Wednesday, August 5, 2026

5:30 AM - 9:30 AM

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Details

Cost: $293 inc GST Your day begins in the cool pre-dawn darkness as you are picked up from your accommodation in Alice Springs. During the drive to our desert launch site you will get to know the crew as they make final weather checks and explain the routine for the morning. The balloon flight takes place to the south of Alice Springs over historic Owen Springs Station adjacent to the MacDonnell Ranges. Once floating gently in the air you will appreciate the vast remoteness of the Australian Outback. Wildlife, particularly big red kangaroos are seen nearly every day as the balloon crosses spinifex grasses, mulga scrub and cattle stations. After landing you may become involved in assisting the crew as we pack the balloon or you can just take photographs, the choice is yours. The perfect place to enjoy a glass of Australian sparkling wine or fruit juice accompanied by a small selection of individually wrapped snacks, before returning to “town”. Dietary requirements on request. A great opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity of the desert and share stories with the crew and other passengers. Return transfers to your accommodation and a souvenir flight certificate completes the morning adventure. Weather Conditions Hot air ballooning is a weather dependant activity. The pilot’s decision with regard to safe 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. What to Wear Comfortable clothing suitable for the outdoors is recommended. This includes long pants and a hat. It is dusty in the Outback, avoid wearing the colour white. Enclosed, flat heel shoes are essential. It is no colder in the balloon than on the ground, but it can be cooler before sunrise. Warm clothing will be necessary. Loose items such as dangling jewellery and scarves are not permitted once passengers reach the launch site and dis-embark from the bus. General Health/Mobility/Weight Whilst we have no specific restrictions concerning a person’s weight and/or mobility, all passengers must be able to walk over rough desert terrain without mobility aids, climb quickly in and out of our basket unaided and stand upright for the duration of the flight. There are no doors on the balloon basket, there are footholes (like a step ladder) to climb in and out of the basket. The basket height is approximately 1.2 metres high and the compartment you will be climbing in and out of, is only about 60cm wide and is quite snug and compact. You will need to bend and swing your legs over the top edge of the basket, to start climbing down the other side. It is our obligation to advise you of this requirement to ensure that all our passengers are safely able to join our flight. The crew may be able to assist, but they may also be busy getting the flight ready and in the event of an emergency you must be able to do this yourself. The 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. Any form of reduced mobility or disablement must be discussed with Outback Ballooning prior to making a booking. Each person is treated as a separate case. The packing up tasks at the end of the flight are optional and we do appreciate 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. Cameras are welcome in the balloon. Persons with medical conditions participating in the balloon flight and pack up activities do so at their own risk. The flight and carriage of any passenger on the day will take place at the pilot’s discretion. Customer Cancellation Policy The credit card used to secure the booking will be charged if: The booking is cancelled within 24 hours of scheduled departure time "No show" on the morning of the tour Suffer "cold feet" on the launch field No fees apply for cancellations more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure. Online Check-in Each participant will be required to complete an online check-in waiver prior to joining our balloon flight tour. There is nothing to print. This is a web-based program. The information will be released five days prior to the balloon flight date.