Melbourne sunrise balloon flight & champagne breakfast
5
Melbourne sunrise balloon flight & champagne breakfast
By Picture This Ballooning - Melbourne and Yarra Valley
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-100, max of 30 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
- Private transportation
- Breakfast
- Please provide email addresses in bookings.
- Start:Traveller pickup offered.
- Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, 25 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, AustraliaWe meet in Sofi's Lounge on Level 1 of the Sofitel Hotel.
Pickup details- We pick up passengers from City hotels only, this is a complimentary service when flying over Melbourne.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 124341P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- Age restrictions - 6 yrs plus to fly.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 124341P1
From
AU$559.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Similar experiences
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- jenniferoX4829GX0 contributionsCloser to heaven.What an amazing way to celebrate and create breath taking memories. Wouldn’t have been half as successful with out the expertise, professionalism and care of Dom and Jason Thankyou guys for the experience of a life time,Written 18 January 2025
- lisanN2846OM0 contributionsAmazingIt was absolutely an an amazing experience for someone who is scared of heights and doesn’t like to fly. It is saying that I would definitely do again. Riley and Brian made the experience one to remember.Written 17 January 2025
- 70virginiap0 contributionsWorth the early startThis was a fantastic experience, lots of fun and we felt safe with our experienced pilot and crew. It was amazingly serene and great to see things from a bird's eye view. The experience was well organised and the (much needed) breakfast afterwards was great. Worth getting up early for!Written 14 January 2025
- _peterpan_76_10 contributionsTop notch experienceTop notch experience provided by Viktor and the team, such a lovely peaceful way to experience Melbourne from above. Great communication pre trip, night before and on the day of the trip. I'd definitely consider travelling with Picture This Ballooning again!Written 8 January 2025
- judysT7344IG0 contributionsFantasticIt was very peaceful and so beautiful. The group of people that we were with were fantastic. My husband is scared o heights but loved the balloon rideWritten 4 January 2025
- 507fional0 contributionsAMAZING, THANKYOUAMAZING, thorough with detail friendly felt part of a group was well organised, thankyou again. Breakfast was delicious and was good to be hands on in pack9ng up thankyou. thankyou. thankyouWritten 3 January 2025
- Buff300 contributionsPicture PerfectFantastic location, great views. Brian and crew were relaxed and informative, easy going with a sense of humour. Highly recommendWritten 3 January 2025
- tyleraC6399JE0 contributionsSurreal momentSuch an amazing experience that everyone should do once in their life! The sunrise is incredible and it’s just such a surreal moment.Written 3 January 2025
- kyf20250 contributionsBallooning Trip 03/01/2025Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect morning, Ryan and Dom were fantastic hosts with awesome humour and great knowledge and professionalismWritten 2 January 2025
- poornimas6660 contributionsWorth the flight….We had an amazing time. The crew were great with an awesome sense of humor. It was a bucket list item being checked off for us.Written 2 January 2025
- Sridhar S0 contributionsOtherworldly experience over Yarra ValleySuper experience of Ballooning. Our pick up from CBD was on time. Instructions in Yarra valley were clear. The drive to the launch site was intriguing in the dark with encounters of kangaroos. Balloon launch was larger than life. Seeing multiple balloons across in close formation was other worldly. Cool calm pilot Mr Dean! Beautiful sunrise across Yarra valley with the warmth of the burners keeping the cold away. Amazing landing followed by Active team participation in the balloon wrap up. Good early morning work out.Written 2 January 2025
- Sena250 contributionsFantastic hot air balloon experience over the YarraIt was simply an amazing experience ballooning over Yarra. I have nothing to fault in this experience as it was all well organised from getting to the site, getting on the balloon to taking us back to the breakfast. Our ballon pilot Bryan was very professional skilled and funny and made us feel at ease throughout the flight. And Riley our driver/assistant was a great sport. We would definitely recommend picture this ballooning company to anyone who wants to do a hot air balloon experience.Written 31 December 2024
- stanefrees0 contributionsamazing expriencemyself and my wife went out on the 31/12/24 in the morning , both the team was professional and friendly and made our jouney a lot of fun, we have told people about how much fun we had , we thank you for such a wonderful morningWritten 31 December 2024
- 384masayukia0 contributionsExcellentWe had an amazing experience. The view was awesome and the crews are kind and friendly. I would highly recommend trying this hot air balloon experience.Written 30 December 2024
- jacquil9240 contributionsRecommendBooking process was easy & all the information provided was excellent We had great weather & enjoyed the adventure Even managed to not land on the sprinklersWritten 29 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
242 reviews
Excellent
235
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
3
James C
1 contribution
Dec 2019
As a family of four (kids are 15 and 10) we had a fantastic balloon flight with Viktor and Dean. From the outset the Picture This Ballooning team were very professional and clear that safety comes first. They were also equally willing to have participation in the prep of the balloon for the flight and the packing up upon landing, which the kids especially enjoyed getting involved. The flight itself is a very peaceful and serene experience, with the sunrise and fantastic views over the city. Overall an amazing experience!
