There are fewer places on Earth with as much natural beauty as Cairns, Australia. This one of a kind tourist destination is home to the Great Barrier Reef, which is the planet's largest coral reef system and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. If that’s not enough, Cairns is also surrounded by lush tropical rainforests, mountains, and waterfuls. The wildlife here is unmatched.

To top that all off and offer a really unique way to see nature’s awesome beauty and power at its finest, Cairns offers hot air balloon tours guided by local experts, where you’ll be able to see the gorgeous and vegetation of the Atherton Tablelands and Australia’s Great Dividing Range.

Here's all you need to know about hot air balloon rides, one of the most beautiful outdoor activities in Cairns.

What is there to see in a hot air balloon ride around Cairns?

Atherton Tablelands

One of the world’s best kept secrets is the majestic scenery of the Atherton Tablelands, which make up part of Queensland, Australia’s Great Dividing Range. As you soar overhead, make sure to look out for wallabees, kangaroos, exotic birds, and other animals indigeous to the area as well as miles of fruit and vegetable crops like gorgeous mango, avocado, lychee plants, and so many more!

Kuranda

Cairns is famous for being surrounded by a breathtaking natural ecosystem of tropical rainforest and mountains, and snuggled deep within this natural eutopia is the quaint mountain town of Kuranda. From the comfort of your hot air balloon, you’ll be able to see this town and its surrounding skyrails, waterfalls, and rivers in all of its practically untouched glory!

What is included with a hot air balloon ride in Cairns?

Of course, when you jump in a hot air balloon, the main activity is the ride itself. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of other goodies that come along with it!

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Most hot air balloon tour packages in Cairns offer direct pickup and drop-off to and from local accommodations. You’ll be able to coordinate with organizers beforehand so you won’t have to worry about a thing, let the experts take care of it all!

Informative guided tour

From the moment you’re picked up for your designated meeting spot to the time you get dropped off, you’ll be in the hands of capable and experienced local experts and event coordinators who will make sure you get the absolute most out of your magical hot air balloon ride. Once the ride is over, there will be games and activities and the chance to talk and laugh with the whole team about everything you just experienced.

Digital photos to be emailed after the tour

Some hot air balloon ride packages in Cairns offer digital photos taken by a high resolution digital camera from inside the balloon. However, it is important to keep in mind that if for some reason the camera malfunctions during the flight, there is no refund!

Kuranda combo day tour

If you’re looking to really take in the natural beauty of Cairns and its surrounding areas, why not try a combo package that includes a day trip to the mountain town of Kuranda once your hot air balloon flight tour is completed?

During the second half of this one of a kind itinerary, you’ll take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over beautiful tropical rainforests to Kuranda. Once there, take in some of Australia’s best nature reserves and attractions like the Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld Kuranda, and the Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary. Top off a perfect day with a relaxing riverboat ride on the Barron River in Barron Gorge National Park!

Where do hot air balloon rides in Cairns depart from?

There are many different departure points within Cairns for hot air balloon tours, depending on the time of year and the weather. Make sure to keep in close contact with your tour provider to make sure that you’re up to date with any changes to your itinerary. In most cases, hotel pickup and drop-off from within Cairns is available.

How much will I pay for a hot air balloon ride around Cairns?

Count around AUD 250 for a a magical hot air balloon ride starting from Cairns that will soar over Queensland, Australia’s Great Dividing Range. That price also includes an informative guided tour and plenty of photo opportunities. In some cases, hotel pickup and dropoff is also offered.

For AUD 650, you can book a combo package that follows the hot air balloon ride with a day trip to the mountain town of Kuranda where you’ll be able to ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and see some of Australia’s finest nature reserves.

How long will a hot air balloon ride around Cairns last?

From pickup to drop off, the full hot air balloon ride and tour experience in Cairns lasts between 4 and 5 hours. If you choose to book the combo package with the day trip to the mountain town of Kuranda, then you’re looking at a full 12 hour 7 am to 7 pm experience.

Due to weather conditions and other factors beyond reasonable control, itinerary times and destinations are subject to change without notice to make sure to check in with your tour provider to make sure the details are cemented in.

When is the best time to take a hot air balloon ride around Cairns?

For the clearest skies, the best temperatures, the best overall possible experience, the best time to experience just about any activity in Cairns, including taking a magical hot air balloon ride, is during the months of May to September. This time of year is winter in Australia, which means that it’s not hot and sticky, and it doesn’t rain nearly as much as it does during the summer months.

The only downside to all this is that you’re likely to run into some lineups and wait lists, since that time of year is also high tourist season. Make sure to book in advance and check in with your tour provider before the trip starts!

Travel tips

It can get cold at high altitudes, so consider taking layers to add on if need be.
Hot air balloon rides are popular, especially in Cairns, so it's advisable to book your flight in advance to secure your spot.
Balloon rides typically take place early in the morning when the winds are calm, so plan your morning accordingly.
Listen carefully to the safety briefing provided by the pilot and follow their instructions throughout the flight.
Capture the breathtaking views from the hot air balloon ride with a camera or smartphone - make sure it's secure and easily accessible for capturing memorable moments.
f you're prone to motion sickness, it's advisable to take appropriate medication beforehand.
Apply sunscreen before the flight. Remember to bring a hat and sunglasses.
If you have a fear of heights, be aware that hot air balloon rides involve ascending to considerable heights. However, many people find the experience surprisingly peaceful and enjoyable despite their fear.

Hot air balloon rides in Cairns