Hot Air Balloon Flights in Cairns - Wakey Wakey it's 3.30am and time to go flying!
As a Tour Specialist holiday reservations consultant in Cairns, I am fortunate enough to be able to enjoy all the local tours and attractions as part of my exciting job assisting tourists who are planning on visiting Cairns so today, I am going to tell you about my thrilling hot air balloon flight that I recently experienced.
Up Before the Sunrise in Cairns
Itis3.30am I woke to the sound of my alarm going off very early wake up but there is no time for the snooze button this morning I was about to embark on the most amazing scenic flight & I was excited.
At 4.30am my transfer arrived at The Lakes Resort Cairns. I was very warmly welcomed at such an early hour and there I was on my way to through Kuranda, The Atherton Tablelands & onto Mareeba. Along the way your driver will provide commentary which is very interesting and informative. Once we arrived in Mareeba the bus driver made a brief restroom stop before heading onto the hot air balloon launch site they decide on.
Take off Time For Hot Air Balloon Flight One
The way the pilots decide on the launch location is they blow up a helium balloon and let it go and see what direction the wind is blowing. Once the pilots are happy with the launch location they start preparing the hot air balloon and to watch this is so fantastic! The actual basket holds up to 24 passengers and is extremely comfortable with cushioned velvet covering on the insides of the basket. Hot Air own the largest balloon in Australia. I was booked on the 2nd hot air balloon flight so I was able to watch the 1st flight take off it is such a smooth take off.
Once the 1st flight is well and truly up & away the balloon chase starts for the people on the 2nd flight. The hot air balloon pilot keeps in radio contact with the bus driver as hot air balloons don’t have any steering wheels so which paddock they land in is a big unknown. It’s quite possible you could end up at about 3 different landing locations here on the beautiful Atherton Tablelands. This makes your waiting time pass quicker it’s lots of fun.
Now It's My Turn to Fly
At around 7.30am it was my time to board the balloon basket. Now ladies I would highly recommend not wearing a skirt as you have to physically climb up and over the basket. Once everyone is in position in the basket the hot air balloon pilot goes through a safety & instruction tuition. Then it’s time for the photographer to take a happy snap before you take off. The take off is so gentle that if your not looking you wouldn’t even realize you have taken off. During the flight the pilot will give some very interesting facts about the balloon & commentary along the ride.
Breathtaking Views Across The Mountains Behind Cairns
I was lucky enough to have the most breathtaking view a thick blanket of fog over the valley with the mountain peaks just popping out then the sun rising with blue sky it was the most amazing thing I have seen. You really feel like you are floating. During your 30 minute scenic flight you will be able to capture the most unbelievable pictures and if your lucky enough you will spot kangaroos & horses roaming around the bush. The flight is so relaxing & a great way to start your morning off. As your decent starts the pilot runs through the landing position once again and tells you to enjoy the last minutes of your flight. When the pilot says landing positions it’s time to hold on and get in your brace position as you touch down you may hit the ground a bit rough and bounce a few times before you come to a hault. I had a smooth landing luckily.
Back on Terra Ferma
When your safe & sound back on the ground it’s time to help pack up the hot air balloon. This is a great activity as it gets all the passengers involved & it’s lots of fun. Once the balloon is all packed up it’s time to board the bus and your off to indulge in a celebratory glass of bubbles, juices, tea & coffee, everyone is catered for.
After refreshments have finished the morning comes to end & all passengers are transferred to either their hotels or even airport drops off can be pre arranged.
This tour suits anybody it is a wonderful experience from young to old everyone will be amazed by hot air ballooning. For those wanting to celebrate a special occasion what better way than a Hot Air Balloon flight with HOT AIR BALLOONING.
See the Cairns balloon flights here.
See all hot air balloon flights across Australia.
By Alisha
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