Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns worth booking?
Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns is a 4-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $354 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (17)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $354 per person
Don't miss the chance to go for a hot-air balloon ride over Far North Queensland's Atherton Tablelands - it's one of the top "must do" activities when visiting the tropics. Pickup and return transfers from Northern Beaches accommdation.
What you get
About this experience
Don't miss the chance to go for a hot-air balloon ride over Far North Queensland's Atherton Tablelands - it's one of the top "must do" activities when visiting the tropics. Pickup and return transfers from Northern Beaches accommdation.
What's included
Included
- Insurance Levy
- Glass of bubbly or Juice
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Digital photo package
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Commemorative flight certificate
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Hot Air Balloon Cairns
You will be met by our professional driver at your pickup location to be transferred to your Hot Air Balloon ride. As the day begins, you will experience a wonderful hot air balloon flight above the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. After your flight and landing, enjoy games and lots of laughs as your pilot, crew and driver lead the fun of packing up your hot air balloon. The finish time of your experience varies with the seasons (summer, winter and the time of sunrise). Your driver can drop you off back at your Cairns accommodation or, with prior notice, we can drop you off to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, Skyrail, Tjapukai or perhaps a Cairns cafe or restaurant if you would like to have breakfast at your own arrangements.
Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands is the area over which we fly our hot air balloons. You will experience this area at dawn - the best time of the day to spot wallabies, kangaroos, many different species of birds, and other wildlife. In addition, you may fly over many different crops as The Tablelands are known for their fruit and vegetable produce. Keep an eye out for crops of mangoes, bananas, lychees, avocados, pineapples, limes and more.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hot Air Balloon Cairns
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- All passengers must be able to get into the balloon basket unaided to the satisfaction of the pilot, or they will not be able to fly
- Please provide mobile phone number or email address at time of booking
- Children aged under 4 years are not permitted to fly
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing Morning Balloon Ride
Early morning start but an amazing experience. Mike, Frank, Gavin & Darren made our Hot Air Balloon ride one to remember. Wonderful memories and a very fun morning. Highly recommend this experience in The Atherton Tablelands.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the lovely review Heather 🎈 Early mornings are always worth it when the reward is floating peacefully over the Atherton Tablelands in that beautiful early light 🌄 We’re so glad you had such a fun and memorable morning with the team. The team will be thrilled to hear your kind words - they love creating those special moments in the sky. Thanks for recommending the experience, and we hope to see you again next time you’re visiting Cairns! 🎈
via Tripadvisor
GREAT EXPERIENCE!
A wonderful experience! Frank was a great pilot and we learned a lot about hot air balloons and the area we flew over. And our guide Mike was excellent...we learned a lot about the area, had a nice breakfast and had great conversation too.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for the great review! 🎈 We’re delighted you had a wonderful experience and enjoyed learning more about ballooning and the beautiful area from Frank and Mike. They’ll both be so pleased to hear your kind words! So glad you enjoyed the lovely breakfast and good company too 🥂 Hope to welcome you back for another flight someday! ✨
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Wedding Anniversary
Brian, Josh & Mike, thank you so much for an unforgettable experience. Friendly, Funny, Amazing. Especially Mike, thank you for making it special for our wedding anniversary,you were awesome, thank you. I don't know how i am going to top this next year.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much, Jacobus! 🎈 We’re honoured to have been part of your wedding anniversary celebration — what a special way to mark the day! Brian, Josh and Mike will be so happy to hear your kind words, especially Mike for helping make it extra memorable 💕 Wishing you both many more beautiful adventures ahead, and we hope to see you again next year! 🥂✨
via Tripadvisor
From Launch to Landing unforgettable !!!
We had the best experience on this tour : Jake looked after the logistics with a smile on the early Pick up - From Launch to Landing the team (Jake, Roy and Frank) gave us such a good trip! Views breathtaking over the Atherton Tablelands & Mareeba in the early morning and the Sunrise just topped it off. Glass of bubbly and nibbles after landing is a nice touch. Loved every minute!!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for the amazing review, Marie! 🎈 We’re delighted you had such a wonderful experience from launch to landing. Jake, Roy and Frank will be thrilled to hear your kind words, and it’s great to know you enjoyed the breath-taking Tablelands views, sunrise, and the bubbly with nibbles after landing 🥂✨ Loved every minute sounds like the perfect Cairns morning!
via Tripadvisor
So surreal. Like being outside the window of the plane. So peaceful
Amazing dream come true. What a fantastic crew. Excellent pilot Frank. Michael thank you for some great comedy and customer service. You truly are great at what you do. Keep up the great work. You need to be paid more.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for sharing your experience 🎈 We're thrilled you found the flight so peaceful and dreamlike - it really is a special feeling being up there. Frank and Mike will be stoked to hear your kind words. We’d love to welcome you back for another magical morning whenever you’re ready 🌅
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $354 to $530
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns cost?
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Prices start at $354 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairns & the Tropical North usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cairns & the Tropical North is not rushed.
Is Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 17 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cairns & the Tropical North can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairns & the Tropical North and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cairns & the Tropical North within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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On Outty we rank every Cairns & the Tropical North experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Fun, Falls and Forest Day Trip from Cairns, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns?
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Included: Insurance Levy; Glass of bubbly or Juice; GST (Goods and Services Tax); Digital photo package; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 53 listed pickup locations in and around Cairns & the Tropical North.
What languages is Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns?
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Across 17 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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