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.
The great thing about this tour is that the bus returns visitors to Cairns by 8:30am so this is a great option for anyone who has another tour booked for the same day.
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. Then come back to earth and continue the fun by helping the guides pack up.
After ballooning clients are transferred back to Cairns by 8:30am so there is still time to organise another activity in the afternoon.
There are several packages deals including a Hot Air Ballooning tour. This is a great option for visitors looking at doing more than one tour in Cairns. Have a look at the options below.
Please see the following packages and deals which are also available
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 | |
| 05:15 | Bus arrives at take off location and balloons get ready to fly |
| 06:00 | Balloon flight takes off |
| 06:30 | Balloon returns |
| Passengers have the chace to purchase photos of the day | |
| 07:00 | Bus departs Mareeba to return to Cairns |
| 08:15 – 8:30 | Bus arrives back in Cairns |
Please Note:
Important Note:Ballooning is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant. If the flight cancels due to poor weather, clients are entitled to a full refund. All clients must be able to climb in and out of the basket unaided as this is a CASA safety regulation.
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.
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.