Dining Experiences
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$559
per adult
Picture This Ballooning - Melbourne and Yarra Valley
Picture This Ballooning - Melbourne and Yarra Valley
Picture This Ballooning - Melbourne and Yarra Valley
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Full view
About
Book directly through our website for the best service - we're Australia's highest rating hot air balloon company for a reason. Fly in a hot air balloon over the city of Melbourne, the beautiful Yarra Valley and Daylesford. Experience the wonders of the oldest form of human flight, moving majestically through the skies as the world awakens below you. Picture This Ballooning have been flying hot air balloons in Australia and overseas since 1996, delighting all our passengers.
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Picture This Ballooning - Melbourne and Yarra Valley
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Photography Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$429
per adult
Dining Experiences
4–5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$469
per adult
Extreme Sports
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$509
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
1,388 reviews
Excellent
1,335
Very good
32
Average
8
Poor
5
Terrible
9
Vontrens
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
A truely magical experience! An experienced, professional and friendly pilot/crew made us feel very safe and secure. Setting up and packing up the balloon was part of the fun, but the hero of the day was the stunning Yarra Valley at dawn. A photographers paradise!
Written 1 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.
Thanks for the kind words! Greatly appreciated here at Picture This Ballooning.
Written 10 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
julie2703
Montrose, Australia4 contributions
Feb 2020
Our flight over the Yarra Valley was amazing. The crew of Victor and Hendo were so knowledgeable and experienced, explained everything to us and the flight and landing were perfect. It was our first balloon flight and would definitely recommend this company to anyone thinking of trying 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 Julie,
Thank you for your review of your flight over the Yarra Valley with Viktor and Hendo (Peter). We are so pleased to read you found it perfect and amazing and thank you for your recommendation to others.
We hope to see you , your family or friends again in the future.
Andrew 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.
Cleo Nguyen
12 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
After several lockdowns & restrictions we were finally able to have our elopement wedding on the hot air balloon. From the moment I spoke to Ryan organising my special and until the day of our wedding my experience with picture this ballooning was just magnificent. The customer service & treatment we received was impeccable I could not of asked for anything more!
The day was the most magical & special day I’ve ever experienced. We booked out the hot air balloon for ourselves.
Ryan came and picked us up and drove us to the balloon. They had a team on hand to assist with the balloon and to help our elderly parents get into the balloon. When in the air, our pilot Victor was just a pleasure. He was so professional and flew the balloon like magic. We could not feel more safe with Victor.
We wedded on the balloon and whilst we read our vows we were blessed with a beautiful red sunrise. Our parents, photographer, dario & I were just in awe of how beautiful our city was and how calming the balloon was gliding. You honestly didn’t feel like you were flying - well until you pop your head over the basket and realised how super high you were!
Our landing was also perfect! Victor was just amazing! The team came to assist us getting out and whilst we we’re safely in the bus they folded the balloon. We didn’t have to do anything. As we were in the bus I was watching the other balloons land. - none landed as perfect as ours! I honestly could not of asked for a more trusted and great pilot to fly our balloon 🎈
Ryan, then drove us to the Sofitel to have breakfast & champagne! The food was delicious.
The day and the whole experience from the moment I picked up the phone to organise this wedding was to me an unforgettable experience.
Thank you picture this ballooning for making our special day a day we’ll never forget! I have not experienced that much professionalism and impeccable customer service from a company in such a long time. You have given me a great excuse to gift this experience to my friends & family! Xx
The day was the most magical & special day I’ve ever experienced. We booked out the hot air balloon for ourselves.
Ryan came and picked us up and drove us to the balloon. They had a team on hand to assist with the balloon and to help our elderly parents get into the balloon. When in the air, our pilot Victor was just a pleasure. He was so professional and flew the balloon like magic. We could not feel more safe with Victor.
We wedded on the balloon and whilst we read our vows we were blessed with a beautiful red sunrise. Our parents, photographer, dario & I were just in awe of how beautiful our city was and how calming the balloon was gliding. You honestly didn’t feel like you were flying - well until you pop your head over the basket and realised how super high you were!
