30 Minute Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight including Sparkling Wine

How It Works

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!

Refreshments

After landing, Outback Ballooning has designed its program to allow for 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.

Inclusions

• 30 Minute Hot Air Balloon Flight over Alice Springs
• Enjoy a light refreshments accompanied by sparkling wine and tropical fruit juice
• Commemorative Flight Certificate
• Return transfers from most accommodation properties in Alice Springs
• Civil Aviation Safety Authority Insurance

Highlights

• See the Australian Outback Bush and Desert from the air!
• Enjoy refreshments in the desert, kilometres away from the nearest road
• Take home some amazing memories and photos of Alice Springs from a 'birds-eye view'... Don't forget to bring your camera
• Depending on many operational factors, which vary each day, passengers may be on the ground or in the balloon when the sun is actually coming over the horizon or rising, either way you will still see an amazing dawn

Time

• The pickup times from accommodation in Alice Springs is approximately 1 hour before first light. The timing of our tour is earlier in Summer and later in Winter.
• Some places, like private address or rural properties, are not included in our pickup schedule. If this occurs, we will advise you of the best meeting location.
• Tour does not operate 25 December, 26 December or 1 January.

Duration

• Passengers should allow up to 4 hours in total with Outback Ballooning
• The flight distance will typically be between 10 and 20 kilometres. The balloon flight takes place approximately 15 kilometres to the south of Alice Springs, adjacent to the MacDonnell Ranges and over the historic Owen Springs Cattle Station

Transfers

• Transfers (at the end of tour) to the airport or other tours are available on request
• This is not a self drive tour

Hotel Pickup

• Prior to completing your purchase, enter your hotel name in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator the day prior to your flight to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
• The times are an INDICATION only and vary considerably throughout the year. The pickup times start from 4:15am in summer and from 5:45am in winter. Please contact our office for assistance with tour timings.

What To Bring

• Due to the sometimes dusty conditions, it is advisable not to wear light coloured clothing
• Long pants and a hat or cap are recommended and enclosed flat heel shoes are essential
• In winter (May to September), warm clothing may be necessary as the temperature has been known to drop below 0 degrees. You will be no colder in the balloon than on the ground
• Loose items such as dangling jewellery and scarves are not permitted once passengers reach the launch site and disembark from the bus
• Don't forget to bring your camera / phone / GoPro to capture this amazing adventure

Additional Information

• Passenger weight mandatory
• All passengers must provide a mobile phone and email address at time of booking
• Each passenger will need to complete an online check-in waiver the day prior to their balloon flight. For this reason only, we require contact details
• Child age is 6-14 years and must be accompanied by an adult
• We are able to take children 3-5 years (regular child rate applies) however we do not recommend for the following reasons:
• They generally cannot see over the side of basket (1.2 metres high) although they can look through foot holes
• The noise of the burners or the fire itself can scare them (recommend earplugs if they proceed)
• Children 3-5 years are not recommended but considered on an individual basis
• You cannot be more than 12 weeks pregnant
• Physical fitness is not a requirement to enjoy a ballooning adventure but passengers must be able to climb up and in (there are foot holes) and stand for the duration of the flight (with secure high sides to lean on) as there are no seats in the basket
• Illness and/or recent operations that may affect the person or other persons on the tour must be notified in advance. Medication should be brought on the tour
• Any form of disablement must be discussed prior to making a booking. Each person is considered on an individual basis
• Assisting the crew to pack up is entirely voluntary and we do appreciate assistance in these enjoyable activities. However, it goes involve some lifting.
• Outback Ballooning has a large fleet of balloons suitable for 2-4 people, up to 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 people in one balloon depending on number of bookings on the day

Weather Conditions

• Safety is our primary concern and if we are prevented from flying due to unsuitable weather conditions, passengers may either rebook to another day or receive a full refund if they have prepaid. The pilot's decision with regard to safe flying conditions is final.

• Where possible, the balloon flight should always be booked for the first available day in the area to allow for re-booking in case of bad weather. Please advise a back-up date if the passenger is staying in the area for more than one night.

Cancellation Policy

Passengers will not be given a refund if they:

• Cancel their ballooning tour within 24 hours of departure

• "No show" on the morning of the tour

• Suffer "cold feet" on the launch field

• No fee is charged for cancellations more than 24 hours before the flight

Booking Information

• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
• We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements