A Magnificent Hot Air Balloon Cairns (Atherton Tablelands)

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“Uplifting by nature” is how it’s billed.

The Atherton Tablelands in Tropical North Queensland was the setting for our early morning hot air balloon ride.

Before arriving in Tropical North Queensland I, was of course, familiar with it being the location of the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation, and the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest.

But, throw in the Atherton Tablelands and the diversity of this area is why I now call it one of my favourite regions in all of Australia. Being the nature lover that I am, this area just speaks to me.a

Located just one hours drive west of Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands are a sub-tropical haven spread over an area larger than the state of Tasmania. Who knew?

Our first encounter in the area was our adventurous, or should I say tragic mountain biking experience. This time, we would be taking things a lot SLOWER and admiring the region from the air.

Turns out, North Queensland is one of the most popular places in Australia for a hot air balloon flight. The weather is favourable, and the scenery not too shabby.

Our day started early with a 4.15 am pick up from the QT Hotel in Port Douglas.

Yep, sunrise is the best time for your hot air balloon in Cairns. Starting your day watching the sun rise over the rolling hills is an experience.

Get to the launch site as early as you can so you can get in the first balloon that takes off, otherwise if you’re photographers like us, the light gets hazy real quick.

It’s pretty special to look out over the at all the balloons flying – it looks like you are at a Balloon festival. I especially loved the waving kangaroo!

Gliding along with the gentle breeze, the thing you notice most about floating in a hot air balloon is the silence – except when the propane burners are firing.

There is a calmness on board as you rotate around the basket, and whilst we weren’t airborne for long we enjoyed the 360-degree picturesque views of the greenery below before floating gently back down to earth.

Once you’re done with your hot air balloon flight, consider indulging in some of the regions gourmet food and wine, waterfalls, or other adventure activities in Tropical North Queensland like white water rafting, jungle surfing scenic flights, Kuranda train, and stand up paddle boarding.

P.S. A little thrill for us on the bus ride back into Cairns – two lovely young English lads, who were in our balloon, asked us if we were that Australian couple who have a travel blog. We then chatted for the rest of the journey and shared with them our tips for travelling Oz.

The Facts

Hot Air Balloon Cairns operates flights daily, weather dependent, from the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Port Douglas and Palm Cove with door to door transfers included in your Cairns hot air ballooning tour.

A few hot air balloon safety tips:

Before you book your Cairns hot air balloon tour, be aware of the following

• Have travel insurance (be sure it covers hot air ballooning.
• Ballooning is not suitable for anyone who may be pregnant
• The minimum age is 4 years and those under 18 must travel with a guardian or parent
• It is a CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) requirement that you be able to climb in and out of the basket unaided using the footholds provided

More tips for the Cairns region including day tours

• Riding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway + Kuranda Scenic Railway in Cairns
• How to visit the Great Barrier Reef
• 11 Amazing Things to do in Cairns (including Green Island)

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO CAIRNS

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Disclaimer: We were guests of Tourism Queensland