Our landing was also perfect! Victor was just amazing! The team came to assist us getting out and whilst we we’re safely in the bus they folded the balloon. We didn’t have to do anything. As we were in the bus I was watching the other balloons land. - none landed as perfect as ours! I honestly could not of asked for a more trusted and great pilot to fly our balloon 🎈
Ryan, then drove us to the Sofitel to have breakfast & champagne! The food was delicious.
The day and the whole experience from the moment I picked up the phone to organise this wedding was to me an unforgettable experience.
Thank you picture this ballooning for making our special day a day we’ll never forget! I have not experienced that much professionalism and impeccable customer service from a company in such a long time. You have given me a great excuse to gift this experience to my friends & family! Xx
Written 26 November 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 Cleo,
Thanks for such a nice and detailed review. I was there on the morning & it was great to see such a joyful mood & happy couple.
We are so happy you trusted us with such a special occasion! I will pass this onto Ryan, Viktor & the team.
Many thanks,
Nic & the team at Picture This Ballooning.
Written 12 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NorthStar35697475041
1 contribution
Feb 2020
Absolutely incredibe experience. Would absolutely highly recommend, the Yarra Valley was absolutely spectacular.
After having my Melbourne booking cancelled twice I decided to transfer to the Yarra Valley and it was well worth it. Pilot Andrew was great at his communications and Tracey was wonderful in the office however, Yarra valley crew were abit rude to customers.
After having my Melbourne booking cancelled twice I decided to transfer to the Yarra Valley and it was well worth it. Pilot Andrew was great at his communications and Tracey was wonderful in the office however, Yarra valley crew were abit rude to customers.
Written 10 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 North Star,
Thank you for taking the time to review your Yarra Valley flight with us, and I am so glad you found Tracy in the office wonderful and myself as a city pilot great with communications, and that you had a spectacular experience. I think if i remember the day correctly you may have transferred to the Valley at last minute and that Domonic may have flown you ? but i'm not sure of your actual name so cannot check.
The Yarra Valley offers a bit more shelter from the wind than the city on some days, therefore on days it is a bit breezy in the City close to the bay often the Yarra Valley still goes ahead. Both flights are unique experiences, in the City you can expect to see Victorian Buildings, City Towering Sky Scrappers, Iconic Stadiums and Parks and Port Phillip Bay and a sunrise behind the Dandenong Mountains. In the Valley you can expect to see romantic misty hollows, creeks, vineyards, golf courses and some of Australia's amazing wildlife, no two flights are ever identical.
I'm sorry if you found so of the Yarra Valley crew a bit rude, and i wonder if they were ours or from another operator, however if it was our staff this is highly unusual and i can only apologise. All our staff are normally very polite, yet clear and precise with their safety briefings. Should you wish us to investigate further just give us call on 9429 0277 and speak to Ryan or myself Andrew and we can look into it for you.
We hope we have the pleasure of your company again one day.
Buoyant Regards
Andrew, Tracy and all the team at
Picture This Ballooning
Written 16 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lastubbs903
1 contribution
Feb 2020
We have lived in Melbourne for 18 months and had always seen the hot air balloons on our morning commutes. We are leaving next week and decided we would do this as a treat before we leave.
It was absolutely amazing. Andrew and Hendo were great. They explained everything really well and were professional and reassuring throughout - we felt we were in safe hands! We were able to get stuck in and help with setting up the balloon and packing it away.
The views once in the air were stunning. We had great views of the bay and over the city, Albert Park, the MCG etc.
Have recommended to all our friends as a 'must do' before they leave.
It was absolutely amazing. Andrew and Hendo were great. They explained everything really well and were professional and reassuring throughout - we felt we were in safe hands! We were able to get stuck in and help with setting up the balloon and packing it away.
The views once in the air were stunning. We had great views of the bay and over the city, Albert Park, the MCG etc.
Have recommended to all our friends as a 'must do' before they leave.
Written 6 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 Lastubbs 903
Thank you so much for your review of your City Flight with myself (Andrew) and Hendo and for your compliments.
I am so glad you choose to do this before you left our wonderful City. Many people see the balloons on their daily commutes to work and put this on their bucket lists.
We would love to see any of your pictures and put up on our Social Media if you are willing.
Your friends will be very welcome and be sure to tell them to contact us directly, not via any agent and we will look after them as friends of yours with repeat flyer discounts.
Thank you for choosing to fly with us
Andrew and all the team at Picture This Ballooning
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristen T
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Absolutely incredible experience. A birthday surprise that I found out about only 12 hours before the flight, The pilot was experienced and ensured that all passengers knew their duty while the balloon was being setup and gave very clear instructions on the landing procedure. The pilots all kept close contact with each other giving updates of their location, wind speed etc
Highly recommend without a doubt.
Highly recommend without a doubt.
Written 18 October 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!!!
Thanks for such a nice review! I will pass on your thanks to the team.
Thanks again!
Tracy & the team at Picture This Ballooning
Written 19 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
656shwethas
Carnegie23 contributions
Jan 2020
Had a sad start to the experience with 2 rescheduled trips due to weather conditions! Even post that, when weather was all okay, parents didn't enjoy the sunrise as clouds covered most of it. Peter, the driver was a fantastic hardworking gentleman. Also all the instructions for the day was notified in an orderly manner. It was parents wedding anniversary- even after telling the captain, no congratulations in order. Clearly not happy with customer service. Such an expensive trip and so not worth it!
Written 26 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 Shetty family,
I'm so sorry to read that we failed to meet your mum and dad's expectations on Sunday. I wish they had said something at the time as customer satisfaction as well as flight safety are our prime considerations. At the time there were only smiles and thank you's and nothing was said, with most passengers praising the flight.
The morning started off with clear skies with no cloud forecast, however cloud did rapidly start to appear from the West and we were just ahead of it to the East and managed to climb in front of it to see the sunrise and some heaven like views looking back to the West above the clouds. I did my best to provide a stunning flight despite the cloud rolling in and very gentle winds and other reviews and pictures below on the very same flight thought it was stunning.
On the way back in the bus I did invite your parents for breakfast at the Sofitel where we would normally toast any birthdays or anniversary's over a glass of champagne and fabulous breakfast. However they did not take up the offer and Peter ran them to Flinders Street Station after dropping the rest of the passengers, so I never got chance to toast my normal congratulations, but did congratulate them when we first met.
Thank you for the compliments on the safety instructions and Peter's hard work crewing
Andrew, Peter and all the team at Picture This Ballooning
Written 27 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
christopher r
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Couples
My wife and I found the ballon ride over MELBOURNE a fascinating and wonderful experience. The team were totally professional and very experienced so we knew we were in good hands. Being one of seven balloons lifting off at the same time was a spectacular sight.
I highly recommend this experience and the great team at Picture This Ballooning.
I highly recommend this experience and the great team at Picture This Ballooning.
Written 3 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 Christopher,
Happy New Year to you too.
So glad to read you had a fascinating and wonderful experience with us floating over Melbourne City amongst the six other balloons with us.
Thank you for recommending our services to others and we hope to see you, your family or friends again in the future where you will be looked after once again as regular flyers.
Andrew and all the team at Picture This Ballooning
Written 8 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hchung77
Gardena, CA1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Family
Viktor and his crew were amazing in their ability to get us up and airborne in no time at all. The views from above the clouds were breathtaking. Floating above the city of Melbourne with all its sights and landmarks was most memorable. I’m not sure if other balloon rides we may venture on in the future are going to beat this one. Highly recommend if you’re visiting the beautiful city of Melbourne. Plus, you’ll have the rest of the day to do other things you may have planned.
Written 2 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 Hchung77,
Thank you for taking the time to review your Melbourne City flight with Viktor and the team and for recommending us to others.
Every city flight takes a slightly different route so no two city flights are exactly the same and there is truely no better way to see City.
It's an early start as we fly at sunrise but your right in saying it free's up the rest of the day as you will be finished by breakfast, however come the afternoon you will be ready for a snooze.
Thank you for choosing to spend part of your Melbourne vacation with us and we hope to see you, your family or friends again in the future.
Andrew, Viktor, and all the team at Picture This Ballooning.
