Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Float above the outback desert on this exciting hot air balloon adventure! Rise before dawn and watch your balloon inflate in the early rays of daybreak, before boarding your balloon and heading aloft. Drift over this barren landscape and spot wildlife from the air. Enjoy light refreshments including sparkling wine and fruit juice at the landing site. This is a great way to see the Outback.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

On occasion, the 60 minute flight time may be two separate, sequential 30 minute flights taken one directly after the other with a short changeover in between the two flights, depending on operational restrictions. Passengers will be notified the day prior should this be the case on the day of their flight.

Child price applies to 6-14 years and must be accompanied by an adult.

Children 3-5 years are not recommended but considered on an individual basis.

Weather Conditions

Safety is our primary concern and if we are prevented from flying due to unsuitable weather conditions, passengers may either re-book for another day or receive a full refund. The pilot’s decision with regard to flying conditions is final.

Where possible, the balloon flight should always be booked for the first available day in the area to allow for re-booking in case of bad weather.

General Health

Physical fitness is not a requirement to enjoy a ballooning adventure, but passengers must be able to climb up and into the basket (approx. 1.2 metres in height) unaided using the basket foot holes and stand for the duration of the flight.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules and regulations and Outback Ballooning’s policy prevent us from flying women who are over 12 weeks pregnant. Pregnancy must be advised in advance.

Illness and/or recent operations that may affect the person or other persons on the tour must be notified to Outback Ballooning in advance. Medication should be brought on the tour.

The packing up tasks at the end of the flight are optional and we would appreciate your assistance in these enjoyable activities. However, they do involve some lifting and participation is entirely voluntary. Passengers that are less able bodied are invited to stand back and take photos. Persons with medical conditions participating in the balloon flight and pack up activities do so at their own risk.

Any form of disablement must be discussed with Outback Ballooning prior to making a booking. Each person is considered on an individual basis.

The flight and carriage of any passenger will take place at the pilot’s discretion.

Sparkling Wine

Fruit juice

Selection of individually packaged muffins, slices and cookies

Cheese and biscuits

Fresh fruit

Menu subject to change without notice

What To Expect

MacDonnell Ranges

You will see amazing views of the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges from your hot air balloon flight. We do not fly over or near the Ranges but you will certainly see them for as long as the eye can see.

Admission Not Applicable

Outback Ballooning

Start your ballooning adventure in the pre-dawn when the outback sky is alight with the brightest stars and the air is fresh and cool. Inflation of the balloon begins with the first faint glow of dawn in the east and we are aloft when the powerful rays of sunrise light up this ancient red land and its brooding sentinel, the MacDonnell Ranges. Drift over this rugged landscape and appreciate its immensity, keeping an eye out for native wildlife including the iconic Red Kangaroo. After the flight enjoy light refreshments including sparkling wine and fruit juice, which is served at the landing site. A superb way to see the Australian outback.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

30 or 60 minute hot air balloon flight (depending on option selected)

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Hotel pickup and drop off

Light refreshments including sparkling wine and fruit juice

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Options

30-minute flight

30-minute hot air balloon tour over the Central Australian Outback. Includes pickup/drop off from Alice Springs hotels and light refreshments including sparkling wine and fruit juice. Pickup included

60-minute flight

60-minute hot air balloon tour over the Central Australian Outback. Includes pickup/drop off from Alice Springs hotels and light refreshments including sparkling wine and fruit juice. Pickup included

Reviews

4.81

439 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

392

Fabulous views over outback
juliegS6930GR,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful trip early morning start watching balloon being inflated. Fabulous sunrise and views over outback which was unexpectedly very green. Duncan was very knowledgeable about area. Loved helping to pack up the balloon afterwards. Thoroughly enjoyable experience
A great way to enhance tge experience for our friends
cherrid15,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The chase experience was a fantastic way to enjoy this beautiful early morning activity. It was a super way to photograph our friends from outside as they went up in the balloon. Chasing through the bush to the landing site was great- and enjoying the guides storytelling over a glass of champers was fun.
Hot Air Balloon flight
jeanvY3064VY,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This experience was booked for us by our tour guide. A fantastic experience, and something we had never done before. All explained clearly beforehand and safety was of prime importance. We felt confident in the crew and the whole experience was great. The pilot explained what we could see as we flew over the outback. The landing was so smooth we didn't realise we were down. There followed some champagne and snacks and chat with the crew. Highly recommended (if you can manage the early start)
Lovely floating inthe air and nice landing
P6349AYdeborahw,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience first time ballooning
Great trip. Staff was...
RonaldRalph B,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great trip. Staff was friendly and helpful. The balloon ride was fantastic. We even got to help deflating it. The champaign and snacks were at treat. The even had souvenirs we could get. I was disappointed that we didn't get to see kangaroos.
Perfect way to start the day!
barbaramah2021,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fantastic way to start the day! From the inflation of the envelope, to the serene rise above the land to witness the sunrise, to floating over the Outback and spotting kangaroos, to the smooth landing, and finally to helping deflate the envelope and pack it up, every part of it was perfect! Thank you, mates, for a beautiful memory!
Serene and beautiful experience
SouthFloridaPeg,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Serene and beautiful experience and fascinating to watch the process from start to helping pack the balloon back up. Sunrise watching the other balloons was so pretty. Spotted two kangaroos hopping through the bush.
Lovely experience
shristi uprety stha,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A very friendly, funny and amazing experience from the team. From start to the finish, no complaints.
Excellent hot air balloon experience
Kathy M,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent experience from booking right through till the end. Very friendly and knowledgeable guides and pilot
A highlight!
509annelieb,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an incredible experience and we recommend it to anyone coming to Alice Springs! Our driver Jason was super nice and we really enjoyed the ride, a highlight on our trip through Australia.