Description

This adventure is available for any weekend flight dependant on weather.

Hot air ballooning is a magical experience for everyone aged 7 and upwards, and the Hunter Valley is one of the best locations in Australia to fly. Imagine gently drifting over the vines one minute and the next, witnessing a fantastic panoramic view of the valley in all directions.

Hot air balloon flights are scheduled for sunrise, when air conditions are usually clear, calm, cool and stable. After meeting your pilot and crew at Cessnock Airport you will receive a pre-flight briefing from the pilots over complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits. You are then transported by 4 wheel drive to a suitable launch site chosen by one of our experienced and CASA licensed pilots. Following a detailed flight briefing, you will be invited to assist the pilot and crew to prepare the balloon for launch. Once aboard the wicker basket your magical flight begins. Imagine gently drifting over the vines one minute and the next witnessing a fantastic panoramic view of the valley in all directions from a great height. The flight lasts for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, but the memory will always remain with you for a lifetime. The completion of your breathtaking flight is celebrated with a complimentary Champagne Balloonists Breakfast at the picnic garden at the Wine Country Visitors Centre. Celebrate your flight with champagne, juice, danish and biscuits. This provides an excellent time to sit back and reflect on the morning's flight and enjoy the company of your fellow “balloonatics”, Pilot and crew.

Includes

• Tea, coffee, sweet biscuits on arrival
• 45 to 60 minute flight duration
• Transport to and from the chosen launch site/landing site
• The offer to participate with the inflation, deflation if desired
• A personalized, commemorative flight certificate for each passenger
• Chilled champagne and fruit juice, Danish, served after the flight
• A brief history lesson about ballooning
• Traditional celebration of flight
• Book of discount vouchers for 'bonus partners' in the valley

Location

Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Available Dates

We operate weekday sunrise flights all year round, with November to April usually provides the most stable ‘balloon friendly’ conditions. The chances of your flight being cancelled due to poor weather may increase over the winter months.

You will be in the air for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, however please allow 3 to 4 hours for the entire ballooning experience.

Participant Requirements

Any person under the age of 18 years must have a parent or guardians written consent. Always one hour before sunrise. We ask you to reconfirm the flight (due weather) the night before

Dress as for hiking. High heels, thongs, or open sandals are unsuitable
A cap is recommended as it can get warm underneath the burner of the balloon
Sunglasses
Dress in layers, so as not to become too warm in the balloon

A minimum level of fitness is required. Passengers need to be able to climb into the basket, and stand for 1 hour. We will need to be informed of anyone who has a medical condition that may preclude them from flying such as back, knee or hip problems. For safety reasons we are unable to fly anyone recovering from major operations, the disabled and pregnant women.

Ballooning, as a sky sport, is not without some inherent risk, and as a potential passenger, you will be asked to sign a Medical check and release form.

Cancellations

WEATHER, MECHANICAL, STAFFING & OTHER SAFETY CONDITIONS
Hot air ballooning relies on suitable weather conditions in order to proceed safely. Additionally, flights may depend on mechanical performance or staffing availability. When conditions are deemed by Balloon Safaris to be unsuitable or unsafe to proceed, then the flight will be cancelled. Similarly a flight may be postponed due to less than minimum numbers being achieved.

In the unfortunate event that a flight must be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled due to any factor, Balloon Safaris will hold payment and offer alternative dates. If you require a refund for a flight Balloon Safaris has cancelled, a $15 admin fee per booking applies. Balloon Safaris will not accept any liability for travel, accommodation, inconvenience or other cost incurred or lost through such cancellations.

IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL AND RECEIVE A REFUND

• within 72 hours of a flight you will not receive a refund.
• between 72 hours and 7 days prior to a flight, a $25 per person cancellation fee will be deducted from your refund.
• with more than 7 days notice of a flight, a $25 per booking fee will be deducted from your refund.

IF YOU WISH TO ALTER YOUR FLIGHT BOOKING

• NO changes are permitted within the 72 hours prior to your flight.
• A $25 per person rebooking fee will be charged for flight date alterations prior to this 72 hour period.