The Atherton Tablelands located near Cairns has the perfect climate for hot air balloon rides. Offering spectacular scenery and an unforgettable experience for anyone going on a balloon ride for the first time. Also enjoy a delicious breakfast with sparkling wine.
Enjoy the spectacular balloon inflation display where there are so many colourful balloons being inflated at the same time, it's amazing to see. The winds are calmest at dawn, which is why the launch is done as early as possible.
Rise up and fly over the scenic Atherton Tablelands with its rainforest fringed mountains and tranquil country landscapes. The balloon gently floats above the tips of blue gums and paper bark trees, with the wide open spaces of the Tablelands below. The fantastic 360 degree views will make these memories last a lifetime .
All the pilots are very experienced and trained to Australia's highest standards, so there is no need to worry. Enjoy the freedom while the pilot makes sure the ride is as gentle as possible. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and some of Australia's local wildlife. Binoculars are ok on board to capture sightings of local birdlife. Come back to earth and continue the fun by helping the guides pack up.
After ballooning clients have a delicious hot and cold breakfast with sparkling wine. What a special morning! The return to Cairns is around 10:30am so there is still time to organise another activity in the afternoon.
For travellers interested in a 60 minutes balloon flight please click on the link below.
» Please click here for further information on a 60 minute Hot Air Ballooning.
Tourism Cairns works with family and group discounts. Please email us for a quote.
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 3:50 – 4:15 | Pick up from Cairns & Northern Beach accommodation |
| 04:15 | Journey to Atherton Tablelands starts |
| Travel time is approx. 1 hour | |
| 04:45 | Self Drivers to meet at the Mareeba Museum |
| 05:15 | Bus travels to the take off location and balloons get ready to fly |
| 06:00 | First balloon flight takes off /Other passengers do a balloon chase |
| 06:45 | Second balloon flight takes off/ Other passengers do a balloon chase |
| 07:30 | Baloon flights and chase are completed |
| A group photo is taken and passengers can help the guides to fold and pack the balloon | |
| 08:00 | Passengers return to the Mareeba Museum where they can have a look at the photos of the day |
| 09:00 | Coach departs Mareeba and return back to Cairns |
| 10:15 – 10:30 | Hotel dop off at Cairns & Northern Beaches |
Please Note:
Important Note:Ballooning is not suitable if you are pregnant.If your flight cancels due to poor weather, you are entitled to a full refund. You must be able to climb in and out of the basket unaided as this is a CASA safety regulation.
| Season: 2023 - 2024 Rates | Dates: 1st April 2023 - 31st March 2024 | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 30min Ballooning (Cairns) Week day (save AU$60.00) |
$440.00 per adult $440.00 per child |
|
| 30min Ballooning (Cairns) Weekend |
$495.00 per adult $495.00 per child |
|
| 30min Ballooning (self drive) Week day (save AU$60.00) |
$420.00 per adult $420.00 per child |
|
| 30min Ballooning (self drive) Weekend |
$450.00 per adult $450.00 per child |
|
| Season: 2024 - 2025 Rates | Dates: 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025 | Action |
| 30min Ballooning (self drive) Week day (save AU$60.00) |
$420.00 per adult $420.00 per child |
|
| 30min Ballooning (self drive) Weekend |
$450.00 per adult $450.00 per child |
|
| 30min Ballooning (Cairns) Week day (save AU$60.00) |
$440.00 per adult $440.00 per child |
|
| 30min Ballooning (Cairns) Weekend |
$495.00 per adult $495.00 per child |
Age: Adult age: 15 yrs + / Child age: 4-14 years inclusive.
Ballooning Levy: Total price INCLUDES a levy of $30.00 per person for civil aviation and other insurance charges, take off and landing fees, transfer costs, GST and administration charges.
Rise up and fly over the scenic Atherton Tablelands with its rainforest fringed mountains around and tranquil country landscapes. And then in the afternoon experience the beautiful Far North Queensland Rainforest while rafting the Barron River for 2 hours through grade rapids 2 & 3.
Have a great morning start with a 30 minute balloon ride over the beautiful Atherton Tablelands and then check in at the Reef Terminal and travel to a big pontoon (floating platform) where many water activities will be available.
The Perfect Day!
Travel up to the Atherton Tablelands and have a great morning start with a 30 minute Hot Air Balloon Flight, and then catch the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, see the beautiful and famous Kuranda Village and travel down back to Cairns by the Scenic Railway. A day to remember forever.
Booking fees: Tourism Cairns do not charge any booking fees.
Deposit and final payment: At Tourism Cairns clients are required to pay a deposit only at the time of booking. Final payment is to be completed 48 hours prior to departure or on the day of travel, depending on each tour operator's policy.
Cancellation by the traveller: If the tour is cancelled by the client up to 7 days prior to departure, a full refund is applicable. If the tour is cancelled by the client 7 days prior to departure, the deposit amount might be retained. If the tour is cancelled by the client 48 hours prior to departure, 100% cancellation fee may apply.
Booking amendments: If the date of a tour needs to be changed, Tourism Cairns must be notified in writing by the client up to 48 hours prior to the tour date.