Is Hot Air Ballooning on your bucket list? 

If not then it definitely needs to be. We had the most incredible morning with thanks to Pelago who is a new travel experience platform by Singapore Airlines. We picked an amazing tour offered by Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast who took us on a magical ride over the Gold Coast Hinterland. It finished with a hot buffet breakfast awaiting us with a glass of champagne and squeezed fresh orange for the kids at the O’rileys Winery.

The day begins very early in the morning with our alarm set for for 3:30am as we had a 40 minute drive ahead of us from where we were staying on the Gold Coast. You have the choice to be picked up from your accommodation or you can drive yourself to the end pick up destination which is the Canungra visitor centre. We opted for driving ourselves as it was a better option for us with the kids. From there you are greeted by your driver who will give you all the info you need for the day. 

After the bus drive you arrive at your secret location to the Hot Air Balloons being inflated. Its such an incredible sight to witness as you walk up to these huge balloons with the sound of the roaring fire alongside the stillness of the early morning ambience. Its such a moment to take in as you imagine boarding and gliding off into the glowing morning light. 

As you enter the basket and settle in you can feel the heat of the flame which is a welcome feeling in the cold morning air. The pilot now begins all the safety briefing and you begin your take off. That first moment as you leave the ground is both exciting and nerve wrecking, especially if your like Aimee and have a fear of heights. As you gently get higher and higher any of those fears you once had just disappear as you take in the incredible views from your cosy basket. Amongst the roar of the flame you are greeted by utter silence as you gently glide above the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland. You are also greeted with panoramic views of the Tamborine mountains and Lamington National Park.

The fun didn’t stop when back on the ground again with pack up games of the balloon and our hot buffet breakfast awaiting us which was just the icing on the cake after the most beautiful morning. Thanks again to Pelago who have provided such a user friendly platform for all these incredible experiences around the world. Just remember a memory last forever so why not make as many of them as you can.