Crossing the Continent: Our Annual Nullarbor Balloon Traverse

From One State to Another… A Journey Like No Other

Twice each year, our team embarks on one of Australia’s great road adventures… the journey across the Nullarbor Plain.

In November, we travel from Northam, Western Australia to Victoria as we prepare for our Victorian flying season.

Then again in April, we make the return journey from Victoria back to Western Australia, ready to welcome guests to the skies over the Avon Valley.

It’s more than just relocation – it’s tradition, adventure, and time spent together as a team on one of Australia’s most iconic journeys.

How Far Is the Nullarbor Crossing?

The journey from Melbourne to Northam covers approximately: 3,400 kilometres

Depending on road conditions and stops along the way, the journey typically takes: 3 to 4 days

Of course…this isn’t a race!

Our team makes the most of the journey, stopping to stretch legs, enjoy the scenery, share laughs, and explore the unique landmarks scattered across the vast Nullarbor Plain.

What Does “Nullarbor” Mean?

The word Nullarbor comes from Latin:

Nullus:  meaning no

Arbor: meaning trees

Put together, Nullarbor literally means: “No trees.”

Yet the landscape is anything but empty.

The Nullarbor Plain is one of the world’s largest limestone karst landscapes, stretching across southern Australia and offering vast open skies, rugged coastlines, and unforgettable scenery.

Highlights Along the Way

Every crossing has memorable moments… and plenty of places that make the journey extra special.

The Big Galah…A Favourite Photo Stop

One of the crew’s favourite stops is at the The Big Galah, a quirky and iconic roadside landmark.

It’s the perfect place to:

• Stretch your legs
• Grab a coffee
• Snap a classic Australian road trip photo
• Take a team photo

These small moments of fun are part of what makes the journey memorable year after year.

The Nullarbor Links… Australia’s Most Unique Golf Course

For those who enjoy a challenge, the Nullarbor Links is something truly special.

Known as the world’s longest golf course, it stretches across 1,365 kilometres, with holes located in towns and roadhouses along the Eyre Highway.

Some of our crew have this on their unofficial bucket list, and from time to time, there’s talk of squeezing in a swing between driving shifts.

Nullarbor Links Golf Course

The Great Australian Bight… A View Worth Stopping For

One of the most breathtaking parts of the journey is the stretch along the Great Australian Bight.

Towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the Southern Ocean, creating one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal views.

Fun facts about the Great Australian Bight:

• Cliffs reach heights of up to 120 metres
• Home to diverse marine life
• Southern Right Whales often seen June to October
• One of the world’s longest uninterrupted coastlines

It’s a place that reminds you just how vast and beautiful Australia really is…and yes, it’s always worth stopping for photos!

Watch our Nullarbor journey video!

The Spirit of the Journey

While the distance is significant, the Nullarbor crossing is never just about getting from point A to point B.

It’s about:

• Shared road trip stories
• Unexpected roadside discoveries
• Plenty of laughs along the way
• Team bonding that strengthens the crew

Spending several days together on the road builds camaraderie, and we believe that spirit carries through into every flight we deliver.

It’s also a reminder of how fortunate we are to travel across such remarkable landscapes.

A Journey That Connects Two Flying Seasons

These crossings mark the transition between our flying seasons.

November – West to East

Preparing for our Victorian flying season.

Hot air balloon flights in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne, and Geelong.

April – East to West

Returning to Western Australia ahead of the Avon Valley flying season.

Hot air balloon flights in the Avon Valley

Why This Journey Matters

For our team, the Nullarbor traverse has become more than logistics… it’s part of the Liberty story.

It reflects:

• Commitment
• Adventure
• Team spirit
• A love for the landscapes we fly above

While passengers don’t usually see this part of the journey, it plays an important behind-the-scenes role; ensuring balloons are ready and waiting for sunrise flights in the next season.

More Than a Road Trip

Crossing the Nullarbor is one of those experiences that stays with you.

Endless skies. Vast horizons. Quirky roadside stops. Plenty of laughter. It’s a reminder that even before we take to the skies, the journey itself is part of the adventure.

And for our crew, it’s a tradition worth continuing year after year.

Follow the Journey

If you’d like to follow along as we make the crossing, keep an eye on our social channels where we’ll share moments from the road.

• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Watch our YouTube videos

Ready to Experience the Sky Yourself?

While the journey across the Nullarbor is unforgettable, the real magic happens at sunrise… floating quietly above the landscape. The Peaceful Adventure of Floating in the Wind!

Whether you’re visiting Western Australia or Victoria, our flights offer a truly memorable way to see the landscape from above.

• Hot Air Balloon Avon Valley
• Hot Air Balloon Yarra Valley
• Hot Air Balloon Melbourne
• Hot Air Balloon Geelong