Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Don't miss the chance to go for a hot-air balloon ride over Far North Queensland's Atherton Tablelands - it's one of the top "must do" activities when visiting the tropics. Pickup and return transfers from Northern Beaches accommdation.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
All passengers must be able to get into the balloon basket unaided to the satisfaction of the pilot, or they will not be able to fly
Please provide mobile phone number or email address at time of booking
Children aged under 4 years are not permitted to fly
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
What To Expect
Hot Air Balloon Cairns
You will be met by our professional driver at your pickup location to be transferred to your Hot Air Balloon ride. As the day begins, you will experience a wonderful hot air balloon flight above the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. After your flight and landing, enjoy games and lots of laughs as your pilot, crew and driver lead the fun of packing up your hot air balloon. The finish time of your experience varies with the seasons (summer, winter and the time of sunrise). Your driver can drop you off back at your Cairns accommodation or, with prior notice, we can drop you off to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, Skyrail, Tjapukai or perhaps a Cairns cafe or restaurant if you would like to have breakfast at your own arrangements.
Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands is the area over which we fly our hot air balloons. You will experience this area at dawn - the best time of the day to spot wallabies, kangaroos, many different species of birds, and other wildlife. In addition, you may fly over many different crops as The Tablelands are known for their fruit and vegetable produce. Keep an eye out for crops of mangoes, bananas, lychees, avocados, pineapples, limes and more.
Options
NBClassic
Tsf frm Northern Beach: Classic Hot air balloon flight. Includes pickup/drop off from Northern Beaches and insurance levy Pickup included
What‘s Included
Insurance Levy
Glass of bubbly or Juice
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Digital photo package
We provide a light snack on landing
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop off
Commemorative flight certificate
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Morning Balloon Ride
Heather211,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Early morning start but an amazing experience. Mike, Frank, Gavin & Darren made our Hot Air Balloon ride one to remember. Wonderful memories and a very fun morning. Highly recommend this experience in The Atherton Tablelands.
GREAT EXPERIENCE!
Curiosity765702,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful experience! Frank was a great pilot and we learned a lot about hot air balloons and the area we flew over. And our guide Mike was excellent...we learned a lot about the area, had a nice breakfast and had great conversation too.
Unforgettable Wedding Anniversary
jacobusb633,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brian, Josh & Mike, thank you so much for an unforgettable experience. Friendly, Funny, Amazing. Especially Mike, thank you for making it special for our wedding anniversary,you were awesome, thank you. I don't know how i am going to top this next year.
From Launch to Landing unforgettable !!!
mariee141,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best experience on this tour : Jake looked after the logistics with a smile on the early Pick up - From Launch to Landing the team (Jake, Roy and Frank) gave us such a good trip! Views breathtaking over the Atherton Tablelands & Mareeba in the early morning and the Sunrise just topped it off. Glass of bubbly and nibbles after landing is a nice touch. Loved every minute!!
So surreal. Like being outside the window of the plane. So peaceful
B5725ONtraceyb,Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing dream come true. What a fantastic crew. Excellent pilot Frank. Michael thank you for some great comedy and customer service. You truly are great at what you do. Keep up the great work. You need to be paid more.
It was good
Alifa K,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00For my little one who is 6 years old, it was a bit boring, but rest of us enjoyed the activity. I must say, the drivers of our buses and the pilot were really good.
A happy hot balloon journey
Jessie L,Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience and the staff are so funny and they are really a team work which make us a happy journey. It must do it once in your life.
Fear of Heights Therapy!
Dave L,Jan 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a fear of heights that this trip help undo. The pilot and crew were professional, safety conscious, knowledgeable, light-hearted, and fun. Worth every cent. I even left my cell phone on the bus and they went the extra mile(s) to have it returned some 1.5 hours later. A great outfit. Would do it again!
So Worth your time
S7815WMbradw,Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00They were very professional and we felt safe the whole time. The views were amazing. Thanks for helping me fulfill my wife’s dream. The only reason for not 5 stars cause I haven’t received any pictures they promised yet.
Go Air Ballooning Today
Anna H,Oct 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow - what a day ballooning We were picked up from our hotel (if you get travel sick might be easier making your own way to closer pick up spot) 2 hours later we get to a field and hop in the inflating balloon 🎈 🎈🎈 The take off was smooth and the scenery was spectacular. I could hear dogs barking and cows mooing 🤣🤣 The ride was about an hour and we had to land in a field. Before the balloon deflated we took some cool photos inside. We were asked to help pack up the balloon, too big a job for just a few guys We got back in the bus and had a brilliant huge breakfast at a nearby winery We got to feed alpacas too - that was so much fun 🤩 🤩
Related Experiences
Operated by Hot Air Balloon Cairns