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello James,
Thank you for your lovely review of your families flight with Viktor and Dean and i'm so glad to read you found it amazing, professional, fantastic, peaceful and serene.
We hope you will recommend us to your family and friends and that we may have the pleasure of meeting you again sometime in the future, perhaps in one of our other locations, where you will be treated as regular repeat flyers.
Best Wishes
Andrew and all the team at Picture This Ballooning
Written 15 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Edward R
2 contributions
Mar 2022
I had a private balloon flight over Melbourne at sunrise for a romantic marriage proposal.
I was extremely impressed with the professionalism, knowledge and friendly manner of PTB personnel. They made this very special day perfect. The pilot provided an excellent description of the sights when flying over Melbourne and was very helpful and patient in taking photographs of my fiancee and I with the balloon mounted camera against the sunrise. He also provided a background of the history of hot air ballooning which was both interesting and informative.
The ground crew were very efficient with the setup and dismantling of the balloon and the support activities for the flight. This work made the day proceed smoothly with no problems whatsoever.
Breakfast at No35 restaurant at the Sofitel hotel overlooking the city was the perfect way to end the morning after the flight.
I would highly recommend PTB to anyone wanting to have a hot air balloon flight either for fun or a special occasion.
I was extremely impressed with the professionalism, knowledge and friendly manner of PTB personnel. They made this very special day perfect. The pilot provided an excellent description of the sights when flying over Melbourne and was very helpful and patient in taking photographs of my fiancee and I with the balloon mounted camera against the sunrise. He also provided a background of the history of hot air ballooning which was both interesting and informative.
The ground crew were very efficient with the setup and dismantling of the balloon and the support activities for the flight. This work made the day proceed smoothly with no problems whatsoever.
Breakfast at No35 restaurant at the Sofitel hotel overlooking the city was the perfect way to end the morning after the flight.
I would highly recommend PTB to anyone wanting to have a hot air balloon flight either for fun or a special occasion.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello!
Thank you for such kind words & nice review.
We loved hearing you enjoyed the experience with us.
Thanks,
Tracy & the team at PTB
Written 23 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Huw
Llanfyllin, United Kingdom16 contributions
An incredible experience that all Melburnians and travelers should experience!
We met early in the morning at the Sofitel hotel, whereby Andrew, Peter, Viktor and Darty kindly greeted us (and showed me to the coffee machine, which was needed at the early time)!
We jumped into a minibus with our pilot Viktor, who showed us a brief safety video on the flight.
Once at the launch site, Viktor talked us through the entire process of launching a balloon - before starting the fans, and inflating the balloon. We all climbed into the basket quickly - and in a few minutes we were away.
The flight was like floating above the ground, with spectacular views of the Melbourne CBD, as well as the Sun rising in the East. Viktor made landing the balloon at Yarra Bend look easy!
After a short pack up, we headed back to Sofitel for a 5* breakfast, and a glass of Champagne - which Andy explained was a Tradition dating back to the first ever human flight.
What an exciting morning!
We met early in the morning at the Sofitel hotel, whereby Andrew, Peter, Viktor and Darty kindly greeted us (and showed me to the coffee machine, which was needed at the early time)!
We jumped into a minibus with our pilot Viktor, who showed us a brief safety video on the flight.
Once at the launch site, Viktor talked us through the entire process of launching a balloon - before starting the fans, and inflating the balloon. We all climbed into the basket quickly - and in a few minutes we were away.
