Yarra Valley: Sunrise Balloon Flight & Champagne Breakfast

Summary

Hot air ballooning over Yarra Valley vineyards at dawn with breakfast

You’ll float quietly above Yarra Valley’s patchwork vineyards at sunrise, feeling the chill air and watching golden light spill across rolling hills. After landing (muddy shoes likely), celebrate with a proper champagne breakfast at RACV Healesville Country Club. It’s peaceful, oddly funny at times, and leaves you with a view you’ll remember long after you’re back on solid ground.

What’s the experience like?

"You ready for this?" our pilot grinned as we shuffled into the basket, still half-asleep and clutching coffee like it was life support. The air had that sharp, grassy smell you only get before sunrise out here in the Yarra Valley — honestly, I didn’t expect it to be so cold in November. There were maybe eight of us, bundled up and whispering like we might wake the hills. Then suddenly the burners roared and we lifted off, slow and strange, like someone quietly pulling the ground away.

The whole valley was misty and soft-edged, vineyards stretching out in neat lines below us. Our guide — Paul, I think? — pointed out little details: kangaroos moving in the distance (I squinted but mostly saw blobs), old farmhouses tucked between rows of vines, and the way the light shifted pink to gold across everything. It’s quieter up there than I thought — you just hear the occasional whoosh from the flame, and people murmuring when they spot something new. My hands were freezing on the edge of the basket but I didn’t want to let go.

Landing felt like a slow exhale. We bumped down in some field where dew soaked my shoes (should’ve worn boots). Everyone laughed about their hair sticking up from static — even Paul couldn’t fix his. After that it was straight to RACV Healesville Country Club for breakfast. The place is fancier than anywhere I usually eat before 8am; champagne poured before coffee felt weirdly right after floating over all those vines. Toasted sourdough, eggs just how I like them… maybe it was just hunger or leftover adrenaline but everything tasted better than usual.

I keep thinking about that first moment when sunlight hit the valley floor — it’s not something you can really photograph properly. If you’re even halfway tempted by a day trip balloon flight from Melbourne or want to see Yarra Valley from above (with breakfast thrown in), this is one of those things that sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley balloon flight and breakfast

• Take hot air balloon flight at sunrise
• Enjoy views of farms and vineyards
• Have champagne breakfast at RACV Healesville

Top questions

How early does the Yarra Valley sunrise balloon flight start?

The flight takes place at sunrise, so pickup is typically very early morning—exact time depends on season.

Is breakfast included after the hot air balloon ride?

Yes, a champagne breakfast at RACV Healesville Country Club is included after landing.

Does this day trip include transportation?

Private transportation is included as part of your booking.

Can pregnant travelers join the balloon flight?

No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Is this hot air balloon experience suitable for all fitness levels?

It’s suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Where does the hot air balloon fly over in Yarra Valley?

You’ll fly above farms and vineyards throughout Yarra Valley countryside.

Do I need to provide any info when booking?

You’ll need to provide your email address during booking for confirmation details.

What’s included

Your morning includes private transportation to and from Yarra Valley, an early sunrise hot air balloon flight drifting over vineyards and farmland, plus a full champagne breakfast served at RACV Healesville Country Club after landing—just don’t forget your email address when booking so they can send all your details ahead of time.