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Balloon Aloft- Hot Air Ballooning Canberra

Bookings Freecall 1800 252 668

Experience hot air ballooning over Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.

Come fly with Australia's oldest, most experienced ballooning company.

Take off at dawn and witness the sunrise as you float gently over the picturesque landscape.
The flight lasts approximately an hour, the memories last a lifetime...

Balloon Aloft flies in many areas around Australia, with each location chosen for the excellent conditions throughout the year, as well as the spectacular beauty.

Balloon Aloft's reputation for reliability and safety is unsurpassed.

Balloon Aloft, started in 1982, holds an Air Operators Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The company continues to be the largest and most successful ballooning organization in Australia.

Balloon Aloft currently employs 16 commercially-licensed balloon pilots as well as numerous casual ground staff. Equipment is kept in peak condition, and maintained in-house. We hold a CASA Repair Station Licence, and employ staff to maintain our fleet of more than 20 balloons. Our balloons have been made in the U.S.A, the U.K. and Australia, and each one is a "type-certified" aircraft, registered with CASA.

Balloon Aloft is unique in that we are a national company, able to book your balloon experience in a choice of 8 different flying areas within Australia.

What to expect.

Everyone meets at a predetermined spot usually one hour before sunrise. This is when the air is stable and the winds are calm, ensuring a tranquil flight. Approximate meeting time is 4.30am in summer and 6.00am in winter. After a cup of tea or coffee and a short flight briefing, you are welcome to help with the inflation, or stand back and take photographs.

Launching the Balloon
The actual launch of the hot-air balloon usually takes no more than half an hour after arrival at the launch site. The balloon and basket are carried in a trailer.

The basket is laid on it's side and the gaily coloured fabric is pulled out of it's bag. Flying wires from the 'envelope' are attached, and the whole system is given a 'walk around' inspection by the pilot

The balloon is inflated and the passengers get in. The balloon lifts off the ground effortlessly and the wonderful experience begins.

At the final landing point, the retrieve crew assist in packing up the envelope and basket, and then everyone joins in the traditional champagne celebration.

A personalised 'Flight Certificate' is given to each passenger, which rounds off a fabulous morning. From start to finish, the balloon adventure takes about 3-4 hours, and the experience is terrific dinner conversation for the rest of your life!!!

The Weather
One of the great joys of ballooning is its tranquillity as you float with the breeze, feeling absolutely no sensation of movement. You have become the wind... you are moving with it... and therefore you have become a part of a complex weather system that is ever changing.

Balloons are weather dependent, and for safety reasons, we will not fly when it is wet or too windy. We give you a phone number to ring the night before, to check if the weather is holding steady.  

If the flight must be cancelled due to inclement weather, you may rebook on another day (and in another location if need be) or, you can request a refund of your money. We refund less a '$15 per booking' administration fee. Gift Vouchers are Non-Refundable.