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See what our passengers have to say about their hot air balloon trip. Get feedback about our service from our interactive blog. Have a look to see over 50 independant reviews.

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If you have already flown we would love to hear your feedback, simply scroll to the bottom of the page and have your say. Let our potential passengers know what you thought of our balloon rides.


Comments (76)

Said this on 04-02-2011 At 07:03 pm

I don't like getting up early and I am a little scared of heights so I was a bit worried. My 14 year old daughter was so excited!  Helping to get the balloon ready certainly took my mind off things before I knew it we were up and what a peaceful, perfect experience, kangaroos boxing below and of course the beautiful vineyards below. The pilot Daren and his funny sense of humour (Alex said he tells jokes like Dad! What could that mean?) Thankyou Daren all my fears were put aside for an amazing experience shared with my daughter - my husband and son just have to do it. Thanks again.

Mark & Suzanne
Said this on 04-02-2011 At 08:35 am

What a great morning! The best thing about Wine Country Ballooning is not sharing this amazing experience with a huge group - only us and two others, perfect!! It really made it that much more appealing. Daren, the pilot, is great - love that sense humour which made for many giggles at that early time of the morning. Hot air Ballooning was on our list of things to do, and I'am sure we did it with the best company and in the most beautiful place. Thoroughly recommend!!
p.s. also breakfast after was a great deal too!

Said this on 03-02-2011 At 01:28 pm

Floating above the Hunter Valley to mark my 40th Birthday was a fabulous experience and I thoroughly recommend Wine Country Ballooning for a safe and jolly hot air balloon ride. We stayed at Sovereign Hill Lodge which, although a fair drive from our launch site, was a truly wonderful place to stay, with lovely owners and spectacular views. A terrific couple of days.

Vickie Chen
Said this on 03-02-2011 At 12:29 pm

My boyfriend and I had a great flying experience on 1/1/11. It was a beautiful morning for a 4 person fly, love the experience!

Lauren
Said this on 05-01-2011 At 03:38 pm

Very amazing experience!!

Said this on 01-01-2011 At 08:08 am

Wine Country Ballooning for my 50th was simply fantastic. I saw the last sunrise of the decade. What a way to end 2010. Thank you....regards Vivianne.

Jennifer Lane
Said this on 15-12-2010 At 08:16 am

Daren - Thank you for a wonderful flight on Saturday. It was very much enjoyed by all of us. We are all talking about it and certainly letting others know how great it was. My only complaint was it was all over too soon. We would all certainly go ballooning again. Jennifer

Susan B
Said this on 07-12-2010 At 05:18 am

Daren,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!! This was my first balloon ride and it certainly will not be my last. The ride was incredible and it was even more special to have such a wonderful guide who truly loved ballooning. Thank you again for being so eager to find and get close to all the wildlife, ESPECIALLY the kangaroos! This was such a delight and if I ever make it back to the Hunter from the states I will be sure to balloon with you again! Many Thanks!

Daren Pallett (Pilot)
Said this on 07-12-2010 At 08:15 am

Hi Susan. Thanks for the comment. The roos certainly put on a show for us that morning didn't they. Maybe if you come back we will find you a croc!

Reece and Jess
Said this on 30-11-2010 At 08:49 pm

Had a wonderful flight on Sunday! great service and price with exclusive numbers best value tour in the valley. Our pilot darren had a great sense of humour but more importantly a very knowledgeable and experienced pilot, allowing us to relax and enjoy the amazing views . Loved the pictures, and would definitely fly again next time we are up

Karen Sterland
Said this on 30-11-2010 At 10:32 am

What a wonderful morning all the Mackies girls had Ballooning. We stayed at the Cessnock Motel the night before. It was economical and a great place to stay. The Balloon trip was amazing. It too was a great price when compared to the other local companies. Our pilot Daren was a pleasure to fly with. He made the trip even more memorable with his great sense of humour. The pictures taken by Daren were perfect. The view was stunning from the Air. Thank you Daren and Mark for an experience of a lifetime. All the Girls at Mackie Electric & Refrigeration.

Belinda & Budd
Said this on 29-11-2010 At 07:34 am

Thanks guys for a magical morning up in the sky! Had a fantastic time, great champagne, chocs and beautiful photos to remember our special day; also our little clay tokens which will keep reminding us of our time. Would do it again in a heartbeat! Thanks again.

