Brisbane: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Vineyard Breakfast

If you’re considering a hot air balloon adventure near Brisbane, this tour promises a memorable blend of serenity, spectacular scenery, and a delicious breakfast at a boutique vineyard. We haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, but from what we’ve gathered, it’s a popular choice for those wanting a peaceful yet enriching escape from the hustle.

What really catches the eye are the breathtaking panoramic views of the Hinterland and Scenic Rim, topped with a champagne toast and a hearty breakfast. Plus, the fact that it’s rated 5 out of 5 stars from 13 reviews suggests many travelers find it worth their while.

That said, there are a few considerations—like the early start and standing for the duration of the flight—which might not suit everyone. But if you’re after a tranquil, scenic experience with a touch of luxury, this could be just the thing. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy gentle adventure and a good story to tell afterward.

In this review, I’ll walk you through what makes this tour stand out—and what to keep in mind—so you can decide if it fits your travel style.

Key Points

• Early morning start offers spectacular sunrise views and a peaceful atmosphere
• Professional guides and pilots ensure safety and share knowledgeable insights
• Unmatched panoramic vistas of Hinterland, Scenic Rim, and distant city skyline
• Champagne toast and breakfast add a celebratory touch to the experience
• Convenient pickup and drop-off from central Brisbane locations
• Limited restrictions — no age for standing but unsuitable for very young children or pregnant travelers

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What’s it Really Like?

This tour begins with a pre-dawn pickup—either from Nerang or Canungra—where the magic starts even before takeoff. Watching balloons being inflated is a quietly mesmerizing scene, especially in the early morning light. They often stand taller than a ten-storey building, which hints at how impressive the sight is, even before you climb into the basket.

Once aboard with your pilot—who is typically experienced and friendly—you’ll gently lift off into the sky. The sensation is surprisingly calm; there’s a real sense of peace as you float above the rolling hills and open farmland. If you’re lucky, the cloud cover might keep you closer to the ground, but the views are still stunning.

Many reviews highlight the panoramic scope of the scenery. One traveler from the US noted, “We loved the way the landscape unfolded beneath us, with the sunrise casting a golden hue over the countryside. It’s hard to match that feeling of floating quietly over such vast beauty.”

You’ll get sweeping views of the Hinterland—its lush greenery and patchwork farmland—and on the other side, views toward the coast with Brisbane’s skyline visible in the distance. The flight itself is gentle, guided carefully by experienced pilots who bring a calm expertise to the entire process.

As you descend and land, there’s a communal effort to fold up the balloon, often accompanied by good humor and shared photos. It’s a fun, relaxed way to connect with fellow travelers.

Afterward, the tour transitions smoothly to the next highlight: breakfast. The boutique vineyard setting offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. The breakfast spread includes both hot options and cold continental offerings, with plenty of coffee and tea to start your day right.

The toast to the experience with a glass of sparkling wine adds a celebratory flair that makes the whole morning feel special. One reviewer from France described it as “une organisation formidable,” highlighting how smoothly everything runs and how much fun the group had.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Transport

The tour kicks off with pickup from designated locations, which could be from central Brisbane hotels or other pre-arranged points. The coach ride to the launch site takes about 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and get excited.

The Balloon Flight

Arriving at the launch site, you’ll witness the balloon inflation—an impressive scene in itself. The balloons often stand taller than a ten-storey building, so it’s quite a spectacle. When your turn comes, you’ll step into a basket about four feet tall, with side foot holds helping you climb in easily.

The flight lasts as long as the pilot guides it, with the main goal being a peaceful, scenic float over the countryside. Expect to stand during the entire flight, which is normal. The views alone make this worth the early start—expect to see the rolling hills, farmland, and distant coastlines from a unique perspective.

More Great Tours Nearby

Landing and Packing Up

After the flight, you’ll help fold the balloon—adding a bit of teamwork to the experience—and then head to the vineyard for breakfast. This part of the tour is relaxed and leisurely, with plenty of time to chat and savor the meal.

Vineyard Breakfast and Tasting

The breakfast at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards is a highlight. It features a full hot breakfast and a continental buffet, perfect for fueling the day ahead. To toast the morning, guests are served a glass of bubbly—adding a little celebratory touch.

Many reviews mention the excellent wine tasting opportunities, making this part of the tour especially appealing for wine lovers. The setting is intimate and charming, making it a lovely way to unwind after the flight.

Return to Brisbane

The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, with transportation included. The return trip takes around an hour, and you’ll be dropped off at various central Brisbane locations, including Hilton Brisbane, Sofitel Brisbane Central, and The Calile Hotel, making it convenient whether you’re staying downtown or exploring the city.

The Value of This Tour

When you consider the price—covering transportation, a scenic flight, breakfast, and wine tasting—the experience seems quite reasonable. The inclusion of a commemorative certificate adds a nice touch, giving you a lasting memory to take home.

While it’s more expensive than some daytime activities, the value lies in the combination of scenic beauty, peacefulness, and luxury. On top of that, the knowledgeable guides and pilots ensure safety and enrich the experience with insights about the landscape and the flight.

What We Appreciate Most

From the reviews and descriptions, several aspects stand out:

• The expertise of the guides and pilots makes a real difference, providing reassurance and interesting commentary.
• The stunning panoramic views of Queensland’s Hinterland and Scenic Rim are genuinely unforgettable.
• The champagne toast and breakfast transform the trip into a celebration—perfect for marking a special occasion or simply treating yourself.
• The smooth organization and logistics mean you can relax and focus on enjoying the moment.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour suits travelers who appreciate serene, scenic adventure with a touch of luxury. It’s ideal if you enjoy gentle activities and don’t mind standing during the flight. Since children under 3 and pregnant women aren’t recommended, it’s not suited for families with very young kids or those with mobility issues.

If you’re after a peaceful morning of breathtaking views, friendly guides, and a delicious breakfast, this is a solid pick. It’s especially well-suited for couples, solo travelers, or small groups looking to add a special experience to their Queensland trip.

This hot air balloon tour over Queensland’s Hinterland offers a genuinely tranquil way to experience the region’s natural beauty. The combination of an early morning flight, panoramic scenery, and a boutique vineyard breakfast makes it a memorable outing—one that balances adventure with comfort.

While it does require an early start and some standing, the rewards—beautiful vistas, expert guidance, and a celebratory toast—are well worth it. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to see the landscape from a new perspective, this experience provides a calm, scenic escape that’s hard to beat.

If you’re seeking a peaceful, scenic, and slightly indulgent morning, this tour is likely to meet and maybe even exceed your expectations.

Is there a minimum age for this hot air balloon experience?
Travelers under 3 years old are not suitable for this tour, mainly because of the standing requirement and safety considerations.

Can pregnant women participate?
No, pregnant women are advised not to join this experience, as standing during the flight isn’t recommended.

How long does the whole tour last?
The total duration is about 6 hours, including pickup, the balloon flight, breakfast, and return transport.

What should I bring with me?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and a jacket are recommended. Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the balloon.

Are there weight restrictions?
There are no strict weight limits, but travelers over 220 pounds should advise at booking.

Is the experience suitable for groups or couples?
Yes, the tour works well for small groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful, scenic adventure with a touch of luxury.

This Brisbane hot air balloon and vineyard breakfast combines stunning scenery, professional guidance, and a relaxing atmosphere. If you’re after a unique way to start a day in Queensland, it might just be the perfect choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: