The Hunter Valley is a fertile location and its abundance of greenery and landscape dotted with vineyards resembles paradise. There are many activities that visitors can have a go at which include cycle rides and tasting odysseys at the many wine estates and cheese factories.
An exhilarating trip on a hot-air balloon has to be up there as one of the experiences of a lifetime.
Hunter Valley hot air ballooning is the ultimate pleasure and provides people with uninterrupted vistas in all directions. This bird’s eye view comes without the annoyance of being shut behind the cabin window of an aircraft or the incessant drone of its engines. Balloon rides are timed to coincide with sunrise to give passengers clearer views and miss the daytime heat.
After take-off, flight time averages one hour. The flights offer plentiful photo opportunities and you need to make sure your camera or smartphone is fully charged before setting off.
Several different firms operate Hunter Valley Hot Air Ballooning rides. The companies ensure their balloons are flown by professional pilots and that their safety equipment is rigorously maintained.
The actual package deal with each operator varies, but all recognise that for their customers it is a once-in-lifetime experience and they offer extras such as after-flight champagne.
Balloon Aloft operates flights around Pokolbin and its packages come with a complimentary breakfast and bubbly at the village’s Peterson House Restaurant.
Cloud 9 Balloons operates out of the Sebel Kirkton Park. Passengers meet here before sunrise and then head out to the day’s launch site. Breakfast is served at the park’s Infuzion Restaurant after the trip. Beyond Ballooning is a family-run firm with an emphasis on top-quality service.
Balloon Safaris is the other principal Hunter Valley operator and also provides its passengers with the opportunity of enjoying a sumptuous breakfast at the Peterson House.
