Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Don't miss the chance to go for a hot-air balloon flight over Far North Queensland's Atherton Tablelands. It's one of the "must do" activities when visiting the tropics. You have the choice of pick-up from Cairns, the Northern beaches or Palm Cove hotels.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
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
Children aged 3 years and under are not permitted to fly
Mobile phone contact required when booking
Pregnant women unable to travel
Please provide mobile phone number or email address at time of booking
Flight time is minimum 40 minutes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Insurance Levy
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Digital photo package
Glass of Bubbly or Juice
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop off
We provide a light breakfast snack
Commemorative flight certificate
Gratuities
Hotel pickup from Yorkeys, Holloways, Kewarra
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Hot Air Balloon Cairns
You will be met by our professional driver at your pick up location to be transfered 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. Your hot air balloon experience finish time varies with the seasons (summer, winter and the time of sunrise). Your driver can drop you back to 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
Cairns Classic Ballooning
Trsf from Cairns Hotels
Pickup included
Cairns Luxury Balloon package
PalmCove Beach side breakfast : 5 star gourmet beachside breakfast at Palm Cove
Private return transfers: Enjoy private chauffered transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver as your guide
Pickup included
Private Charter balloon for 2
Private balloon flight: Enjoy experienceing ballooning in your own private balloon with one of our experienced pilots.
Gourmet beachside breakfast: 5 star gourmet breakfast at Palm Cove
Private return transfers: Enjoy private chauffered return transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver as your guide
Pickup included
Reviews
561 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hot Air Ballooning over Mareeba
Dee T,
Oct 2, 2025
- Viator
4.00The experience was amazing. The staff were awesome. The only reason I can’t give 5 stars is because I had to support my 5yo so he could see which scared him a little. Perhaps some fix in booster stools could be offered or have minimum height recommendation on the booking page (he’s 117cm).
Ballooning over Australia
Keith W,
Sep 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00It’s a very early start to the day so be prepared to have little sleep the night before. But then enjoy the experience
I went on my very first...
Victoria G,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00I went on my very first hot air balloon ride in Cairns today, and it absolutely did not disappoint! The tour was extremely well organized, and the guides were clearly very experienced, which made the whole adventure feel safe and easy to enjoy. I had the chance to ride in a bright red balloon, and the views were breathtaking — from the glowing sunrise to the rolling landscapes below, and even spotting kangaroos hopping through the fields as we floated above. It was an unforgettable experience, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Unreasonable cancellation policy
Gary R,
Apr 15, 2025
- Viator
1.00Wouldn’t refund with a tour booking conflict. Schedule changed due to weather and didn’t receive a refund,
Experience was amazing,...
Kathleen L,
Apr 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Experience was amazing, views you can't beat and the staff were extremely friendly and patient. Big thanks to Tori, Suzi and Bob.
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