Gold Coast: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Winery Breakfast with Pickup

Summary

Sunrise balloon flight over Gold Coast hinterland with vineyard breakfast

You’ll float over Gold Coast’s lush hinterland at sunrise in a hot air balloon, watch the world wake up below you, then tuck into a vineyard breakfast with fresh pastries and bubbly. Expect gentle landings, warm local hosts, wine tasting at O’Reilly’s Grand Homestead—and maybe an alpaca encounter or two.

What’s the experience like?

"You’re not scared of heights, right?" That’s what my partner whispered as we watched the balloon fill up in the half-light outside Canungra. The grass was still wet and cold on my ankles — I’d forgotten proper socks, typical — but it didn’t matter once the burners flared and everyone went quiet for a second. Our pilot, Steve (who’s apparently flown balloons for decades), cracked a joke about kangaroos having the best view. I believed him as soon as we lifted off. It’s weirdly peaceful up there, just this soft whoosh every now and then and the sun edging over the hills. The Gold Coast Hinterland looked endless — misty paddocks, tiny farmhouses, all that green. I tried to take photos but mostly just stared.

Landing was gentler than I expected (I’d braced for something more dramatic), and suddenly we were piling into a minibus headed for O’Reilly’s Grand Homestead. The smell hit me first — bacon and coffee drifting out across dew-soaked lawns, and someone from the staff waving us in like old friends. Breakfast was this whole spread: eggs, fruit platters, pastries so flaky they left crumbs everywhere, and a glass of sparkling that tasted way better than anything I’ve had at home. We wandered around after, poking our heads into the cellar door where Li poured us a tasting and tried to teach me how to say “Canungra” properly (I definitely failed). There were alpacas too — one tried to eat my sleeve.

I still think about that light over the Scenic Rim when I’m stuck in traffic back home. If you’ve ever wanted to do a hot air balloon ride near Gold Coast but worried it might feel touristy or rushed — it didn’t at all. Steve told stories about flying here since before smartphones existed; he even pointed out his favorite bakery down in Canungra (which made me want second breakfast). The whole thing felt relaxed but somehow special — maybe it was just being up before most people or maybe it was that last sip of bubbly under those old gum trees. Anyway, I’d do it again even if just for that sunrise alone…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon and winery breakfast

• Arrive at launch site at dawn
• Watch balloons being inflated
• Float over Gold Coast hinterland
• Land gently from balloon flight
• Drive to O'Reillys Grand Homestead
• Enjoy hot Aussie breakfast with champagne
• Stroll landscape gardens and vineyard
• Visit cellar door at vineyard

Top questions

How early does the Gold Coast hot air balloon tour start?

The tour begins before dawn so you can watch sunrise from the balloon—hotel pickup is included from Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach hotels.

Is breakfast included after the hot air balloon ride?

Yes, after landing you’ll have a full hot breakfast buffet at O’Reilly’s Grand Homestead vineyard with sparkling wine.

Are transfers included in this day trip?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach hotels.

Can children join the Gold Coast hot air balloon tour?

The minimum age is 3 years old; all passengers must be able to get into the basket unaided.

What happens if weather cancels my flight?

If there aren’t enough passengers or weather prevents flying, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Is wine tasting part of this experience?

Yes—after breakfast you can enjoy wine tasting at O’Reilly’s vineyard cellar door.

Do I get photos from my hot air balloon ride?

A digital photo pack is included so you can remember your sunrise flight over Gold Coast Hinterland.

Is there an alpaca experience during this tour?

Yes—you can meet alpacas at the vineyard after your flight and breakfast.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach hotels, sunrise hot air balloon flight over Gold Coast Hinterland with live commentary from an experienced pilot, insurance levy coverage, digital photo pack of your adventure, exclusive visit to Canungra Vineyard with full hot buffet breakfast (including sparkling wine), time to stroll gardens or visit the cellar door for wine tasting—and even an alpaca encounter before heading back.