Jenny
Said this on 25-11-2010 At 08:06 am

Thanks Darren for a great flight on a beautiful spring morning. Something I thought I'd never have the courage to do but you certainly put me at ease. Enjoyed the peacefulness, the countryside and learned lots. Was great being with a small group. Fantastic experience and something to cross off my bucket list!!!!

Daren Pallett (Pilot)
Said this on 25-11-2010 At 08:38 am

Thanks Jenny, pleased you enjoyed your morning. This time of years is great up here, all the rain has really made the place look good.

Phil C
Said this on 23-11-2010 At 11:02 am

A great day out. Highly recommend Wine Country Balloonnig to all visitors to the area. A family run outfit where the pilot owns the business and really cares about your experience. Want to see a Kangeroo - no problems, want to fly low over the tree to see the birds - no problems, want to know about the balloon works - no problem....

Eileen Davidson
Said this on 18-11-2010 At 02:03 pm

My brother and I thought ballooning with you was a fantastic experience. I thought I was too old for such an adventure. I'm in my 70's, my brother in his 80's, but we had a wonderful flight with Daren who looked after us extremely well. Back on ground the champagne breakfast was very welcome and Daren's little talk on the history of ballooning was great. Can't wait to do it again! Eileen

Kerstin Baas
Said this on 15-11-2010 At 06:21 pm

Hello Daren and team
What a great flight. I will definetely fly with you again and next time I'll bring my friends to share this awesome experience. Thanks again.
Kerstin

Jim & Tricia Robertson
Said this on 13-11-2010 At 10:42 am

Getting up before the lorikeets was worth it. Peaceful glide over the vineyards with Daren's banter keeping us all amused!  Plenty of kick boxing kangaroos and lush spring time vines all around. skillful landing showed many years of balloon piloting experience.

Daren Pallett (Pilot)
Said this on 15-11-2010 At 09:54 am

Thanks for the kind words Jim, Pleased you enjoyed your flight and hope the rest of your time down under goes well; Thanks for booking with Wine Country Ballooning

David Kew
Said this on 09-11-2010 At 02:03 am

I spent 18 months flying balloons in the Hunter alongside Daren and personally know him to be a great pilot and a genuinely nice guy. I would thoroughly recommend him as the company to fly with if you are contemplating ballooning in the Hunter.

Mike K
Said this on 08-11-2010 At 11:58 am

Being scared of heights I was a bit dubious about the whole thing, but with the buzz of launching forgot all about my phobia and when in the air didn't feel scared at all. The pilot was amazing and entertaining, and I will recommend this company to anyone that I speak to. Thanks for a great time.

Dominic and Oliver
Said this on 07-11-2010 At 11:27 am

What an awesome experience flying over the vineyards at sunrise! We really enjoyed our experience flying with you! The pilot was especially friendly and my teenage son loved watching and helping launch the balloon. It was a memorable experience and one my family will talk about for a long time to come.

Daren Pallett (pilot)
Said this on 07-11-2010 At 12:16 pm

Hi Dominic, thanks for your few kind words, give it a few years and your son could have a job as hot air balloon ground crew. The pay is lousy, the boss is a dragon but we meet some great people and what else would you be doing at 6 in the morning!

Elizabeth and Jacob
Said this on 07-11-2010 At 11:25 am

I flew with my son Jacob recently and we really enjoyed the flight. The pilot was very funny and very knowledgable about the Hunter Valley. It was amazing to be in the basket with another couple who announced their engagement right in front of us! The breakfast was delicious, a real feast and thoroughly recommended.Thank you for the experience and I wouldn't hesitate to ride again with you!

Nigel
Said this on 07-11-2010 At 11:22 am

Thank you so much for the wonderful experience of ballooning in the Hunter Valley. I took my mother as a birthday treat, and having never done anything like this before, she was elated. The office staff and staff 'on the ground' were so helpful and friendly.It was a once in a life time occasion and we thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you so much!  Nigel

John & Deborah Palmer
Said this on 07-11-2010 At 12:29 am

The most thrilling & exciting experience we have had in Years! Thank you so very much, to everyone at your establishment.  YOU made our special day so fantastic. Totally awesome, thoroughly enjoyable. Super friendly people to deal with. WE will be back again, recommended you to all our friends & family **WOW**** - regards Deb & John

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