About this experience
From your hotel, you will be taken to the MacDonnell Ranges, where your hot air balloon flight experience will commence. You will receive a short safety briefing before embarking on your 30-minute journey. Catch the sunrise while getting a bird's-eye view of Central Australia's expansive desert landscapes, and spot native wildlife such as the iconic red kangaroo. Upon landing, you will be served with light refreshments complemented by sparkling wine and tropical fruit juice.
Why you'll love it
A desert panorama unlike anything else
Floating 30 minutes above Owen Springs Station and the MacDonnell Ranges gives you a perspective on Central Australia's ochre plains that no road trip or lookout can match.
Sunrise colours at their most vivid
The predawn launch times are chosen specifically to catch the first light breaking across the desert — golden, quiet, and genuinely spectacular.
Wildlife from the air
Scan the scrubland below for iconic red kangaroos and other native animals going about their morning before the heat of the day sets in.
Champagne breakfast on landing
Touch down to a spread of sweet and savoury breakfast items, sparkling wine, and tropical fruit juice — a proper celebration of the flight.
Everything arranged for you
Hotel pickup from around 3 am, transfer to the launch site, the flight, breakfast, and a drop-off back at your hotel by 11 am — no logistics to figure out yourself.
Commemorative certificate included
Every passenger receives a personalised flight certificate — a tangible keepsake from one of Australia's most memorable dawn experiences.
What's included
What's included
Not included
What to expect
Hotel pickup
03:00 – 03:30Your driver collects you from your hotel lobby — be ready at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
Transfer to launch site
Approx. 1 hourTravel approximately 15 km south of Alice Springs to Owen Springs Cattle Station, adjacent to the MacDonnell Ranges.
Safety briefing and balloon inflation
04:30 arrivalThe crew walks you through a short safety briefing while the balloon is prepared for launch.
Hot air balloon flight
30 minutesLift off over the desert as dawn breaks, taking in sweeping views of the ranges, open plains, and native wildlife below.
Champagne breakfast on landing
IncludedCelebrate with sparkling wine, fruit juice, and a selection of sweet and savoury breakfast items, plus your commemorative certificate.
Return transfer and hotel drop-off
By 11:00Your driver returns you to your hotel, with drop-off completed by approximately 11:00 am.
Meeting point
Your hotel lobby, Alice Springs (pickup between 03:00 – 03:30)
Wait in your hotel lobby at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Provide an operative local contact number (such as your hotel's front desk) when booking. Your e-voucher contains a customer service hotline for any day-of queries.
Open in Google MapsWhat to bring
- Closed-toe footwear (required)
- Warm layers — desert mornings are cold before sunrise
- Your mobile e-voucher
- AUD 30 cash or card for the mandatory Aviation Insurance payable on-site
Know before you go
Good to know
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Frequently asked questions
What happens if the weather is bad on the day?
In cases of extreme weather, the activity may be cancelled for safety. If this happens, you will be notified and alternative arrangements or a refund will be discussed. Allow a 30-minute buffer on pickup times, as road conditions can occasionally cause delays.
Is the AUD 30 Aviation Insurance really mandatory?
Yes — this is a regulatory requirement for balloon flights in Australia and is not included in the ticket price. It is paid directly on-site on the day of your flight. The amount is subject to change without prior notice.
Will I definitely see the sunrise from the balloon?
The flight is timed to coincide with sunrise, but depending on daily operational factors you may be airborne or still on the ground when the sun first appears. Either way, the dawn light over the desert is part of the experience.
Can children join the flight?
Children aged six and above may fly when accompanied by a paying adult. Children five and under are not permitted. It is recommended that children be at least 1.4 m tall due to the height of the basket — please provide your child's age, height, and weight at the time of booking.
Is this suitable for pregnant guests or people with limited mobility?
Pregnant guests and persons with disabilities are not advised to join this activity. All participants must be physically fit, able to climb into the balloon basket unaided, and able to stand upright for the full 30-minute flight.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No — a mobile e-voucher is accepted. Simply show your booking confirmation on your phone when your driver collects you.