How Much is a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Melbourne
How Much is a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Melbourne?
Ever dreamed of floating over Melbourne, sipping on imaginary champagne while pointing at tiny specks below, proudly declaring, “That’s my house!”? Well, that dream is within reach—if your wallet agrees.
Hot air balloon rides in Melbourne aren’t exactly pocket change, but hey, neither is a regular brunch these days. So, let’s break it down: how much does it actually cost, and is it worth waking up at an ungodly hour to hover over the city like a very elegant drone?
The Price Tag: How Much Are We Talking?
If you want to take a hot air balloon ride over Melbourne, expect to shell out anywhere between $400 to $600 per person. Yep, that’s the cost of a fancy new smartphone, a questionable weekend in Bali, or two weeks’ worth of lattes (if you’re a true Melburnian).
Here’s the breakdown:
1- Standard flights: Around $400 to $450 per person (includes the ride and, hopefully, a safe landing).
2- Deluxe flights: Around $500 to $600 (includes extras like a fancy breakfast, champagne, and possibly a pilot who tells better jokes).
3- Private flights: If you want to be romantic or just avoid strangers, expect to pay around $2,000+. Pricey? Yes. But if you propose mid-air, at least it’s more original than the old “ring in a dessert” trick.
What’s Included in the Price?
For that kind of money, you might be wondering: Do they at least let me drive the thing? Sadly, no. But you do get:
1- A one-hour scenic flight over Melbourne (or the Yarra Valley if you’re feeling fancy)
2- The thrill of watching the sunrise while realizing you should have gone to bed earlier
3- A pilot who actually knows what they’re doing (phew!)
4- A post-flight breakfast (if you opted for a package that includes it)
5- Unmatched bragging rights and Instagram content
Is It Worth It?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Still yes, but only if you enjoy breathtaking views, gentle adventure, and the possibility of making small talk with strangers at 5 AM.
Here’s why:
1- The views are unreal. Picture the Melbourne skyline bathed in golden hues, with the Yarra River winding through like a ribbon. It’s like a real-life screensaver.
2- It’s surprisingly peaceful. Unlike planes or rollercoasters, balloon rides are silent and smooth—unless you count the occasional blast from the burner that sounds like a dragon clearing its throat.
3- It’s a bucket list experience. If you’re going to splurge on something in Melbourne, this is one of the few activities that actually lives up to the hype.
Final Thoughts
Yes, a hot air balloon ride in Melbourne is a bit pricey. But so is buying a coffee every day for a year, and this at least comes with a side of adventure. So, if you can stomach the early wake-up call and don’t mind hanging in a wicker basket thousands of feet in the air, it’s absolutely worth every dollar.
Just remember: If you’re afraid of heights, now is a great time to reconsider your life choices.
