Barossa balloon rides: Scenic flights over the Barossa Valley, SA

Early morning Barossa Valley hot air balloon tours are run by Barossa Valley Ballooning. The tours finish with a champagne breakfast after an hour floating over South Australia’s most famous vineyards.

For those prepared to get up early in the morning, hot air ballooning is a magical way to explore Australian landscapes. There are ballooning tours in the Hunter Valley, balloon flights over Canberra and hot air balloon rides over the Gold Coast hinterland to enjoy.

In South Australia, however, one of the best places to enjoy a scenic flight in a hot air balloon is the Barossa Valley. This is the most famous wine region in South Australia, a short drive north of Adelaide. The Barossa is a great place to visit cellar doors and chocolate factories on a thoroughly indulgent break.

A Barossa Valley hot air balloon tour flying high over the vineyards in South Australia. Photo courtesy of Barossa Grape & Wine Association.

Barossa Valley balloon flights

Barossa Valley hot air balloon flights are available through Barossa Valley Ballooning. The Barossa hot air balloon tours start before dawn at the Novotel Barossa Valley, although the actual launch site is dependent on weather conditions. The flights take place so early as that’s when weather conditions are most stable.

On these Barossa Valley hot air balloon tours, the actual flight lasts around an hour. The balloon canopy needs fully inflating first, but once it is, there’s a gentle lift-off accompanied by roaring blasts of flame.

The balloon flies as high as 3,000ft to 4,000ft, although it’s arguably the flying at lower altitudes that’s more entrancing. Going lower allows you to take in the detail as you float over the vineyards, hopefully spotting a few kangaroos on the way.

8 unusual Barossa Valley experiences to book in advance

Half day Mustang convertible tour.
Two hour kayaking experience.
Half day trike tour with commentary via headsets.
Wine-tasting tour in a bright red London cab.
Winery hopping by e-bike.
Gin-making workshop with lunch.
Behind the scenes VIP tour at Seppeltsfield.
Learn about barrel-making at the Yalumba Cooperage.

Champagne breakfast in the Barossa Valley

As with the launch sites, Barossa Valley Ballooning uses a variety of landing sites. Weather conditions determine the choice of site for the Barossa hot air balloon tour. But once safely on the ground, the bus whizzes passengers back to the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort in Rowland Flat.

Here, breakfast comes with the balloonist’s customary glass of champagne to celebrate the flight.

Barossa balloon ride prices

The Barossa Valley hot air balloon tours with Barossa Valley Ballooning cost $345 per person. Alternative Barossa balloon flights are run by Balloon Adventures in Nuriootpa.

A somewhat cheaper way of exploring the Barossa Valley is hiring a bike, and tackling the Barossa Trail, passing wineries such as Rockford Wines.