Written 8 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EmmahandSteve
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
Jan 2020
Experience of a lifetime with a world champion pilot Dominic. Fun and friendly flight. We originally booked for my birthday in March but due to weather and personal circumstances we rescheduled multiple times. Very flexibly. I recommend doing breakfast at the end also!!!
Written 25 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 Emma and Steve,
Thank you for taking the time to review your experience with us.
You are very lucky you got to fly with Dominic who as you say's holds the current world title in Hot Air Ballooning, and i'm glad to read you found him fun and friendly and our office staff very flexible in working around the weather and your personal circumstances.
We hope we get the chance to fly you again sometime or your family and friends where you will be looked after as regular flyers.
Have a great day
Andrew, Dominic and all your team from
Picture This Ballooning
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Omar - the most updated prices are on our website, that’s the best idea. On our TripAdvisor page you can find a link to our website, so please go there and you can find the most up to date information :)
Written 10 September 2018
Hi there. If a flight is cancelled due to inclement weather is it possible to get a refund if a suitable reschedule date can’t be found? I have family traveling from the UK for a short visit and we’re keen to do a flight but don’t want to risk losing the money. Thank you.
Written 8 December 2017
Hi there MiniTina
A refund is absolutely available if you are unable to reschedule your flight
Check out the terms and conditions in the Picture This Ballooning website for details !
Cheers
Damian Crock
CEO
Picture This Ballooning
Written 12 December 2017
Hi I was thinking a flight for my husbands birthday on the 22nd dec. Are you open then?
& secondly would it just be the two of us for the flight? or would there be others?
Thanks very much.
Written 17 September 2017
Hi Amy!
Currently we have flights open throughout the holiday period except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day (Jan 1) so could definitely book you in for December 22!
You can choose whether you fly just the two of you, or in our regular passenger balloons - over Melbourne, these are baskets of 10.
Prices can be found on our website for both the regular tickets (basket of 10) and special exclusive flight tickets (basket to yourself).
Let us know if we can be of any further assistance!
Kind regards,
Emily - Picture This Ballooning
Written 18 September 2017
Chechev8
Hong Kong, China
Hi do you have a website? i wanna check availability for May 2017. Cheers
Written 10 April 2017
Yes we do :) Tripadvisor doesn't allow us to type it here, so if you google Picture This Ballooning you will find it. Or it is on our Tripadvisor page. Let us know if you don't find it.
Written 10 April 2017
Hi,
May I know how much time the whole process will take. Like taking off and getting back to point as I have to plan my whole day?
Written 10 April 2017
The whole morning takes about 4-5 hours, and longer if you stay for the breakfast. The exact time depends on the time of year and the sunrise time. As an example, you might meet at 5am, then the flight will be from 6:30am to about 7:30am, then you will return to the meeting point by about 9am. If you stay for breakfast, then add on some extra time for that.
Written 10 April 2017
Yes, it definitely is :)
Written 26 January 2017
Hi,
I would like to take a flight on your ballons with my brother and a friend. Maybe on march 4th. What's the price and how we can get the tickets and arrive there the vest way?
Written 26 January 2017
Hello,
That sounds great, we still have spaces available on March 4 :)
The prices vary a little depending on where you want to fly, ie Melbourne City, Yarra Valley or Daylesford. The best way to find the prices is through our website.
To book tickets you can email us, or book online through our website.
TripAdvisor won't let us include our email or website in this answer, so you can find our website address and email address on this Tripadvisor page. Go to our website and you will see the prices and how to book :)
Cheers,
PTB
Written 26 January 2017
Hi,
We're staying in Adina, 189 Queen St and are booked Fri 06.01.17 for a Yarra Valley fight with city transfer.
What time will we be picked up from Adina?
Written 25 December 2016
Hi,
The exact meeting time is worked out by our pilots on the afternoon/evening before your flight - this varies a little based on the weather conditions on the day. So we will let you know the exact time the day before your flight. As a rough guide, we would expect your pickup to be around 3:30am +- 15 minutes.
Have a great Christmas,
PTB
Written 25 December 2016
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*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.