Alice Springs: Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight

Soaring above the vast, rugged Australian outback is a truly breathtaking experience. The Alice Springs hot air balloon flight offers travelers a chance to witness the stunning dawn colors and remote landscapes of Central Australia from a unique aerial perspective. As the basket gently drifts over the spinifex-covered plains and cattle stations, passengers can spot native wildlife like the iconic red kangaroo. This 4-hour activity provides a convenient and immersive way to discover the tranquility of the outback, but there’s more to uncover about this unforgettable adventure.

Contents hide

1 Overview of the Experience

2 Duration and Timing

3 Pickup and Logistics

4 Inclusions and Exclusions

5 Pricing and Booking

6 Wildlife and Scenery

7 Central Meeting Point

8 Mandatory Insurance Charge

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

Early morning hot air balloon flights over the Australian outback near Alice Springs, offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty.
Opportunities to witness the spectacular dawn colors and spot local wildlife like kangaroos from the balloon basket.
Flexible start times and complimentary pickup and transportation services for a seamless experience.
Inclusions like return transfers, balloon flight, light refreshments, and a commemorative certificate.
Pricing starting from $235.68 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Experience

This early morning hot air balloon flight over the Australian outback near Alice Springs offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the spectacular dawn colors and vast remoteness of the region.

Floating peacefully above the spinifex grasses and cattle stations, guests can spot wildlife like big red kangaroos from the basket, seeing the tranquility and natural beauty of the outback.

The 4-hour activity takes place daily, except on 25th December, 26th December, and 1st January, with convenient pickup from hotels, resorts, caravan parks, or the central meeting point at the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters.

Included in the experience are return transfers, the balloon flight, light refreshments with sparkling wine, and a commemorative certificate.

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Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs

Duration and Timing

The hot air balloon flight is a 4-hour activity, with daily departures except on 25th December, 26th December, and 1st January.

Guests can choose from a range of start times, with the exact starting time depending on the availability on the day.

This early morning experience allows visitors to witness the spectacular dawn colors and the vast remoteness of the Australian outback near Alice Springs.

The flight duration provides ample time to float over the spinifex grasses, cattle stations, and spot local wildlife like the big red kangaroos.

Travelers are advised to check the availability and book their preferred start time to avoid disappointment during their visit to Alice Springs.

Pickup and Logistics

For the convenience of guests, the hot air balloon operator provides complimentary pickup from any hotel, resort, caravan park, or hostel in Alice Springs.

If travelers are staying at a private or rural address, they can meet the team at the central location – the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, where free parking is available.

This makes it easy for adventurers to get to the launch site without hassle.

The pilot and crew ensure a smooth start to the day, handling all the logistics so guests can focus on soaking in the stunning outback scenery from the air.

With pickup and drop-off taken care of, guests can simply relax and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The hot air balloon experience includes return transfers, the balloon flight itself, light refreshments with sparkling wine, and a commemorative certificate to remember the adventure.

However, the activity isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or pregnant women due to the nature of the balloon basket.

Plus, there’s a mandatory $30 per person Civil Aviation Authority Insurance charge that applies starting from September 26, 2022. This fee is required for all passengers and isn’t included in the overall pricing.

The tour operator ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, though certain health and safety restrictions do apply to ensure everyone’s well-being during the flight over the stunning Australian outback near Alice Springs.

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Pricing and Booking

Pricing for the Alice Springs hot air balloon flight starts from $235.68 per person, with the option to reserve a spot and pay later.

Travelers can book the experience conveniently online, and enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The booking process is straightforward and hassle-free:

Select your preferred date and time, and reserve your spot.
Pay later, either online or upon arrival in Alice Springs.
Cancel for free up to 24 hours before the flight for a full refund.

With these simple steps, adventurers can secure their spot on this once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon experience over the stunning Australian outback.

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Wildlife and Scenery

Breathtaking outback landscapes and diverse wildlife dominate the hot air balloon experience, with guests floating serenely over the expansive red desert and sprawling cattle stations. Majestic big red kangaroos bound across the spinifex-covered plains, while birds of prey soar overhead, providing a captivating aerial display. The vast remoteness of the Australian outback unfolds beneath the gently drifting balloon, offering a profound connection to the ancient, untamed beauty of this rugged land.

Wildlife Sighted	Frequency	Viewing Experience
Big Red Kangaroos	Common	Mesmerizing
Birds of Prey	Frequent	Awe-inspiring
Cattle	Widespread	Quintessential

Central Meeting Point

For those staying at a private or rural address, the central meeting point for the hot air balloon flight is the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, where complimentary parking is available.

From this convenient location, guests will be transported to the launch site to begin their once-in-a-lifetime adventure over the Australian outback.

The central meeting point offers a hassle-free way to start the experience, allowing participants to simply show up and be ready to take flight.

This streamlined logistics ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to the hot air balloon excursion.

The central meeting point provides several key benefits:

Complimentary parking for all guests
Centralized pickup location for easy access
Efficient transportation to the launch site

Mandatory Insurance Charge

Effective September 26th, 2022, a mandatory Civil Aviation Authority insurance charge of $30 per person applies to all hot air balloon flights in Alice Springs.

This compulsory fee is required to comply with regulatory requirements and ensures appropriate coverage for participants during the duration of the aerial adventure.

The insurance protects travelers in the unlikely event of an incident, providing peace of mind and safeguarding the overall safety of the experience.

Balloon operators in Alice Springs have implemented this new charge to meet necessary standards and maintain compliance with aviation authorities.

Travelers should factor this additional cost into their booking when planning their early morning hot air balloon journey over the stunning Australian outback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take My Own Food and Drinks on the Balloon?

Passengers are generally not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the hot air balloon flight. The tour operator typically provides light refreshments, including sparkling wine, as part of the included amenities during the flight experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for Passengers?

Yes, there is a weight limit for passengers on hot air balloon flights. The typical maximum weight per passenger is around 265 lbs (120 kg), though this may vary by operator. Passengers exceeding this limit may not be able to participate.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Balloon Ride?

No, pets are not allowed on the hot air balloon ride. The flight operators have a strict policy against bringing animals due to safety and logistical concerns for the passengers and crew.

How Many People Can Fit in the Balloon Basket?

The balloon basket typically accommodates 8-12 passengers, depending on the size of the balloon. The exact capacity can vary, so it’s best to check with the operator for the specific details of the flight you plan to take.

Can I Take Photos During the Flight?

Yes, guests can take photos during the hot air balloon flight. Cameras and smartphones are welcome on board, allowing travelers to capture the stunning aerial views and memorable moments of the experience.