Why an Experience is the Best Gift This Christmas
If you’re looking for a truly thoughtful gift this Christmas, here’s why a balloon flight makes an ideal present; plus, some ideas on what to pair it with in each of our locations to turn it into a full-day (or weekend) experience.
The Gift of Flight: What to Expect
All Liberty Balloon Flights begin at dawn, when the air is calm and the skies are quiet. The day starts early, but the reward is a peaceful, almost meditative journey above some of Victoria’s most stunning landscapes.
Flights usually last about an hour, followed by a return to the ground and an optional breakfast or celebration. From there, the day is yours to explore – and each of our locations offers something unique to make the experience even more special.
Yarra Valley: Wine, Wildlife & Wandering
The experience:
Float above vineyard-dotted hills, winding rivers, and gumtree-lined valleys. On a clear morning, the sunrise paints the landscape in soft pinks and golds, an ideal setting for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Make it a full day:
- Visit a winery (or two): Gift recipients can head to local favourites like Rochford Wines for tastings and long, relaxed lunches.
- Stop at Healesville Sanctuary: A great option for couples or families; this native wildlife park is home to koalas, kangaroos, and platypus.
- Take a scenic walk: For those wanting a low-cost, peaceful option, Maroondah Reservoir Park offers lush gardens, picnic spots, and walking trails. The Warburton Rail Trail is another favourite for cyclists and walkers.
- Stay overnight: Boutique B&Bs and eco-cabins in the region make for a perfect weekend escape.
Geelong: Coastline, Culture & Calm
The experience:
Flights here take in panoramic views of Corio Bay, the Bellarine Peninsula, and the gentle patchwork of farmland inland. It’s a unique blend of sea and countryside, all within reach of Melbourne.
Make it a full day:
- Explore the waterfront: After landing, wander the Geelong Waterfront – with its cafes, walkways, and famous Bollard Trail (a free outdoor art gallery along the bay).
- Visit the Bellarine: Just a short drive away, the Bellarine offers cellar doors, seaside towns like Queenscliff, and some of Victoria’s best mussels and oysters.
- Pack a picnic: The You Yangs Regional Park is nearby for scenic hikes or a relaxing picnic with panoramic views of the plains below.
- Add some culture: The Geelong Gallery and Little Malop Street precinct offer art, coffee, and boutique shopping.
Melbourne: The City from a New Angle
The experience:
There’s something magical about floating over Melbourne’s waking skyline. From above, you can see the curve of the Yarra River, Federation Square, the MCG, and as far out as the Dandenong Ranges on a clear day. And it’s the largest city in the world you can fly over in a hot air balloon!
Make it a full day:
- Post-flight breakfast: Melbourne has no shortage of top-tier breakfast/brunch spots. Indulge yourself at The Hotel Windsor (where we meet and return our Melbourne passengers) – or try other great nearby options – The European, Cumulus Inc or Brunetti Oro.
- Stroll through the gardens: Walk it off in the Royal Botanic Gardens – free, peaceful, and right near the city centre.
- Explore the laneways: Gift recipients can lose themselves in Melbourne’s colourful laneways, full of street art, boutique shops, and tiny espresso bars.
- Stay for a show: Pair a balloon voucher with tickets to a theatre show or live music gig to complete the day.
Why Experiences Beat Stuff (Especially Now)
In a world where most of us already have too many things, gifting an experience is thoughtful, sustainable, and often far more memorable. And while the experience itself might last an hour or two, the anticipation beforehand—and the memories afterwards—can last much longer than any physical gift.
Hot air ballooning also has that sense of occasion. It’s not something people typically buy for themselves, which makes it feel even more special when it’s gifted. Whether it’s for a partner, parent, friend, or even a colleague, it’s a way to say “I want to give you something meaningful.”
Tips for Gifting a Balloon Flight
- Go digital or physical: Liberty Balloon Flights offers instant gift vouchers, or beautifully printed ones you can print and wrap.
- Personalise it: Add a handwritten note or card explaining why you chose the experience and what they might do after the flight.
- Bundle it: Pair it with a local guidebook, bottle of Yarra Valley wine, or even a picnic set for use post-flight.
Give the Gift of Calm, Wonder & Possibility
Christmas doesn’t need to be about wrapping paper and shopping queues. It can be about shared moments, new experiences, and seeing the world from a different perspective – sometimes quite literally.
Whether your loved one lives for adventure, enjoys a glass of wine, or just needs a moment of peace away from the rush, a sunrise hot air balloon flight is a gift they’ll talk about long after the festive season fades.
And with three stunning locations to choose from – each offering their own extra layers of magic – you’re not just giving a flight. You’re giving a whole day to remember.
