EXPLORE THE EXPERIENCE
About this experience
Floating above the Atherton Tablelands at sunrise in a hot air balloon is one of those experiences that stays with you for the rest of your life. The moment the burners quiet and you're drifting silently above the mist-draped plateau — watching the first light catch the crater lakes and rainforest canopy below — is genuinely magical.
Flights depart before dawn from Cairns, driving up to the Tablelands to catch the first light. The balloon inflates as the sky lightens, and you lift off just as the sun breaks the horizon. The 1-hour flight drifts above the Atherton Tablelands with 360-degree views of the rainforest, farmland, and the distant Coral Sea.
After landing, a champagne breakfast celebration is held in the paddock where you land — a tradition as old as ballooning itself, and a wonderful way to mark one of the most extraordinary experiences of your Cairns trip.
Departure Point: Cairns Marina, Wharf 3, Pier Point Rd, Cairns City QLD 4870.
Check in at least 15 minutes before departure . Parking available at Reef Fleet Terminal carpark (paid). The marina is a 10-minute walk from Cairns CBD along the Esplanade.
Planning your visit
Tour departure locations, schedules, accessibility, inclusions, pricing and cancellation conditions depend on the specific operator and selected departure. Please ask us to confirm the current details before making travel arrangements.
Sending a request does not reserve a place or confirm availability. We will follow up about options for your dates.
Questions before you travel?
Let us know your preferred travel date, passenger numbers and what you would most like to see. We can help you narrow down suitable experiences.
Enquire about this experience →BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
Planning your Hot air balloon Cairns tours
Balloon experiences usually require early starts and depend on suitable weather. Confirm the exact pickup zone and operator requirements.
Departure and timing
Prepare for an early morning departure and follow the operator’s clothing advice.
What to check before booking
Ask about minimum ages, mobility requirements, cancellation or rescheduling arrangements.
Who this experience may suit
Early risers interested in a scenic flight experience.
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour available on my travel date?
Availability depends on the operator, date, capacity and conditions. Send your preferred date and passenger numbers for confirmation.
Are transfers, equipment and meals included?
Inclusions vary by package and fare. Request the current itinerary and inclusions before making payment.
What happens if weather affects the trip?
Safety and weather decisions are made by the operator. Ask for the applicable change, cancellation and refund conditions before booking.
