Strathalbyn a rustic South Australian town.
Ballooning in historic Strathalbyn is a great way to spend a day when visiting South Australia. Strathalbyn, on the eastern slopes of the Adelaide Hills is a pleasant one hour drive from Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway and in the popular Fleurieu Peninsula region.
Launch time
Goldrush balloon flights are always at dawn when the air is cool and calm. We aim to launch just as the sun rises.
We meet our passengers at the Strathalbyn Visitor Information Centre, located at the old railway station, on South Terrace, an hour before sunrise. This is the start of our adventures. Toilet facilities available, your last opportunity.
Once we have greeted you, making sure all expected passengers are present, we transport you in our vehicles to one of our launch sites, the choice of which depends on the wind direction on the day.
Inflating the Balloon
At the launch site we inflate the balloon, even asking our passengers to be involved, this takes around half an hour. Once everyone is aboard your adventure begins, so have your cameras ready. Our ground crew will be happy to take photos of yourself in the balloon immediately prior to takeoff using your cameras.
Airborne
When we’re airborne we float like a cloud, watching the township and homesteads waking below, and see the animals stir from the noise of the burners. You’ll hear the occasional dog bark, sheep bleating and even cattle calling, interspersed with total silence except when the burners operate to keep you afloat. On a clear day you may get to see as far as the Bluff at Victor Harbor and Lake Alexandrina. A bonus only possible with our hot air balloon rides. The ever-changing views below will stay with you for life.
After flight services
After landing we then serve you with a glass of chilled sparking wine, orange juice and chocolates. This gives you an opportunity to chat with each other about the wonderful experience you’ve just enjoyed.
Regrettably then we have a little bit more work to do, i.e. pack away the balloon and load it and the basket back onto the trailer, again with the aid of some of our passengers. It’s then back to Strathalbyn, for a full sit down breakfast at one of Strath’s finest venues. Relax and make your choice from their menu.
A lasting memento
To ensure you have a permanent reminder of your amazing day, we present all passengers with a Flight Certificate signed by the pilot.
What to wear?
The coldest you will be is when we first meet, and on the launch field, so we say "dress in layers" that way you can take a coat or jacket off and leave in retrieve vehicle.
We recommend a flat covered shoe like a boot or sandshoe. No strappy sandals or thongs will be permitted neither will shorts or short sleeve shirts.
DO NOT WEAR ANYTHING SYNTHETIC (outer clothing only)
If confused about this please ring and speak to us.
