Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Hunter Valley?
The Hunter Valley is located 2 hours north of Sydney and is one of Australia’s premier wine districts.
Where do we meet?
We meet at Peterson’s Champagne House, 5 minutes drive north of the town of Cessnock, on the corner of Broke Road and Wine Country Drive in Pokolbin in the lower Hunter Valley.
Where do we have the champagne breakfast?
All sunrise balloon flights culminate in a gourmet champagne breakfast served on the deck of Restaurant Cuvee at Peterson’s Champagne House. Three menu options are available and dietary requirements can be catered to with prior notice. Friends and family are welcome to join you for the breakfast. To book additional breakfast please call 02 4991 1955
Do you offer hotel transfers?
Return transfers can be arranged from local accommodation at a cost of $15 per person.
If ballooning is weather dependent, how do I know if my balloon flight is going ahead?
All hot air balloon flights are weather dependant. You will need to check-in with your pilot before you go ballooning for a weather check and flight confirmation. Details for this check-in will appear on your flight ticket.
What should I wear and bring along?
Clothing suitable for walking or hiking is recommended with enclosed shoes, long trousers and a long sleeved top. We suggest you also bring a hat and sunglasses as well as your camera.
How high do we go?
This all depends upon the winds. Flights can be anywhere between the tops of the trees and 2 or 3 thousand feet.
How long does it take?
The balloon ride itself is usually 50 – 60 minutes in duration. The total time you are with us on the morning of your flight is approximately 4 hours. This includes a flight briefing from your pilot, completing some paperwork, travelling to and from the launch and landing sites and the champagne breakfast afterwards.
Is it cold in the air?
Generally it is no colder flying in the balloon than it is on the ground. The small decrease in temperature at the altitudes we fly at are offset by the heat from the burners overhead which keep us warm during the flight. We recommend that you dress to be comfortable for the early morning ground temperature. Keep in mind that the temperature will increase after sunrise so dressing in layers is recommended.
Is there an age limit? Are there health & fitness limitations?
We do not fly children under the age of 7. The burner noise can be a bit frightening to young children. Children also need to be at least 120cm tall so they can see over the top of the basket.
There is no upper age limit - as long as you are fit and healthy with good knees, hips and back, no recent surgeries or broken bones and you are not pregnant you are fit to fly. You will be required to climb into the balloon basket, stand for one hour and, in the instance of a hard landing, absorb a small impact which is similar on your joints to that of jumping off a low chair.
Can I buy a gift voucher?
Gift Vouchers are available for the same cost as balloon flights. They are open dated and valid for 12 months.
What happens if the flight is cancelled?
If your balloon flight is cancelled by us due to unsuitable weather conditions then you are welcome to rebook anytime within the 12 months validity period of your ticket. Flight ticket holders may also request a refund for a valid ticket (an administration fee will apply). Gift Voucher holders will be able to rebook only.
Please see the
terms and conditions for details.
Are you covered by insurance?
We carry up to $9,000,000 of public liability insurance. Unlike some other balloon companies, your insurance is covered in your flight costs. We will not ask you to pay an insurance levy on the day of your flight.
Why do you fly only in the morning?
The weather is at its most stable in the early mornings, with generally light winds and cool, calm atmospheric conditions.
How safe is it?
We are proud of an excellent safety record and will not fly if the conditions are not suitable. We are governed by CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) the same as Qantas or Virgin Blue and fly strictly to the guidelines set down by them.
Why fly with Balloon Aloft?
In 1980 Balloon Aloft offered the very first passenger balloon flights in Australia and thirty years later we remain the market leader, delivering the highest quality balloon flights and service. With unparalleled experience, your comfort and safety are assured when you fly with Balloon Aloft.