7 Frequently Asked Questions

Ever Wondered Why Hot Air Balloon Rides In Melbourne Only Take Place At Sunrise? Why do hot air balloon flights occur only at sunrise? We’ve got the answers right here, and believe us, it’s more than just because the view is more beautiful. Safety is our number one priority. Several of our customers have asked us why we do not operate during the day and into the afternoon — so we’ve decided to give you a proper explanation. Before we delve into the science of it all, we’d like to ask you something? What better time is there to overlook Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens than at the gentle peacefulness of the stillness of dawn? But let’s get on with the reason we fly our hot air balloon rides at Sunrise, it’s simple: Calm Conditions For the envelope (this is the actual balloon) to rise the pilot heat up the inside of the envelope with hot air to cause the air inside the balloon to become less dense and lighter than the air outside the envelope. When this happens, the balloon can lift. The amount of lift depends on the difference between the temperature of the air inside the balloon and the temperature of the air outside the balloon. Sunrise is the ideal time for pilots to utilise the cooler calm conditions. Day-time influence The temperature during the day increases, and by midday, the rising temperature from the ground causes a phenomenon called Thermals, which are like long columns of air pockets that rush up and down. The Thermals can cause drafts in the atmosphere, which would directly affect the control a pilot has on the hot-air balloon. Other factors Typically, during the day, the fast-moving air at higher altitudes mixes with the cooler and slower-moving air from the curvature of the earth, which can cause gusts of particularly unpredictable winds. Of course, this will affect the level of control pilots have, regarding steering and managing the buoyancy mid-air. For these reasons, BalloonMan only offers flights at Sunrise. But there is something fantastically beneficial about this scientific restriction — this is the best time to take in the views of the Melbourne Think of the great places you can see while flying over Melbourne: we often fly over sites such as the Royal Botanical Gardens, Yarra River, Rialto Tower, Arts Centre and so many other of our pristine parks, gardens and wonderful landmarks. Call us today on 1800 HOT AIR (1800 468 247) or Book Online Now and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.

You’ve Booked Your Hot Air Balloon Flight. But Do You Have Everything You Need? Complete our Balloon Flight Checklist and Make Your Trip the Best One Yet! Recently the Australian Ballooning Federation (ABF) released an article detailing the checklist pilots must perform to ensure that they are ready to safely pilot their hot air balloons. We applaud the ABF’s commitment to safety and realised that not many first-time hot air balloon adventurers are sure how to prepare for their ride. To help make the experience a breath-taking one, we’ve put together a couple of pointers you should consider before your next or first hot air balloon ride. Mental and physical condition Get a good night’s rest in, so that you’re awake and ready to see the splendour of the Australian countryside like never, before. Also, we suggest you make sure you’ve had a trip to the loo before we take off. Hot air balloon dress code Casual comfortable clothing is recommended, wear what feels comfortable to you depending on the season, don’t over dress in the belief it will be colder in the air as it is in fact warmer. The sun is rising, naturally warming the air, there is no wind chill as you are moving with the wind, plus you have burners above your head that act like heaters. Since hot air balloons often land in fields, we suggest you wear shoes and socks that can handle the terrain. No matter what the season, we always recommend that our guests wear sunscreen. What you can bring along There are no necessities you must bring along, except a sense of joy, seeing as you’re going to have the experience of a lifetime, but there are some items you can bring with you, if you like. Sunglasses often come in handy on a hot air balloon trip, as does a small camera or just your smartphone. (Remember to keep a tight grip on your valuables!) If you want to bring larger photographic equipment, contact us ahead of time to see if it will be possible to accommodate you. We are committed make every hot air balloon ride a safe and enjoyable experience for all our passengers. So, join us for your next hot air balloon ride, safe in the knowledge that we’ve taken care of all the important parts, and that you’re about to see something amazing! If you need any more information regarding hot air balloon safety and our commitment to your safety, or want to book your hot air balloon flight, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Top Tips To Ensure Your First Flight

Do you truly want to be happy? Then come fly with BalloonMan Then science says you should spend more money on once in a lifetime experiences than material things… We’ve all seen the bumper sticker that says, “Collect Moments, Not Things”. But did you know that there is a lot of truth in this statement? According to research conducted by the San Francisco State University that was published in the online Journal of Positive Psychology, people often buy material things, believing it will bring them happiness and that it is a better use of money. However, when it comes to things that improve one’s well-being, experiences come out on top. There has been much research dedicated to the topic of experiences versus things, and they all offer unique insights into why people should be choosing one over the other. Many studies show that material purchases don’t provide long lasting pleasure because we soon grow accustomed to them. It’s the old saying: “The novelty wears off”. Often a better version of what we have purchased will come out just after we’ve bought it, making us regret our purchase. We also often enjoy the anticipation and build up to the purchase more than the actual purchase itself. The moment we complete the purchase the thrill is over and we’re left seeking more. The good thing about choosing an experience over a thing is that it doesn’t have to be dramatic or flashy to work. Many people assume that for an experience to be beneficial, it needs to be expensive or large – like climbing Mount Everest or taking a month off to explore Europe. Research shows that the experience can be small or short and still have a very positive affect on a person’s well-being. It also shows that when we share experiences with people close to us, we feel more connected with them – something that does not happen during shared enjoyment of a material object. So, the next time you have some cash to spare and are considering buying the latest smart gadget or popular fashion accessory, ask yourself if you will still enjoy it in a month’s time. Perhaps a better use of your money would be to take your spouse for a sunrise hot air balloon ride instead. This way you can build long lasting memories and a better emotional connection that will last long after your ride is over. Come Fly with BalloonMan book your Hot air Balloon Flight Now

Unsure If A Hot Air Balloon Ride Is The Right Experience For You? Here Are Some Reasons Why You Should Come Fly with Us ASAP! You’ve heard about the great times your friends have had on their hot air balloon rides, but you’re not exactly sure it’s for you. If you’ve been looking for the right reason to go on your first hot air balloon ride, or need an idea for a great occasion, we’ve got some ballooning ideas just for you. A new way of looking at things If you ask anyone that’s been on a hot air balloon ride, they’ll tell you that it gives you views of Melbourne that cannot be seen in any other way. On your ride you’ll get to see Melbourne vistas like never before and catch a glimpse of our cities unique beauty. Get a new perspective, just like the legends It’s said that what separates us from the legends of our time is the fact that they continuously come up with new ways of seeing things. Makes sense, seeing how many industry leaders and brilliant minds, from Sir Richard Branson to famed astrophysicist Steven Hawking, have been on hot air balloon rides. Why not come for a ride, and see the world in the same way as they have? It’s great for special occasions If you’re looking to spice up an outing, or looking to do something that’s special and something a bit more out of the ordinary on days like Mother’s or Father’s Day, a hot air balloon ride can be just the thing. Give the gift of impeccable views, and a once in a lifetime experience. And of course, there are really, really… special occasions If you’re ready to ask the big question, and are keen to do something more than a dinner at a fancy restaurant, a hot air balloon ride on that special day is an experience you and your life partner are sure to remember for the rest of your long and happy life together. It’s an excellent choice for buckets with lists in them We keep going on about the once in a lifetime experience thing, but we feel that thousands of happy balloon riders can’t all be wrong. If you want a unique experience, catching the sights and sounds of our city, while not having to worry about driving, a hot air balloon ride should be on your to do list. If you’re interested in seeing Melbourne like never before; contact us today to schedule your hot air balloon ride! Call Free Call: 1800 Hot Air (1800 468 247) or Book Online Now