Go Wild Ballooning

Go Wild Ballooning is Melbourne and the Yarra Valley's original hot air ballooning company, established in 1989 by the Fraser brothers. They offer flights over Melbourne, Geelong, and the Yarra Valley, with a Trustburn rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 8 reviews. The business operates as a family tradition that pioneered the first hot air balloon flight in the Yarra Valley from their family vineyard, Tarraford, near Yarra Glen.

The experience typically takes 3 to 4 hours for a flight alone, or 4 to 5 hours if including breakfast. The actual flight duration is approximately 60 minutes, allowing passengers to drift gently over the landscape while enjoying breathtaking views of the city skyline, coastline, or vineyards depending on the chosen location.

Meeting points vary by location: Chateau Yering Hotel for Yarra Valley flights, Novotel Geelong for Geelong flights, and Sofitel Melbourne on Collins for Melbourne flights. Free parking is available at the Yarra Valley and Geelong locations, while Melbourne flights require parking on Lansdowne Street between Treasury Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens.

The exact meeting time is confirmed by the pilot the night before the flight via phone or SMS. Passengers must reply to confirm between 6:00 PM and 6:45 PM, as pilots turn off their phones after 7:30 PM to rest. Failure to check in during this window results in forfeiting the flight.

Clothing should consist of casual, outdoor layers to handle the chill before sunrise and warmth after, along with sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Optional items include spare shoes and socks for damp grass, a hat and sunglasses for glare, and a personal water bottle, while smoking and vaping are not allowed.

The morning routine involves arriving one hour before first light for a weather check and safety briefing. The balloon inflates in about 30 minutes, after which passengers receive a further safety briefing before takeoff. Late arrivals may miss the flight entirely.

The Yarra Valley flight departs from Chateau Yering Hotel, where the company has partnered for more than 25 years. This location offers optional heritage accommodation and gourmet breakfast post-flight, surrounded by timeless elegance and world-class wineries.

The Geelong flight provides views of Port Phillip Bay, the Bellarine Peninsula, and the Southern Ocean. After the flight, passengers enjoy a gourmet breakfast with sparkling wine at the Tempo Kitchen & Bar @ Novotel Geelong, right on the promenade.

The Melbourne flight offers views of the MCG, Port Phillip Bay, and the Eureka Skydeck. The day concludes with a lavish buffet breakfast at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, a luxurious way to toast the unforgettable morning.

The flight duration is approximately 60 minutes, during which passengers can keep their camera ready for unforgettable views. The pilot guides the flight based on that morning's weather conditions and wind direction, ensuring a peaceful and surprisingly still experience.

Go Wild Ballooning has a 3.9 out of 5 rating on Trustburn from 8 reviews. Recent feedback from 2022 and 2023 highlights breathtaking views, friendly and professional crews, and skilled pilots, though some ratings are lower than others.

Some reviewers praise the magical sunrise experience and the professional crew that ensures safety and comfort. Others note the breathtaking scenery and the ability to see iconic sights like the Eureka Skydeck from a unique perspective.

The business offers gift certificates and gift cards that can be bought online. These allow customers to redeem the experience for themselves or others, making it a popular choice for unique and memorable adventures.

The official website of Go Wild Ballooning is gowildballooning.com.au.