Global Ballooning: Hot Air Ballooning - Yarra Valley

Global Ballooning is Victoria’s largest hot air ballooning company, offering flights over Melbourne city and the Yarra Valley. With a fleet of 16 passenger balloons of varying sizes, Global Ballooning caters to all the needs of passengers wishing to experience the joy of‘lighter than air’ flight and award-winning service.

Kiff Saunders is Global Ballooning’s owner and chief pilot. He has flown balloons throughout Australia and the world. He holds Australia’s highest ballooning qualifications and has been inducted into the Australian Ballooning Federation‘Hall of Fame.’

Important: All passengers must phone Yarra Valley duty pilot the night before flight between 6.00pm and 6.30pm on mobile number 0488 686 444 to confirm weather forecast and pick up time from city hotel

Your Yarra Valley Ballooning Experience includes:

• 1 Hour Balloon Flight
• (Optional) gourmet champagne breakfast atRochford's Winery(please note, gluten free options are available upon request)
• Free parking.
• Complimentary CBD hotel transfers if required
• Complete flight and ground insurance.
• Launch and landing government fees. 
• Piece of mind that you have chosen to fly with Victoria's leading hot air ballooning operator offering the most professional service. You will be in the hands of the most experienced pilots and ground crew in the business.
• A carbon neutral flight- by choosing to fly with Global Ballooning you will be helping to restore biodiversity and essential habitat for native fauna, improve water quality and salinity problems. This is because Global Ballooning is the only Victorian operator to offset our emissions.
• In-flight photographywith the opportunity to purchase a souvenir CD compilation and DVD pack after the flight.
• A beautifully presented flight certificate.
• A souvenir pack including wine tasting voucher atDomaine Chandon.

Check in with your Pilot:When you check in, your duty pilot will confirm your meeting time and the weather report.
If the flight is going ahead you will either speak to the pilot or hear a message detailing the meeting time.
If the weather forecast is poor, or the flight is likely to be cancelled for any other reason the pilot will either leave a message or explain to you the details of the situation.
Occasionally, in changeable weather conditions, the pilot may arrange to speak to you or to leave a message for a final confirmation early in the morning
Pilots will NOT be available for check in after 7.00pm in the evening.
Please check in on time as you may be inconvenienced or jeopardise your flight.
If you do not arrive at the specified venue for the flight, the ticket is forfeited and no Refund will be made.

Meeting Point:Your pilot will give you a short briefing. You will then be transported to the launch site where you may help with the launch, or stand back and take pictures.
Free parking is available at Rochford Winery.
Our website has a map of the Yarra Valley showing the location of Rochford Wines and a list of things to do while you are in the region.

What to Wear and Bring:Ballooning is an audience participation activity and you will be encouraged to assist with the set up and pack away of the balloon. It is an active morning in the outdoors, so wear clothes that can get stained or dirty.
The burners can sometimes drip water mixed with carbon (See our Carbon Offset Policy). Global Ballooning will not be responsible for clothing that is stained or damaged as a part of our adventure activity.
Wear clothes as for hiking, including sturdy shoes, warm socks and a cap, plus sunglasses if you wish.
We meet before sunrise so depending on the time of year and weather, it can be extremely cold.
Generally it will not be any colder in the air during the flight than on the ground, so wear layered clothing that can be removed as the day warms up.
The burners can radiate heat so a hat is recommended.
Your feet can get wet and cold in the early morning dew, you may like to bring a change of socks.
High-heeled shoes are not suitable.
Don't forget your camera!