Hot Air Balloon Over Hunter Valley
Rise above the Hunter Valley at dawn in a hot air balloon — the early morning flight provides an unmatched aerial view of vineyards, the Brokenback Range, and the entire wine country from above the morning mist.
- 1
Pre-Dawn Launch Site
Hot air balloon flights launch at dawn from the vineyard paddocks of Pokolbin — the pre-dawn gathering with coffee and briefing, followed by the inflation of the massive balloon, is part of the experience.
- 2
Vineyard Aerial View
From the air, the geometric patterns of the vine rows become abstract art — the red volcanic soil between the rows contrasts with the green canopy, and the scale of each estate is immediately apparent.
- 3
Brokenback Range View
The Brokenback Range provides the balloon flight's most dramatic backdrop — the jagged ridge above the valley was named by early settlers for its broken silhouette, and from the air the geology is perfectly visible.
- 4
Morning Mist Layer
The Hunter Valley's morning mist is a distinctive feature — the balloon rises through the mist layer into clear sunshine above, while the valley below remains cotton-wool white until mid-morning.
- 5
Coal Mine View
From altitude, both the wine country and the adjacent open-cut coal mines are visible — the dramatic juxtaposition of Australia's two most famous Hunter Valley industries laid out beneath the balloon.
- 6
Champagne Landing Breakfast
The traditional champagne toast on landing, followed by a full cooked breakfast, completes the balloon experience — a Hunter Valley tradition that celebrates the successful return to earth among the vines.