Wine Country from the Sky

Our flight experiences begin early, to make the most of sunrise – the calmest and safest time of day for ballooning. Guests meet around 1.5 hours before dawn at Rochford Wines, our picturesque meeting point nestled in the heart of the Yarra Valley.

Here, your pilot and ground crew will greet you with a warm welcome. If you’re arriving via our transfer service, this is where you’ll join the rest of your group. As you check in, feel free to ask questions, use the available facilities, and enjoy a brief introduction to the fascinating history of ballooning. A clear pre-flight briefing ensures you’ll know exactly what to expect from your journey in the sky.

Hop aboard our comfortable vehicles as we travel to the morning’s carefully chosen launch site, selected by your pilot based on the wind and weather conditions. With years of experience and a variety of scenic locations to choose from, we’ll ensure the best flight path for the day.

On arrival, you’ll see the balloon being laid out, ready to come to life. Watching the envelope inflate is a spectacular moment – and if you’re keen, you’re welcome to join in with the setup. Or simply stand back, enjoy the peaceful Yarra Valley pre-dawn stillness, and get ready for your airborne adventure. A safety briefing is given here before take-off.

As the first light of day breaks over the vineyards, forests, and rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, your balloon lifts gently into the sky. The sensation is smooth and serene – no sudden movements, just the quiet drift of the wind carrying you above the earth.

You might float just above the treetops, spotting kangaroos in the early light, or ascend to over 2,000 feet, where the valley spreads out in a breathtaking panorama. Every flight is guided by nature, timed perfectly to capture the landscape in all its sunrise beauty. Flight time is approximately one hour.

No two landings are the same – and that’s part of the fun. Depending on conditions, the basket may settle upright or tip gently on its side, both completely safe and often adding to the laughter and excitement.

Our ground crew will be there to meet you and assist with the pack-down. If you’re feeling energetic, you’re welcome to help deflate and roll up the balloon – a satisfying, hands-on way to finish your flight.

Back at Rochford Wines, your morning concludes with a specially curated celebratory breakfast featuring the region’s freshest produce. Unwind and share your morning memories with fellow travellers.

It’s a perfect ending to a memorable experience; rich with connection, reflection, and a genuine taste of the region.