Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight with White Water Rafting from Cairns Austalia - with Breakfast

Fly at Mareeba in the Cairns Highlands (previously called the Atherton Tablelands) Enjoy the picturesque landscape at sunrise, enjoy 30 minutes flying time. Breathe in the wide-open spaces!

Come down to earth and enjoy breakfast at Cairns' Tjapukai Cultural Park which includes champagne, fresh juices, eggs & bacon, tropical fruits & a hot and cold buffet. It's all yours as you relax & look over the Skyrail valley, and have a browse at the selection of Cairns' souvenirs.

Then, your experienced whitewater rafting River Guide will pick you up from breakfast at Tjapukai and transfer you to the top of the Barron River (Grade 3) just 20 minutes away.

Once we arrive at Barron Gorge Power Station, we'll split up into crews for briefing. You'll spend a bit over one and a half hours on the river, its a grade 3 river, great as an introductory experience and for those looking for a shorter rafting trip than the full day Tully.

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Tour Includes

~ Free Hotel Pickups
~ Spectacular 30 min Hot Air balloon scenic flight
~ Hot & Cold Aussie Breakfast + Champagne
~ Expert interpretive commentary
~ Cross Country Hot Air Balloon Chase
~ Free Commemorative flight Certificate
~ Afternoon Half Day Barron River Rafting
~ Return Hotel Transfers

Recommendations

~ Walking shoes
~ Camera
~ Dress casual outdoor layered clothing.White clothing not recommended due to bush environment

FAQ's

What do I bring on the morning ballooning?
Dress as for a casual walk in the bush, sensible sturdy shoes are recommended. We suggest you bring sunglasses, a hat/cap and dress in layered clothing. During the morning as the sun comes up, the day will become warmer.
Remember there is so much to see from an entirely new perspective, you will want to record it all to relive later, your own camera or video camera are welcomed on board. Don't forget your cash or credit card (M, V) for that extra special souvenir of your fantastic balloon experience.

How is the balloon steered?
Balloons cannot be steered! Some directional control is possible by ascending or descending into air currents going in a different direction, this information is checked prior to take off be releasing a small helium balloon and checking up to date weather reports. The pilot can raise or lower the balloon by controlling the temperature inside the balloon.

What about Vertigo - I hate heights?
Balloon flight is very gentle and stable and because you start from the ground and gently lift up, rather than looking off the edge of a building - there is quiet a different sensation. We recommend you try it - so many of our passengers attest to how surprised at how comfortable and safe they felt flying with Hot Air.

How high do balloons fly?
Most balloonists enjoy low-level flight as more can be seen. We often see Wallabies and other wildlife in the bushland surrounding creeks. The typical balloon flight would be anywhere from tree level to approximately 3,000 ft. The Mareeba district allows balloons to fly anywhere up to 7,500 feet.

What regulations are in Place?
Balloons are required to be fully registered aircraft with the Australian Civil Aviation and safety Authority and are subject to regular airworthiness checks by authorised personnel. Pilots need to have different levels of experience before they are allowed to progress to larger balloons and this again is carefully monitored by CASA. Each commercial operation must operate with a nominated Chief Pilot and under an Air Operators Certificate from CASA.

Tour includes hotel pickups and dropoffs. All participants must pay a $25 aviation insurance levy plus $25 raft fee on the day of tour. Rates are per person in US dollars and include tax. Please reserve online or call us toll-free at 800-610-1096.