Fast facts
- Early Free pick up form Alice Springs accommodation
- 60 Minutes scenic flight from Alice Springs
- Enjoy a sparkling wine on landing
- Duration approx 4 hours
Enjoy an early morning balloon flight with amazing views departing Alice Springs.
Travel to your Outback balloon launch location in the predawn darkness. Start your ascent soon as the morning light starts to illuminate the rocky MacDonnell Ranges. Experience the remoteness of the region as you softly float across the huge open spaces of the Central Australian outback. While keeping an eye out for native species including the distinctive red kangaroo.
Since 1986, Outback Ballooning, a locally owned and managed company, has been conducting hot air balloon rides in Alice Springs. We are one of the oldest ballooning businesses in Australia and the only one with a focus on remote Outback operations. Weather allowing, we are open every day besides Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
Our pilots have a great deal of local expertise and experience that they can share to the passengers. In order to ensure that the safety of our passengers is their top priority. Our ground personnel is highly trained in all aspects of ballooning and is required to participate in statutory safety training on a regular basis.
Outback Balloon Flight Information
Pick up Alice Springs Complimentary transfers to and from your accommodation included with every flight.
Duration
Depending on where we land, you’ll spend about 4 hours with us.
Usually, a flight will cover a distance of between 10 and 20 kilometres. About 15 kilometres south of Alice Springs, close to the MacDonnell Ranges, and above the famed Owen Springs Cattle Station, the balloon trip takes place.
Online Check-In and Reconfirmation
Online check-in is essential the day before your balloon flight. In order for you to receive your reconfirmation text and an email with a link and instructions for online check-in, we need your mobile number and email address.
Should you not have one of these, other options are available so you will need to phone us on 1800 809 790 or 8952 8723 or email sales@outbackballooning.com.au the day prior.
If the weather is not good for ballooning or if you decide to sleep in, it is crucial to be able to find you.
You must leave your mobile phone number on the night before your flight.
Weather Conditions
Our top priority is your safety, therefore if bad weather prevents you from taking off, you can either reschedule for another day or get a full refund. The final decision about safe flying conditions rests with the pilot.
To allow for rescheduling in case of severe weather, the balloon flight should always be scheduled for the first day that is locally available.
Insurance (not optional)
The advertised price includes a mandatory Civil Aviation Safety Authority Insurance. This insurance charge is $30 and applies to all passengers regardless of age.
If you book through an agent the insurance component is payable separately by cash or credit card on the morning of the flight.
Cancellations on Outback Balloon
If you cancel within 24 hours of departure, do not show up on the morning of the tour or suffer “cold feet” on the launch field you will not be given a refund or your credit card will be charged if you have not paid. If you have to cancel last minute to COVID19 restrictions, please contact us immediately as we can offer flexibility in that instance.
Please note: If you book through a third party, (ie travel agent or tour desk) Outback Ballooning recommends that you check their cancellation policy carefully & take out travel insurance, as a third party cancellation policy may differ.
To Wear
It is dusty in the Outback. Outdoor clothing (preferably not white), long pants and hat or cap are recommended. Enclosed flat heel shoes are essential. It is no colder in the balloon than on the ground but it can be cooler before sunrise. Warm clothing may be necessary from approximately May to September. Loose items such as dangling jewellery and scarves are not permitted once passengers reach the launch site and dis-embark from the bus.
Your 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). There are foot holes, which act like a ladder. Everyone must stand upright for the duration of the flight, as there are no seats in the basket, but there are secure high sides to lean on.
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.
Refreshments
After landing, Outback Ballooning has designed its program to allow you a unique opportunity to experience the Australian bush. Most of our landings are in the desert kilometres away from the nearest road. There is no traffic, no other people and no noise. The perfect place to enjoy a glass of sparkling Australian wine or fruit juice accompanied by a small selection of individually wrapped snacks before re-boarding the bus to return to “town”. Dietary requirements on request.
The Feeling in a Balloon
There is no turbulence or vibration as the balloon moves with the wind. With eyes closed it is impossible to tell that you are flying. It is no colder in the air than on the ground. It is a fact it is often warmer with the burners overhead and the balloon flies above the night time low level cold air temperature inversion.
Fear of heights is not generally a problem as the basket sides are high and secure and there is no vertical ‘face’ between the balloon and the ground. The sensation is similar to looking out of an aircraft window but it is much bigger with no glass!
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