Tour operator
Hidden Secrets Tours
Melbourne walking tour company founded by Fiona Sweetman in 2004, running small-group lanes and arcades, cafe culture, heritage and street art walks.
Global Ballooning
Family-owned balloon operator flying since 1992, offering sunrise flights over Melbourne from the Pullman East Melbourne, plus Yarra Valley flights.
At a glance
- Type
- Hot air balloon flights
- Area
- Richmond, Melbourne, Australia
- Official site
- globalballooning.com.au
Good to know
- Sunrise flights
- Optional breakfast
- App updates
Why we recommend it
Global Ballooning is a family-owned hot air balloon company based in Richmond that has been operating since 1992. It flies two main routes: sunrise flights over Melbourne itself and sunrise flights over the vineyards of the Yarra Valley.
The Melbourne flight starts early. Passengers meet about an hour and a half before sunrise at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel, and the exact meeting time is confirmed the night before through the Global Ballooning app. The launch site is chosen on the morning according to the wind, and inflating the balloon takes about half an hour; passengers who want to can help with the set-up.
Once airborne, the flight lasts about an hour. The route depends entirely on the wind, so you may float over the high-rise towers of the city, over the suburbs or a little of both, while the pilot climbs and descends, up to about 3,000 feet, to steer. The pilot chooses the landing site. In calm conditions you may have a stand-up landing, while in moderate winds the balloon may drag along the ground, known as a lay-over landing. Ground crew meet the balloon on landing, and passengers can help pack it away.
After the balloon is packed up, there is an optional buffet breakfast back at the Pullman East Melbourne. The whole experience takes three and a half to four and a half hours, so it fits before a day of sightseeing, though you will want an early night beforehand.
Balloon flights are weather dependent, so build some flexibility into your plans and check the company's FAQ page for its cancellation policy, age and weight requirements and what to wear. The company says it has flown more than 150,000 passengers and describes itself as a fourth-generation family business. It suits couples marking a special occasion, photographers and anyone who wants a once-in-a-trip view of the city, and the Yarra Valley flight is an alternative for those who would rather look down on vineyards and countryside.
For bookings, call +61 3 9428 5703 or message on WhatsApp at +61 400 427 728. The office is at 30 Dickmann Street, Richmond.
Global Ballooning FAQs
Where do Melbourne balloon flights start?
Passengers meet at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel about 1.5 hours before sunrise; the exact time is confirmed the night before in the Global Ballooning app.
How long is the flight?
About 60 minutes in the air, with the whole experience taking 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
What will I see?
Depending on the wind, the city's high-rise buildings, the suburbs or both.
Is breakfast included?
An optional buffet breakfast is served at the Pullman East Melbourne after the flight.
Are there flights outside the city?
Yes. Global Ballooning also flies over the Yarra Valley at sunrise.
How long has the company been flying?
It has been family owned and operating since 1992.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights depend on the weather; check the company's FAQ page for its cancellation policy.
How do I contact Global Ballooning?
Call +61 3 9428 5703 or message +61 400 427 728 on WhatsApp.