Yarra Valley Sunrise Hot Air Balloon & Breakfast

What does a sunrise look like from 1,000 feet above a vineyard?

You meet at Rochford Wines before dawn, ride a hot air balloon for an hour over Yarra Valley vineyards at sunrise, then return for a continental breakfast while the morning is still young. The pilot chooses the launch and landing sites based on wind conditions that day, so no two flights are quite the same. If you're traveling from Melbourne CBD, arrange shuttle pickup when you book.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Meet at Rochford Wines
• Check in and meet pilots
• Drive to launch site
• Enjoy sunrise balloon flight
• Pack balloon and drive back
• Have breakfast at Rochford Wines

The Experience

You meet at Rochford Wines while it's still dark, check in with your pilot, and drive to the launch site the crew has chosen based on that morning's wind. The balloon goes up as the sun breaks, and for the next hour you're drifting over the Yarra Valley — rolling vineyards, morning mist sitting in the valleys, the river winding through it all. There's no engine noise, no rush. Just the occasional burst of the burner and the sound of the basket creaking a little as the wind shifts you around.

The pilots know how to read the air. They're navigating different wind layers to find the right landing spot, which sounds technical until you realize it means they're steering you toward the best views and the smoothest touchdown. After you land, the crew packs the balloon while you head back to Rochford Wines for a continental breakfast. The whole experience runs 3 to 5 hours, so you're done by mid-morning and the rest of the Yarra Valley's wineries and towns are still ahead of you.

If you're booking from Melbourne CBD, shuttle transport is available but needs to be pre-arranged, and it means an earlier meeting time. Otherwise, you drive yourself to Rochford Wines and meet the group there. The flight takes anyone from age 6 up, and the crew handles all the technical stuff — you just show up and look around.

What’s included

• One-hour hot air balloon flight over Yarra Valley at sunrise.
• continental breakfast at Rochford Wines.
• pilot and crew guidance throughout.
• vehicle transport to and from the launch site.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Liberty Balloon Flights - Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Geelong and the Avon Valley (Perth)

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Yarra Valley from the air without arranging your own transport to the launch site or worrying about timing — the crew handles the wind reading and landing, so you just arrive and float.

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Top questions

How early do I need to wake up?

You meet at Rochford Wines before sunrise. If you're taking the shuttle from Melbourne CBD, meeting times are earlier and must be pre-booked; otherwise, you drive yourself to the winery.

What's included in the price?

The one-hour balloon flight and continental breakfast at Rochford Wines. Shuttle transport from Melbourne CBD is optional and booked separately.

How long is the whole experience?

Three to five hours from check-in to the end of breakfast, including the flight, landing, packing the balloon, and the drive back to the winery.

Is there a weight limit?

Passengers over 130kg are encouraged to contact the office before booking so they can arrange personalised support.

Can I do this if I'm pregnant?

No, this activity is not recommended for pregnant travellers.

What if the weather is bad?

The pilots select the launch site each morning based on wind direction, so flights run in a range of conditions. Specific weather policies aren't listed, so ask when you book.

Can children go?

Yes, the activity is suitable for ages 6 and above.

Do I need to be fit?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels.