Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning Alice Springs – Float Over Australia’s Red Centre 

• Wear comfortable outdoor clothing – avoid white, as the Outback gets dusty
• Long pants and a hat or cap are recommended for sun and wind protection
• Flat, enclosed shoes are essential – no sandals or open-toe footwear
• From May to September, bring warm layers – mornings can be chilly before sunrise
• Leave scarves and dangling jewellery behind
• Don’t forget your camera or phone to capture the views over the MacDonnell Range

Everything essential for the experience is covered – from hotel transfers to sparkling wine after landing.

However, the full tour takes around 4 hours, often starting before sunrise, so it’s a good idea to have a light breakfast or snack either before or after the tour, depending on your schedule.

Minimum age recommended is 6 years old.
Supplier can agree to take 3-5 year old children but we do not recommend as they generally cannot see over the side of basket (1.2 metres high) and cannot be lifted up although they can look through foot holes. Also, the noise of the burners or the fire itself can scare them (recommend earplugs).

Pickup and Departure Details

Your outback adventure begins before sunrise. Pickup from most Alice Springs accommodations takes place around 1 hour before first light with times varying by season,  earlier in summer, later in winter. If you’re staying at a private residence, you’ll be directed to a convenient meeting point nearby.

Physical Requirements and Safety

No special fitness level is required, but passengers must climb into the balloon basket unaided, using built-in foot holes that act like a ladder. The basket stands approximately 1.2 metres high, and everyone must stand throughout the flight. There are no seats, but the secure high sides offer stability and comfort.
Ballooning is not permitted for women beyond 12 weeks of pregnancy. Passengers over 110 kg must notify the operator at the time of booking, as this may affect flight configuration.

Flight Route, Duration and Experience

Balloon flights typically cover 10–20 kilometres and take place about 15 km south of Alice Springs, floating above Owen Springs Cattle Station and along the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. The flight time depends on the morning’s weather, and pilots will always prioritise safety. The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours.
There’s no turbulence or motion sickness — the balloon drifts with the wind. In fact, many passengers are surprised to feel warmer in the air than on the ground, especially thanks to the burners and thermal layers just above the desert. Even those with a fear of heights usually feel calm, as there’s no vertical drop and the basket is enclosed.

Spectator Options

For those not flying, a spectator option is available on request. Friends or family can ride with the crew, watch the balloon launch and rejoin you at the landing site to enjoy light refreshments together. This must be booked alongside at least one adult flight and is subject to vehicle availability.

• Adults: $105 AUD (30 or 60 minutes)
• Children (6–14 years): $90 AUD

Flights do not operate on 25 December, 26 December, or 1 January.
Tour operator operates a fleet of balloons ranging from 2 to 24 passengers, depending on demand and conditions.

Final Check-in

All passengers must complete an online waiver before their flight. A mobile number and email address are required at the time of booking to receive the waiver link and pickup time confirmation.

This is the only hot air balloon experience over Australia’s Red Centre and a magical way to begin or end your campervan road trip from Alice Springs. Whether you’ve floated for 30 or 60 minutes, your morning ends with a peaceful moment in the desert.

Your safety comes first. If weather conditions are deemed unsuitable for flying, your flight will be cancelled. In that case, you can either reschedule to another day or receive a full refund, provided you’ve prepaid. The final decision on whether the flight can proceed rests with the pilot.

If you need to cancel:
• More than 24 hours before departure – you’ll get a full refund.
• Within 24 hours of departure – the full fare will be charged, and no refund will be provided.
• Failure to show up – the full amount is forfeited.

Please note that card processing fees are non-refundable.