Melbourne: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Buffet Breakfast

Summary

Drift over Melbourne at dawn then toast with breakfast after your flight

You’ll rise before dawn for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Melbourne with a local guide steering your group skyward. Watch city lights fade into morning gold, then land for an optional buffet breakfast and take home a keepsake magnet. It’s peaceful, unpredictable, and leaves you with that floating feeling long after you touch down.

What’s the experience like?

We shuffled into the field in the dark, still half-asleep, Melbourne’s air smelling like grass and something faintly sweet from the bakery down the street. Our guide, Mark, had this way of making you feel like you’d known him for ages — he cracked a joke about his “pre-coffee balloon skills” as we watched the crew fire up the burners. Suddenly there was this deep whoosh and a rush of heat on my face. I didn’t expect it to be so loud or so warm right there by the basket.

Once we were up, everything got quiet except for the occasional burst from the flame. The city looked almost unreal — pockets of gold light between glass towers and those old red-brick buildings. I tried to spot my favorite laneway but honestly, it all blurs together from above. Someone pointed out the Yarra River curling through it all, and I just remember thinking how small everything looked. The wind decides where you go (Mark kept reminding us), so no two flights are ever quite the same — we drifted more over the suburbs than smack over downtown, but that felt right somehow.

Landing was bumpier than I’d pictured — not scary, just kind of funny seeing us all crouched in our big basket like nervous kangaroos. Afterward, we swapped stories over coffee and eggs at breakfast (there’s a buffet if you book it). My hands smelled faintly of rope and smoke even after washing them. They gave us these little Luxe Balloon magnets as souvenirs; mine’s still stuck to my fridge back home. Sometimes when I see it, I swear I can hear that first whoosh again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight over Melbourne

• Take off at early dawn
• Fly over Melbourne and surrounds
• Enjoy approximately one hour flight
• Toast with optional buffet breakfast

Top questions

How long does the Melbourne hot air balloon ride last?

The flight lasts approximately one hour, depending on wind conditions.

Is breakfast included in the tour?

A buffet breakfast is available if selected at booking; dietary needs can be accommodated if advised in advance.

Where does the hot air balloon fly over in Melbourne?

The route depends on wind direction; sometimes directly over Melbourne city or its surrounding areas.

What is included with the booking?

Your booking includes flight insurance, government fees for launch/landing, a professional guide, an optional buffet breakfast, and a Luxe Balloon Magnet souvenir.

Is pickup provided for this sunrise balloon ride?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at a designated location before dawn.

How many people fit in each balloon basket?

A maximum of 10 people are permitted per balloon basket.

Are children allowed on this Melbourne hot air balloon tour?

Yes, children aged 6 years and older can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if weather cancels my flight?

If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a refund.

What’s included

Your sunrise adventure includes approximately one hour floating above Melbourne or its surrounds with a professional guide handling all logistics and safety. Government fees for launch and landing are covered along with full flight insurance. After landing you’ll have time to enjoy an optional buffet breakfast (just let them know about any dietary needs when booking) and take home a Luxe Balloon Magnet as a little reminder of your morning in the sky.