Cairns: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Meal & Drink

If you’re thinking about adding a hot air balloon ride to your Cairns itinerary, you’ve chosen a truly special way to see the landscapes of Queensland. While I haven’t personally floated above the Atherton Tablelands, I’ve looked into this experience quite a bit, and it’s clear that many travelers find it both breathtaking and well-organized.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines a peaceful, scenic flight with comfortable amenities — like a post-flight snack and a generous glass of sparkling wine or juice. Plus, the promise of sweeping views that include not just the lush rainforest covered hills but also the iconic Great Barrier Reef is pretty compelling. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this experience is weather-dependent, so if the skies aren’t clear, your plans might shift.

All in all, this would suit travelers who appreciate a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and good hospitality — especially those who enjoy a relaxing, luxurious touch after a morning of floating above the landscape.

Key Points

• Serene Floating: Experience the calming sensation of drifting over rainforest-covered hills and mountains.
• Spectacular Views: Get panoramic vistas of the Atherton Tablelands and the coastline, including glimpses of the Great Barrier Reef.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture incredible bird’s-eye shots of lush landscapes and distant coastlines.
• Post-Flight Toast: Celebrate the morning with sparkling wine or juice alongside a light snack.
• Gourmet Meal: Receive a voucher for a 3-course meal at Lemoncello’s Restaurant in Cairns.
• Weather Dependence: Be aware that flights are subject to weather conditions and may need rescheduling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Deep Dive into the Experience

The Logistics and Start of Your Day

Your adventure kicks off with a pre-dawn pickup from over 50 pickup locations around Cairns. This early start might be a bit of a jolt but is essential to catch the sunrise over the landscape — a truly magical time to see the region’s beauty unfold. The transfer takes about two hours, giving you a chance to settle in and perhaps get a glimpse of the Queensland countryside as you head out.

Once at the launch site, you’ll witness the mesmerizing sight of hot air balloons being inflated. It’s surprisingly fascinating to watch these enormous vessels take shape and prepare for flight. This adds a little extra excitement and gives you a behind-the-scenes feel before you step into the basket with your experienced pilot.

The Flight: What You’ll Experience

As the balloon gently lifts off, you’ll be treated to a peaceful float above the hills, mountains, and rainforest — a scene that’s both calming and awe-inspiring. We loved the way the early morning light cast a golden glow over everything, making the landscape shimmer. This is not a high-adrenaline activity but rather a slow, graceful ride that offers plenty of time for soaking in the scenery and snapping photos.

On the day, you might find it helpful to wear long pants, closed shoes, and bring a jacket — it tends to get cool as the sun rises, and wind can pick up at higher altitudes. Don’t forget your camera and sunglasses to protect against the sun and capture those picture-perfect moments.

Views and Landscape

The views are, without doubt, the main highlight. You’ll gaze over the lush, rainforest-covered hills of the Atherton Tablelands, which stretch out in all directions, providing a vibrant backdrop of green. On one side, the expansive tablelands give way to the coast, and on a clear day, you might even glimpse the Great Barrier Reef in the distance.

Many reviews emphasize how stunning the scenery is from above. One traveler from Germany mentioned, “We loved the way the landscape looked from the air — it was so peaceful and beautiful, even when the weather wasn’t perfect.” The ability to see the region’s diverse terrain from this bird’s-eye perspective makes it a worthwhile experience for landscape lovers and anyone wanting a different view of Cairns.

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Post-Flight Refreshments and Meal

After your gentle descent, a light snack awaits, along with a toast of sparkling wine or orange juice. This is a nice touch that elevates the experience, giving you a moment to reflect on the views and share your impressions with fellow travelers. It’s well-organized, with reviews mentioning how smoothly the process runs and how welcoming the crew is.

As a bonus, you’ll be given a voucher for a 3-course meal at Lemoncello’s Restaurant in Cairns, valid for 14 days. The reviews indicate that this meal rounds out the experience nicely, providing you with a chance to enjoy local flavors in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Entire Day: What’s Included and How It Flows

The complete experience lasts approximately 8 hours, including the transfers, flight, refreshments, and meal. The itinerary is straightforward: early pickup, two-hour coach ride to the launch site, balloon flight, snack and drink, and then a one-hour transfer back to Cairns, ending with your meal voucher.

The tour is inclusive enough to make the whole day feel relaxed, but keep in mind that you’ll need to be comfortable standing for a while and able to climb into the balloon basket via a 1.2-meter foothold ladder.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is especially well-suited for those who want a calm, scenic adventure, paired with a touch of luxury. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a memorable, Instagram-worthy moment and enjoy a relaxed pace. The combination of stunning views, excellent service, and a delicious meal makes it appealing to couples, solo travelers, and even small groups.

What Could Be Improved?

While the experience is generally praised, some may find the weather dependency a bit frustrating — flights can be canceled or rescheduled if conditions aren’t ideal. Also, since it’s quite a long day with early pickup and return, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with full-day outings.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a peaceful, visually stunning way to see Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands, this hot air balloon flight offers just that. The views are truly remarkable, especially with the early morning light, and the added touches like sparkling wine and a gourmet meal make it feel special.

It’s a premium experience, so the price reflects that, but many reviews suggest that the quality of the scenery, the smooth organization, and the hospitality make it worth considering. Just remember that weather can impact plans, so flexibility is key.

All in all, this tour is best for travelers who want to combine adventure with comfort, and who appreciate a calm, scenic perspective on Cairns’ natural beauty.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
This tour is not specifically designed for children under 3, and participants need to be able to stand for the duration and climb into the basket without assistance. It’s more suited to older children and adults.

What should I wear?
Long pants and closed shoes are recommended, along with a jacket, as it can get cool during the flight. Bring sunglasses and your camera for the best experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?
All bookings are weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, your flight might be rescheduled. The tour provider offers the flexibility to cancel or reschedule with a full refund if necessary.

How long is the whole experience?
Expect around 8 hours total, including pickup, the flight, refreshments, and the meal voucher.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you may reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

Is there a meal included?
You’ll receive a voucher for a 3-course meal at Lemoncello’s Restaurant, which you can enjoy within 14 days of your experience.

Are alcohol and additional drinks included?
A glass of sparkling wine or juice is offered after your flight. Additional food and beverages not covered are payable directly to Lemoncello’s.

This hot air balloon tour offers a peaceful, scenic way to view Cairns and the surrounds, elevating your trip with memorable views and a touch of elegance. It’s perfect for those who love nature, good food, and a relaxed pace, making it a standout choice for a special morning in Queensland.

You can check availability for your dates here: