Have you ever dreamed of taking a Gold Coast hot air balloon ride over Queensland’s Scenic Rim? Taking a hot air balloon in the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim has long been on our bucket list, and after our flight, we can truly say that it lived up to every expectation.
If you are thinking of taking to the sky on your very own hot air balloon adventure, we can highly recommend it. Come along with us as we show you what to expect during a hot air balloon flight on the Gold Coast of Australia.
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Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Ride Pickup
When you book Gold Coast balloon rides you will find that there are a few different companies offering an assortment of experiences. We chose to take a half hour balloon flight over the Scenic Rim with Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast.
Our Gold Coast hot air balloon ride tour began with a 4am pickup from our hotel in Surfers Paradise. Once on the coach we drove through the dark, making our way towards Canungra in the Scenic Rim Region of Queensland.
At Canungra we had our last comfort stop before taking our hot air balloon flight. As the sun began to rise, we went in search of the Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast launch site. The location of the launch site can change daily depending on weather conditions.
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First Sighting of the Hot Air Balloons
With the morning sun just beginning to rise, we walked across the field and caught our first glimpse of two massive hot air balloons laying across the ground.
With a roar and a blazing streak of flame the balloons filled and began to take shape. As we waited, we noticed a light mist blanketing the fields which added a magical air to this chilly winter morning.
The hot air balloons quickly filled and lifted into the air. Now fully inflated they towered above us making us feel small. With the slight flutter of butterflies in my stomach and a surge of excitement, it was time to board our flight.
Boarding Our Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Ride
We were divided into two groups for even weight distribution during the flight. For safety reasons we boarded the balloon basket one by one.
The Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast staff helped us board the balloon basket which was separated into four different compartments. The basket was well padded, sturdy and felt safe and secure.
Before take-off we had our photo taken which was part of the digital photo package of our flight. Our pilot then gave us a safety briefing and an overview of what we would be seeing during our Scenic Rim flight.
Standing in the basket we watched the other balloon lift through the mist and silently float up into the sky. We were so taken by the beauty of the scene that we were distracted by the fact that we too were taking off.
Gold Coast Balloon Flights – Scenic Rim Highlights
Drifting higher we began to see the treasures of the Scenic Rim. Rising above the mist we flew over a checkerboard of farmland and natural bushland. The horizon shone with the promise of sunrise, its gentle light catching the ponds and waterways below.
Rolling hills stretched out to meet the mountains which framed a valley of lakes. In the distance we could see the skyscrapers of Brisbane and the sunrise blaze golden over the Gold Coast.
With each flame blast we lifted higher and higher until we reached our cruising altitude. From here we drifted in peaceful silence. The open air and endless views gave us a glimpse of what flight must be like for birds, and I admit feeling quite envious.
Soon it was time to begin our descent. As we prepared for landing, our pilot gave us a safety briefing and told us what to expect during landing. As we made our way closer to the ground, we passed over treelined rivers teeming with birdlife.
Descending lower we crossed over a field of grazing cows and to the delight of our International visitors, a lone kangaroo bounded across its natural habitat.
Returning to the Gold Coast From the Scenic Rim
After our Gold Coast hot air balloon rides, we took the coach back to Canungra. Here we said goodbye to the other people on our tour and headed back to the Gold Coast.
The others were continuing their day trip, enjoying breakfast with bubbles at O’Reilly’s Grand Homestead & Vineyard and visiting the Mountview Alpaca Farm.
During our journey back to the Gold Coast we got to appreciate just how pretty the towns and landscapes of the Scenic Rim really are, the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
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Other Options for Gold Coast Balloon Flights
You will find a good variety of Gold Coast hot air balloon deals to choose from. We selected hot air balloon rides in the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim. Others on our flight chose to combine a hot air balloon ride of the Gold Coast with other activities.
These include a Vineyard Breakfast and Luxury Private Ballooning Experiences. You may also choose to continue your Gold Coast adventure with a combination of tours.
You can combine a Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast flight with an Arro Jet Boating Experience or Sea World Whale Watching cruise during whale season from June to October.
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Other Hot Air Balloon Rides in QLD
If you are visiting other destinations in Queensland Australia, you will find a good selection of hot air balloon experiences to choose from.
From Brisbane there are self-drive, or chauffeur transfers available for hot air balloon rides of the Scenic Rim.
Alternatively, enjoy hot air balloon flights above the stunning Atherton Tablelands from either Cairns or Port Douglas in Far North Queensland.
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Where is the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is a little over an hour’s drive from Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland. The Gold Coast region sits in the southern corner of coastal Queensland and stretches down to the state border of New South Wales.
The area is Australia’s most famous coastal playground, renowned for its long golden beaches with the famed Surfers Paradise at its heart. With its many beaches and year-round sunshine, the Gold Coast is a hub for water sports enthusiasts drawn to the beachside swimming and surfing lifestyle.
For the night owls the Gold Coast has a vibrant nightlife, and families can have fun visiting a wide variety of theme parks sitting on the region’s doorstep.
Along with hot air balloon rides, Gold Coast attractions and day trips include whale watching tours, jet boat rides, and zipline tours in the Gold Coast Hinterland. When it comes to seaside fun and entertainment, the Gold Coast offers the complete package.
Getting to the Gold Coast of Queensland
The Gold Coast Airport has direct flights from a wide variety of Australian destinations. You will also find a small selection of direct International flights into the city. There are also train and tram connections to the Gold Coast from Brisbane Domestic and International Airport.
Last Words on Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Ride: Queensland Australia
I hope you have enjoyed our article on Gold Coast hot air balloons. Our Gold Coast hot air balloon ride tour was more than we ever dreamed of, and it will go down as being one of our most memorable experiences.
If a hot air balloon flight is on your bucket list, we can highly recommend it. We also believe that this is a fabulous tour for overseas visitors as it shows a rural aspect often missed by International tourists to Australia.
Have you taken a hot air balloon flight? Feel free to comment we would love to hear from you.