If you have questions about what your morning with us involves, read on! Here we have collected the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Balloons Over Brisbane’s Hot Air Balloon Rides we get asked – we hope to provide you with a morning full of fun, and the only surprises being the one you planed for your loved one! If you still are unable to find what you’re looking for, you can contact us here. Alternatively, if you’re after more general hot air balloon FAQs and answers, take a look at out FAQ About Hot Air Ballooning page.
1. Where in Brisbane do you launch from and land, what is your flight path?
As flight path is determined by wind direction, the pilots decide the launch site that will give you the best view possible of Brisbane.
You are transported from your Brisbane City accommodation or meeting point to the launch site and you are similarly transported from the landing site to our breakfast location and then back to your Brisbane City accommodation or meeting point.
2. When do we have breakfast?
We serve breakfast at the O’Reilly’s Vineyard in the beautiful Brisbane Scenic Rim.
A delicious hot and cold breakfast with champagne, tea and coffee is served to you at the Grand Homestead at O’Reilly’s Vineyard.
After breakfast you can choose to do free wine tasting at the cellar door or stroll the grounds of the vineyard which has a lovely creek flowing through behind.
3. I don’t drink and I am a vegetarian, will I need to bring anything?
We can cater for vegetarians. Please advise us if you are vegetarian or if you have any other special dietary requirement.
Beverages other than Champagne are tea, coffee and juice. BYO is not necessary.
4. How long will my hot air balloon ride over Brisbane be?
We operate a “classic” flight which is approximately 40 minutes . Flight and safety conditions dictate the exact length of flying time, and the entire experience from pick up to drop off is approximately 5 hours in total.
This includes not only the hot air balloon ride and breakfast, but travelling time to and from the launch and landing site, as well as setting up the hot air balloon and packing it away after landing.
5. Can I help pack away the hot air balloon?
Yes you certainly can, we encourage and appreciate those who are able, to help with packing away, it’s all part of the experience, all part of the fun.
6. Can my friends and/or family watch me take off and land?
We have a Spectator option available for $70 per person, including breakfast. Spectator seats are subject to availability and must be pre-booked.
Our launch and landing sites are in places inaccessible to the general public.
7. Does it get cold in the hot air balloon?
Not really, as we seldom climb above 2000ft conditions in the Hot Air Balloon and the outside temperatures are similar to that at ground level.
As we travel with the wind; there is no wind chill factor to consider. Keep in mind that your hot air balloon ride is over Brisbane, and the conditions in winter are much milder than they would be in southern states, therefore heavy jackets and gloves would be inappropriate.
In Winter you will generally be colder while waiting to lift off than when in the balloon.
8. What if I am scared of heights?
Hot air balloon rides are not like walking out onto a balcony of a tall building or a scenic lookout where the ground drops from view as you approach the edge. You don’t get that vertigo feeling. Your ascent is slow and calm and you have time to adjust to the distance between you and the ground.
9. Do hot air balloon rides make you air sick? (motion sickness)
The turbulence which usually causes motion sickness is absent in a hot air balloon ride. The flight of a hot air balloon is almost too smooth to describe.
10. I have a medical condition can I still Fly?
If you feel your condition might affect you ability to fly with us, we recommend you seek the advice of your doctor, he is the best person to determine if you can fly.
**Unfortunately if pregnant you will not be able to fly.**
11. How far in advance do I need to book?
We normally recommend 2 to 3 days in advance, though that doesn’t mean there would be nothing available, within that period, it is more about saving yourself disappointment if the day you wanted was already booked.
For larger groups we recommend up to a 2 weeks or more in advance.
12. How many passengers does the balloon carry?
The total number of passengers is controlled by the total weight of all passengers. Every day is different and we fly different numbers of passengers, depending on demand, some days there are 6 or 8, some days there are up to 20 and other days there are 10 or more. The most fun is watching the different hot air balloons float up from your balloon. The number of balloons that fly also depends on demand for any particular day, with weekends the most popular with locals.
13. How do I know if the flight is cancelled, what should I do?
Nothing; as we have a “No News is Good News” policy. The pilots are constantly monitoring the weather, if or when they do make that decision to cancel, you will be contacted.
As weather conditions are constantly changing; it is rare they will cancel the day or night before; as they prefer to check conditions on the morning of the flight.
If the flight is cancelled and you wish to reschedule, please call our office:
07 3844 6671 between 8am and 8pm 7 days a week. Or discuss with our staff at the time of the cancellation.
If unable to reschedule we are happy to refund any deposits paid.