The flight was like floating above the ground, with spectacular views of the Melbourne CBD, as well as the Sun rising in the East. Viktor made landing the balloon at Yarra Bend look easy!
After a short pack up, we headed back to Sofitel for a 5* breakfast, and a glass of Champagne - which Andy explained was a Tradition dating back to the first ever human flight.
What an exciting morning!
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Huw,
Thank you for your wonderfully detailed review of your Melbourne City flight with Viktor and the team and for sharing some of your photo's with us.
We hope you get the chance to fly with us again soon and it was a real pleasure having you on board.
Viktor, Andrew, Darti and Hendo and all at Picture This Ballooning.
Written 27 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PKRobinson78
Sheffield, UK14 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Words can’t really do justice to this experience. If you get the opportunity - do it! Especially if you love Melbourne.
You begin by travelling out to the launch site and getting the balloon inflated. It’s all part of the experience and you begin to appreciate just how big the balloon is. Once the balloon is inflated, it’s time to get into the basket and away you go.
I’m really not a fan of heights, but even though we were cruising at 2500 feet, I never felt uneasy. You just float slowly and gently through the skies, taking in the fabulous views of Melbourne, and flying over iconic sights like the Yarra River, MCG, Governor’s House and the Shrine of Remembrance. Our flight aimed to land in Faulkner Park, but the winds meant we landed in Albert Park instead.
After packing the balloon (again, part of the experience - and a good bonding exercise with the other guys on the trip) we headed to breakfast at the Sofitel. At $40 extra, it’s very good value - all you can eat buffet at a top hotel with a fabulous view.
I really can’t recommend this enough. Do it!
You begin by travelling out to the launch site and getting the balloon inflated. It’s all part of the experience and you begin to appreciate just how big the balloon is. Once the balloon is inflated, it’s time to get into the basket and away you go.
I’m really not a fan of heights, but even though we were cruising at 2500 feet, I never felt uneasy. You just float slowly and gently through the skies, taking in the fabulous views of Melbourne, and flying over iconic sights like the Yarra River, MCG, Governor’s House and the Shrine of Remembrance. Our flight aimed to land in Faulkner Park, but the winds meant we landed in Albert Park instead.
After packing the balloon (again, part of the experience - and a good bonding exercise with the other guys on the trip) we headed to breakfast at the Sofitel. At $40 extra, it’s very good value - all you can eat buffet at a top hotel with a fabulous view.
I really can’t recommend this enough. Do it!
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello PK Robinson 78,
Thank you for your review of your City flight with our Pilot Viktor and crew Hendo and for your recommendations to others. We are so glad you enjoyed your morning with us and the Sofitel Breakfast afterwards. That is certainly a stunning flight direction.
We hope to get the opportunity of seeing you again in the future on another flight.
VAndrew and all the team at Picture This Ballooning.
Written 21 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mummamiaMA
Melbourne, Australia369 contributions
This is incredible, our pilot Victor and Pete our crew driver were lovely and explained in great detail all we needed to know for a safe flight. Victor has been flying for 27 years, so we all felt very safe and in great hands. There were several other balloon flights in the air too but watching the others I do feel like we had the most superior flight for the day. We got higher and were able to enjoy some truly spectacular views.
The buffet breakfast at the Sofitel was amazing too, so if you are in doubt, it is definitely worth adding this to your experience. It really topped off the morning.
Things to know, it’s cold so wear a warm coat, beanie and or scarf. Your feet will get wet and grassy as most often there is morning dew and the grass is wet. You won’t really need proper sunglasses as you are in the sky looking around you and down at the ground. You only need what can fit into your pockets and I highly recommend the jacket you choose to wear on the day has zip pockets so you can secure your mobile phone and keys. The van is safe to leave a backpack or your handbag in, as it is never left unattended.
The buffet breakfast at the Sofitel was amazing too, so if you are in doubt, it is definitely worth adding this to your experience. It really topped off the morning.
Things to know, it’s cold so wear a warm coat, beanie and or scarf. Your feet will get wet and grassy as most often there is morning dew and the grass is wet. You won’t really need proper sunglasses as you are in the sky looking around you and down at the ground. You only need what can fit into your pockets and I highly recommend the jacket you choose to wear on the day has zip pockets so you can secure your mobile phone and keys. The van is safe to leave a backpack or your handbag in, as it is never left unattended.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello!
