Flight Info

We are blessed with more flyable days in North East Victoria than other Victorian sites, however ballooning is weather dependent. The best time to fly is just after sunrise when conditions are perfect and allow us to offer you a beautiful and safe flight, and a gentle landing.

Our pilots are watching the weather 3-4 days ahead of your flight and will do their best to advise you in advance if they see a weather forecast that may preclude a flight. We fly all year round, however some conditions such as rain, fog or difficult winds are unsuitable for ballooning. Occasionally when conditions dictate we will cancel a flight.

We understand that it is disappointing if your flight is cancelled. Please be aware that we make this decision for reasons of safety and enjoyment of your flight, as it is our company policy to always put safety first.

If your flight is cancelled due to unsuitable weather you will be given the option to rebook for another day or receive a refund(full price tickets only) in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.

Footwear - We recommend enclosed footwear, such as you might wear on a bush walk. Our launch and landing sites can be wet with dew or frost, or sometimes dusty or muddy. Sandals and thongs are highly discouraged, and high heeled shoes are not allowed

Clothing - You need to dress appropriately for the morning, keeping in mind we are in a country area - jeans are great. Layered clothing is best as you can shed some as the morning warms up, especially in spring and summer. Long trousers and clothing in darker colours made from natural fibres are best, as lighter colours may get dirty.

Cap or Hat - We recommend you bring a cap, beanie or hat along as the burners generate radiant heat.

Warmth - Dress for the season! Your flight will not be any colder than it is at the launch site before take-off. The balloon flies with the wind and climbs above cooler morning surface winds so it is often warmer aloft during the flight than it is on the ground, especially after a clear night.

Bathrooms - We have good bathrooms where we meet, however we don’t have any once we get underway, until we get back 2-3 hours later.

Older Guests - Older guests are most welcome. Please give us a heads up if your booking includes over 80s so we can best accommodate them.

Special Needs - We can accommodate many special needs - just ask us in advance. For example; if you are concerned you’ll have trouble standing for an hour please let us know.

Hydration - Early wake ups require some routine. Please remember to drink a little water to ensure you are well hydrated particularly in the warmer months. Remember coffee will dehydrate you.

Bite to Eat - You will feel better if you’re blood sugar is normal, so please consider a bowl of cereal or a muesli bar before we meet.

Pollen - In spring the grasses are in flower so maybe have an antihistamine ready if you’re a hay fever sufferer.

Fit to Fly - Passengers must have no significant knee, hip, back or neck problems, and have not had recent surgeries or broken bones. You must notify us if you have any of these conditions.

Standing - Are you able to stand for one hour? - we can assist if you’re unsure, please notify us.

Ground Handling Equipment - Some of our ground handling equipment is dangerous, so listen to your pilot’s Safety Briefing.

Biosecurity - All guests’ shoes and equipment that you bring for the flight must be clean of dirt, mud or soil to minimise the biosecurity risk to the farmers where we launch and land. You must let us know if you will be overseas in the 7 days before your flight.

Smoking - Due to the fuel carried, ballooning is a No Smoking activity.

Dangerous Goods - Just as with an airline, dangerous goods must not be taken on board. More details are here and here.

We will quickly confirm your booking by email correspondence. When you receive your confirmation please check your flight date and phone numbers are correct, along with all other details. It is important that you contact us if changes are required - email flights@goldrushballooning.com.au or call 1300 255 666 or 03 8566 6746. If you don't get an email confirmation please check your “Promotions” or “Spam” folder, or advise us in case the email address we have for you is incorrect.

To secure your booking, full payment is required within 48 hours of booking with Goldrush Ballooning or by the date specified in your Booking Confirmation correspondence. If payment has not been received by the specified date, Goldrush Ballooning gives no guarantee that your booking is secure.

We accept payment by Bank Transfer, Visa or Mastercard. Credit card payment attracts a small surcharge. If you are booking within 48 hours prior to your flight you will be required to pay by credit card.

If you have a Gift Certificate voucher and have a date in mind, please contact us to book your flight. Your Voucher is valid for 36 months from date of purchase. Please book your flight well before the last month of your voucher’s validity, as ballooning is weather dependent, some days fill up quickly.

Bookings can be rescheduled or altered however strict conditions apply and you need to give us plenty of warning (refer Condition 4 and others). Please read our Terms and Conditions section for full details.

Bookings can be rescheduled or altered however strict conditions apply and youGoldrush’s Prosecco Breakfast is a tradition. After your flight we celebrate in style with a sparkling King Valley Prosecco toast and a delicious cooked breakfast. Friends and family are welcome to join you - additional Prosecco Breakfasts are best ordered a few days before, so please let us know ahead of time. Our breakfast partners, Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard, King River Cafe and Mansfield Coffee Merchant, can both cater for dietary requirements - please lets us know any requirement in advance. need to give us plenty of warning (refer Condition 4 and others). Please read our Terms and Conditions section for full details.