Yarra Valley: Sunrise Balloon Flight & Breakfast at Balgownie

Summary

Sunrise ballooning above Yarra vines with breakfast & laughter

You’ll start in darkness but end floating above Yarra Valley’s vineyards as sunrise creeps in. Help set up your own hot air balloon with your local pilot, drift for an hour with ever-changing views, then share laughs (and breakfast) back at Balgownie Estate. Includes pickup options, digital photos, and a keepsake magnet — plus those little moments that stay with you long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when my alarm went off at 4am in Melbourne — but the thought of floating over the Yarra Valley in a hot air balloon got me out of bed. The drive out was quiet, mist clinging to the vines. At Balgownie Estate, our group shuffled around with coffee breath and sleepy faces until our pilot, Mark, showed up all cheerful (how do morning people do it?). He handed us this bright orange luxe magnet as a kind of “before” souvenir — I stuck it in my jacket pocket and forgot about it for a while.

Setting up the balloon felt weirdly communal. We helped unroll this massive fabric on dewy grass, hands cold but everyone sort of laughing at how clueless we were. When the burners roared to life it was like standing next to a dragon — that sudden whoosh of heat and the smell of singed canvas. Up we went, slowly at first, then suddenly we were above everything: rows of vineyards curling into the mist, cows looking like toys. The sunrise wasn’t some perfect golden Instagram thing — more pinkish haze and soft light on Mark’s face as he pointed out little towns I’d never heard of. He told us every flight is different because of the wind; you just go where it takes you.

The landing was bumpier than I expected (someone shrieked — not naming names), but nobody seemed to mind. We helped pack down the balloon, hands sticky with grass and mud, then piled back into the van for breakfast at Balgownie. If you book the breakfast option, you get this big buffet spread — eggs still steaming, coffee strong enough to wake even me up properly. Mark uploaded our in-flight photos straight away so everyone could see their windblown hair and goofy grins before we’d even finished eating.

I keep that magnet on my fridge now. Sometimes when I’m making tea before work I remember how quiet it was up there over Yarra Valley — just burners hissing and someone whispering “wow” beside me. It’s funny what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley Balloon Flight and Breakfast

• Meet at Balgownie Estate or CBD pickup
• Depart via Global Ballooning bus
• Assist in balloon setup
• Fly over Yarra Valley for 1 hour
• Land and assist with pack down
• Return to Balgownie Estate for breakfast
• Download flight photos from app
• Take home luxe magnet souvenir

Top questions

How long does the Yarra Valley hot air balloon flight last?

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

Is hotel pickup included for the sunrise balloon flight?

Pickup from Melbourne CBD can be arranged as part of your package; otherwise meet at Balgownie Estate.

Do I need to help set up or pack down the balloon?

Yes, guests are invited to assist with both setup before takeoff and packing down after landing.

What happens if weather cancels my flight?

If cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered an alternative date or a refund.

Is breakfast included after the flight?

Breakfast at Balgownie Estate is optional depending on your booking selection.

Are children allowed on this hot air balloon tour?

Children aged 6 years and older are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are dietary requirements catered for at breakfast?

Yes, dietary needs can be accommodated if advised when booking.

Will I get photos from my Yarra Valley balloon ride?

Your pilot will upload complimentary in-flight photos to an app for you to download after landing.

What’s included

Your morning includes optional pickup from Melbourne CBD or meeting at Balgownie Estate, helping set up and pack down the hot air balloon with your local pilot, about one hour drifting above Yarra Valley’s vineyards at sunrise (wind dependent), digital in-flight photos ready right after landing, a luxe souvenir magnet for your fridge memories, full insurance coverage throughout—and if you choose it—a buffet breakfast at Balgownie Estate before heading home again.