Thank you for such kind words & nice review. I will pass the gratitude onto Viktor and Pete.
We loved hearing you enjoyed the experience with us.
Thanks,
Tracy & the team at PTB
Written 23 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tybo54
Cape Coral, FL122 contributions
What an incredible morning! Just finished our ride across Melbourne with Viktor as our pilot and Dean. Incredible skill and attention to safety. Great communication from them from start to finish, especially since weather required 2 postponements. This was my first balloon ride and I am so glad it was with Picture this.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good Morning Tybo 54
Thank you for taking the time to review your Melbourne City flight with Viktor and Dean, and for your compliments on Viktor's skills and attention to safety, which is our prime consideration.
Thank you for being patient for the weather to come right on your 3rd attempt, i'm sure it was well worth the wait.
We hope you will choose to fly with us again soon.
Andrew, Viktor, Dean and all the team at Picture This Ballooning
Written 3 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
OnAir800415
2 contributions
Mar 2021
Although I was terrified of the thought of going up in the balloon as soon as we left the ground it was so serene and majestic I forgot all about my fear. I absolutely loved it and am so glad I didn't chicken out. Photographs turned out great, especially the sunrise with the other balloons in view.
Written 25 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello OnAir,
We like to think it is worth the wait & love to hear feedback of people enjoying their flights.
We appreciate this,
Many thanks,
Nic & the team at Picture This Ballooning.
Written 27 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
scully14_12
Maribyrnong, Australia37 contributions
Fabulous experience hot air ballooning over Melbourne CBD. Our pilot Viktor made us feel very safe with his 25+ years experience flying balloons all over the world and with his ground crew Paul supporting to make sure operations ran smoothly. I loved the fact that you were involved with a lot of the aspects, from set up to folding up the balloon at the end, it gave you a great insight into what’s involved. Not just enjoying the ride! Definitely take the advice on wearing a cap as it gets pretty warm on the head being that close to the flames.
A very magical experience that I highly recommend. Only disappointment was the champagne breakfast was cancelled due to COVID, didn’t detract from the ballooning but a disappointment nonetheless.
A very magical experience that I highly recommend. Only disappointment was the champagne breakfast was cancelled due to COVID, didn’t detract from the ballooning but a disappointment nonetheless.
Written 27 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vikas N
Singapore, Singapore20 contributions
Dec 2021
Due to the new quarantine requirements, we would not be able to make it for the flight booked in December. Upon repeated requests to the team, we were told that our ticket cannot be refunded (despite having a $50 cancellation fee) and we would have 36 months to use the same. Apparently the team checked with the "CEO" and responded that all businesses are affected so they cannot refund.
I found this a bit harsh, as all other hotels, despite having cancellation fees refunded all the amounts to affected travellers such as me.
Will have to be careful about booking attractions with such operators in the future.
I found this a bit harsh, as all other hotels, despite having cancellation fees refunded all the amounts to affected travellers such as me.
Will have to be careful about booking attractions with such operators in the future.
Written 2 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Vikas,
Thanks for your review & feedback. COVID-19 has had a major affect on many small businesses but the reason your ticket was not refunded was because you purchased a NON-refundable ticket. We have different packages to suit everyone's needs so be sure to have a look at the T&C's prior to purchasing.
Thanks,
Ryan
General Manager
Written 12 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barb A
5 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
Victor and Peter were amazing to deliver a fantastic first time experience in Hot Air Ballooning over Melbourne CBD and an enjoyable Champagne breakfast. Superb communication to inform all participants of times, location etc. Friendly rapport with all participants and easy to follow directions for those who has never flown before. I would happily recommend flying with Victor at Picture This Ballooning to enjoy a smooth ride and unforgettable experience...so cross that off your bucket list with stunning views over the CBD.
Written 26 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Barba,
Thank you for such kind words and praise on our operation.
It is fantastic to hear you had such a smooth experience and we are glad you could tick something off your bucket list!!
Many thanks,
Nic & the team at Picture This Ballooning.
Written 27 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Buy it with
Top rated
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.