Outback Ballooning Adventure

No, Ayers Rock/Uluru is approximately 450 kms from Alice Springs.

The balloon flight duration will depend on the weather conditions on the morning and our pilots will land if conditions do not allow them to continue flying safely.

You will be with us for approximately 4 hours depending upon where we land.

Flight distance will typically be between 10 and 20 kilometres. The balloon flight takes place approximately 15 kilometres to the south of Alice Springs adjacent to the MacDonnell Ranges and over the historic Owen Springs Cattle Station.

Outback Ballooning has a large fleet of balloons suitable for 2-4 people, up to 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 people in one balloon depending on number of bookings on the day.

Yes, unless you are part of a large tour group, then you may be asked to split in to 2 groups depending on how many people are booked on the day. If you are travelling with someone that has a separate booking to you, let us know so we can link your booking to make sure you are allocated to the same balloon.

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.

We operate within the first 1000ft above the ground level. The weather will determine how high we fly on the morning.

Hot Air Balloon flights in Australia are at first light because this is the time of day that provides the optimum weather conditions for launching balloons.
Depending on many operational factors, which vary each day, passengers may be on the ground or in the balloon when the sun is actually coming over the horizon or rising, either way they will still see an amazing dawn.

The balloon flight takes place approximately 15 kilometres to the south of Alice Springs adjacent to the MacDonnell Ranges and over the historic Owen Springs Cattle Station. You will see views of our amazing desert landscape and the ranges as far as the eye can see, early morning skies like nowhere else and if you are lucky, kangaroos, birds, wild camels and other wildlife that have been woken by the sounds of the burner. Flight distance will typically be between 10 and 20 kilometres.

Please note that we do not fly over the MacDonnell Ranges.

As the balloon is not “steered” in the conventional sense, it will depend on the height of the balloon at the time of the sighting. The balloon moves with the direction of the wind so if you are high then the pilot is not able to just make the balloon fly low in an instant. The winds tend to stratify in differing directions and altitudes which is how the pilot uses these varying currents to guide the balloon to an appropriate landing site.

It is dusty in the Outback. Outdoor clothing (preferably not white if you want it to stay that way), long pants and hat or cap are recommended. 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 may be necessary from approximately May to September. Loose items such as dangling jewellery and scarves are not permitted once passengers reach the launch site and dis-embark from the bus.

You can bring a camera or phone to take photos. However, as there is limited space in the basket, backpacks and larger items will not be permitted on the flight. You will be required to leave these on the bus with the crew during the flight.

It is no colder in the balloon than it is on the ground, in fact it can be warmer once in the air with the burners. Because the balloon moves with the wind there is little or no wind chill experienced during flight.

There is no turbulence or vibration as the balloon moves with the wind. With eyes closed it is impossible to tell that you are flying. It is no colder in the air than on the ground. It is a fact it is often warmer with the burners overhead and the balloon flies above the night time low level cold air temperature inversion.

Yes. After landing, Outback Ballooning has designed its program to allow you a unique opportunity to experience the Australian bush. Most of our landings are in the desert kilometres away from the nearest road. There is no traffic, no other people and no noise. The perfect place to enjoy a glass of sparkling Australian wine or fruit juice accompanied by a small selection of individually wrapped snacks before re-boarding the bus to return to “town”. Please note dietary requirements are on request only.

Ballooning is one of the most natural and safest feelings you will ever experience. It is very different to looking over the edge of a tall building or a cliff. In fact, you don’t have to look down, you can just look out towards the horizon in awe of our amazing views in the middle of nowhere while you float gently in the breeze.
Our baskets are approximately 1.2 metres high and very sturdy. You will not even notice when the balloon has taken off from the ground, it is very peaceful and calm. Once in the air, you do not feel like you are moving.
If you decide on the launch site that you can’t go, we will not force you, you are able to stay on the ground with our crew and chase the balloon through the desert and meet up with everyone once the balloon lands. Unfortunately, because of our location, we are not able to take you back to town until the end of the tour.