Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast

Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast offers one of the most memorable ways to see the region: drifting over the hinterland at dawn as the sun rises. The company, which has its Gold Coast office on Ferny Avenue in Surfers Paradise and also trades as Hot Air Balloon Australia, points to more than 30 years of tourism experience in Queensland. Its flights take place over the Gold Coast hinterland within the Scenic Rim rather than over the beaches themselves.

From the basket, the views take in Tamborine Mountain, Lamington National Park and the rolling country of the hinterland and Scenic Rim, with the Gold Coast skyline visible on the eastern horizon. Flights begin as the sun starts to rise, which means a very early start, but the soft light over the valleys is the reward. Digital inflight photos are part of the experience.

There are several packages. The simplest, Bubbles and Go, combines air-conditioned coach transfers from most Gold Coast hotels or meeting points with the balloon flight. The Vineyard Breakfast and Alpacas package adds a hot breakfast with sparkling wine at the historic Grand Homestead of O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard, along with wine tastings and a visit to the alpacas. Other options include a beachside breakfast at The Langham, a birthday package, a package with a transfer on to Sea World, and a private charter for two with private transfers and a gourmet breakfast.

Ballooning suits couples celebrating a special occasion, families with older children and anyone ticking off a bucket-list experience. The operator does not publish age, height or weight requirements on its main pages, so check these when booking, along with what happens if weather prevents a flight; the site refers to flexible cancellation policies. The site also advertises a refund guarantee within 30 days, so read the terms of your chosen package before you pay.

Because pick-ups come from most Gold Coast hotels, you do not need a car, and the morning finishes in time to enjoy the rest of the day, perhaps with a theme park or the beach. Bookings and enquiries can be made through the website or by phone; the office is at 23 Ferny Avenue in Surfers Paradise.