutes. During the flight our ground crew follows the balloon and meets you at the landing site. After the balloon is packed back in to the bag, you will be taken to your breakfast location for a gourmet champagne breakfast.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear hiking style clothing and bring a hat. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as feet can get wet in the early morning dew.
Please bring sunglasses, a cap and sunscreen.

Ladies, no skirts or high heels please!
Depending on the season, you may need jeans, jumper, beanie and a jacket that you can remove as the morning warms up.
Be sure to have your camera and YOUR BATTERIES CHARGED as this spectacular panorama is a photographer’s paradise.

How is the balloon steered?

Balloons have no steering wheel! Some directional control is possible by ascending or descending into air currents going in a different direction, this information is checked prior to take off be releasing a small helium balloon and checking up to date weather reports. The pilot can raise or lower the balloon by controlling the temperature inside the balloon.

Can anyone do it?

Whether you are nine or ninety, you can go ballooning. We have flown passengers of all ages.

How far do balloons fly?

It depends completely on the wind speed, usually somewhere between 5 and 30 kilometers.

Is wind required to fly?

We do not need wind to fly, but we like to have at least a little so as to cover some ground. Balloons go with the wind, the pilot can only control the altitude of the balloon by heating the inside of the envelope with the burners. Stability in the air is necessary as well as a slight wind and a mild temperature. The only way to get all these conditions is to take off just after sunrise – one of the most beautiful times of the day!

Is there any noise?

We travel with the wind - so when the pilot is not using the burner, it is completely silent.

How high do we fly ?

The advantage of flying a balloon as opposed to other types of aircraft is simply its diverse ability to literally skim over rivers, brush over the treetops and attain a height of more than 1000 metres whilst providing panoramic landscape views ! In the end, it depends on the weather conditions of the day as to which height will take the balloon in the right direction.

Where do we take off ?

The pilot chooses the take off point according to the direction of the wind e.g. to avoid flying over forests land and to ensure the flights is as interesting as possible. As a general rule the take off site isn’t normally more than half an hour away from the meeting point.

Please read our Term and Conditions

contact information:
email: info@byronbayballooning.com.au free phone: 1300 889 660