Business Details
46 Years
experience
Australia's Premier Hot Air Balloon Operator
Balloon Aloft has been pioneering hot air balloon flights in Australia since 1980, establishing itself as the market leader in this exhilarating activity. As a family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled experiences across five iconic locations: Byron Bay, the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Camden, and Burketown. Our team of championship-winning pilots and dedicated crew members bring decades of expertise to ensure every flight prioritizes safety, comfort, and unforgettable memories. We maintain a strong commitment to sustainable tourism practices while innovating through initiatives like Australia's first accessible hot air balloon.Recognized with multiple awards including the 2024 Tourism Australia Adventure and Accessible Tourism Operator of the Year, we combine technical excellence with personalized service. Our operations adhere to strict quality standards certified by Tourism Australia, while our flexible booking system allows transfers between locations. With over 45 years of operational history and a proven track record of excellence, we continue to set industry benchmarks through our environmental stewardship and inclusive approach to adventure tourism.
Services
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Exclusive VIP Flights
Corporate Events
Promotional Flights
Accessible Tourism
Gift Vouchers
Film Production Support
Team Building Activities
Wine Region Tours
Wildlife Conservation Flights
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- Australia's first passenger balloon operator with 45+ years of experience
- Holder of Quality Tourism Australia Accreditation for service excellence
- Pioneered Australia's first accessible hot air balloon for inclusive tourism
- Award-winning safety record with championship-winning flight teams
- Carbon-neutral operations across all five scenic flight locations
Associations and certifications
- Quality Tourism Australia Accreditation
What people say
Unforgettable experience
Professional pilots
Breathtaking views
Excellent safety standards
Award-winning service
Services
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Our signature hot air balloon experiences operate at sunrise across five Australian locations. Each 45-60 minute flight includes champagne celebration and gourmet breakfast. Pilots hold multiple national championships while our safety record spans 45 years. Flights operate year-round except Burketown which runs seasonally from July-September.
Exclusive VIP Flights
Intimate two-person flights featuring premium amenities including champagne, chocolates and digital photo album. Available at all locations with customized flight durations and landing experiences. Ideal for special occasions with dedicated crew and private breakfast arrangements at premier venues.
Corporate Team Building
Tailored experiences for business groups up to 100 people. Includes coordinated flights, team challenges during navigation, and post-flight networking at premium venues. Available at all locations with customized packages for staff rewards and client entertainment.
Promotional Flights
Professional filming and photography services using hot air balloons for commercial projects. Available with tethered or free-flight options across all locations. Supported by 40+ years' experience in media production with equipment for aerial cinematography and branded balloon designs.
Accessible Tourism
Australia's first accessible hot air balloon enables participation for wheelchair users and mobility-impaired guests. Modified baskets and boarding systems allow full participation in all flight phases. Complemented by trained crew and accessible breakfast venues at all locations.
People
Matthew Scaife
Director, Pilot, Three-time Australian Ballooning Champion
With over 30 years' experience, Matthew combines championship expertise with operational leadership. He has flown over 2,000 commercial flights while maintaining active piloting duties across multiple locations.
Clay Rix
Chief Pilot
As chief pilot, Clay oversees flight operations and safety standards. With 25+ years in commercial ballooning, he ensures consistent service quality across all five locations while mentoring junior pilots.
Michelle Wills
Marketing Manager
Leading marketing strategy for 15 years, Michelle has positioned Balloon Aloft as Australia's premier ballooning brand. She manages digital campaigns and sustainability initiatives that align with the company's 45-year heritage.
Deano Pegg
Company Crew Chief and Training Officer
With 20 years' service, Deano trains all flight crews and maintains technical standards. He oversees equipment safety and operational procedures that have contributed to the company's award-winning safety record.
Emi Cataldi
Senior Byron Bay Area Pilot
Specializing in coastal flights, Emi brings 18 years' experience navigating Byron Bay's unique weather patterns. She contributes to pilot training programs and maintains exceptional customer satisfaction scores across thousands of flights.
Questions
What happens if weather conditions are unsuitable for flying?
Flights are rescheduled within the ticket validity period. Flexi tickets allow refunds with small admin fees, while standard tickets remain valid for future use.
What are the passenger fitness requirements?
Guests must weigh under 140kg, stand for 60 minutes, climb into baskets, and adopt landing positions. Medical conditions affecting mobility require prior consultation.
Are children permitted on balloon flights?
Children aged 7+ can fly when meeting fitness requirements and accompanied by adults. No infants allowed due to safety regulations.
What's included in the flight experience?
45-60 minute sunrise flight, champagne celebration, gourmet breakfast, and return transport. Exclusive packages add premium amenities and private experiences.
Can flights accommodate wheelchair users?
Australia's first accessible balloon enables participation through modified boarding systems and specialized baskets at all locations.
How do gift vouchers work?
Vouchers valid across all locations include flights and breakfast. Transferable between recipients with flexible booking options for any available date.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Nela Koloi
Jan 23, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Had the best smooth journey up in the air. Best team down at Camden who make the experience 100% more awesome! We had the best pilot Steve, who was awesome throughout the whole journey, together with Dino and Jeremy. Whole experience was fun and safe. Highly recommend the Camden team and view.
Had the best smooth journey up in the air. Best team down at Camden who make the experience 100% more awesome! We had the best pilot Steve, who was awesome throughout the whole journey, together with Dino and Jeremy. Whole experience was fun and safe. Highly recommend the Camden team and view.
Daniel Brown
Jan 21, 2022
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This was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. My partner and I loved every minute of it. The team was so professional and kind...Our pilot was Clay he was a legend. Highly recommend.
Danielle Coogan
Jan 19, 2022
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Had my first hot-air balloon ride with Balloon Aloft today. It was absolutely amazing, so beautiful and peaceful (most of the time). The Balloon Aloft team were very organised, communicated well from the time of booking to the actual balloon ride.
Steve our pilot was absolutely awesome, he was so knowledgeable, experienced and more than happy to share this information. Thank you for a spectacular experience. I would highly recommend this experience.
Steve our pilot was absolutely awesome, he was so knowledgeable, experienced and more than happy to share this information. Thank you for a spectacular experience. I would highly recommend this experience.
Kathy Lipari
Jan 17, 2022
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Had an amazing experience with Balloon Aloft this morning. What a fabulous way to kick off a day. The team were thorough, professional but friendly and welcoming from start to finish. Everything is included in your initial package so all you have to do is lean back and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.
Sangeeth Prakasam
Jan 17, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
It was a wonderful experience being on this flight over Camden. The whole process from start to finish was very well coordinated. A big thank you to our crew of Dave, Dean and Neil, they were delightful.
It was a wonderful experience being on this flight over Camden. The whole process from start to finish was very well coordinated. A big thank you to our crew of Dave, Dean and Neil, they were delightful.
Michael Prior
Jan 17, 2022
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This is the second time with these guys and it a fantastic and informative flight, the staff are fantastic and make you feel part of the team. Special thanks to our pilot CJ a funny man and fantastic pilot and also our crew member Wayne informative and a great positive attitude. If a balloon flight is on your list to do , then give these guys ago you wont be disappointed worth every cent and the 4.30 am start.
