Are you looking for a way to enjoy the Hunter Valley's landscapes from a bird's eye view? There are planes. There are helicopters. However, if you want to experience a truly unique experience while airborne, then you only have one option: balloon rides.

Are you still not convinced? Here are some of the key benefits of this mode of transportation:

1. Hot air balloons are fun

What would a flying contraption be without fun? Since ancient times, we humans have dreamed of flying like the soaring birds above us. Fortunately, balloon flights can deliver. From the launching to the landing, and from the basket to the balloon—hot air balloons can provide one of life's most exhilarating activities. That's due to the one-of-a-kind experience of floating over the picturesque landscape below the balloon.

2. Hot air balloons are relaxing

It's often been said that “Getting there is half the fun.” That's definitely true of balloon rides. Sure, airplanes and helicopters are faster. However, the simplicity of a hot air balloon's construction actually adds to the relaxation of its flight.

Although the pilot still needs to do some steering, the wind is the main influence of the balloon's speed and direction. This helps to make the hot air balloon trip as restful as possible.

That's a big plus when you're looking for an airborne way to enjoy Australia's spectacular landscape.

3. Hot air balloons are eye-catching

Yet another benefit of balloon flights is that the hot air balloons exist in all sorts of designs. There are hot air balloons in a rainbow of colours and a gallery of graphics.

In fact, if you're able to choose whichever hot air balloon you want to fly in, you'll likely want to choose one that matches your preferences and personality.

How about while you're airborne? While you won't be able to appreciate the balloon's design fully then, everyone watching it from the ground will be mesmerized by your balloon's design. This definitely adds to the experience of riding in a hot air balloon.

4. Hot air balloons are eco-friendly

Even though you do burn fossil fuels during balloon rides, here's the good news: propane is the most common fossil fuel that's used to power the balloons. This gives you the chance to be “green” while you're up in the “blue.” Even if you don't consider yourself an environmentalist, producing less pollution during your recreational activities will likely make your hot air balloon ride even more enjoyable than normal.

5. Hot air balloons are flexible

The flexibility doesn't just include the balloon itself! When choosing a mode of flight, you have several options. However, one of the main features you're likely searching for is flexibility.

Fortunately, balloon flights can deliver. There are trips for one, and trips for small families.

There are trips for wedding proposals, and trips for corporate parties. Basically, you'll have oodles of options if you choose to see the Hunter Valley from the vantage point of a hot air balloon. There's more! We have trips that include a champagne breakfast. Who wouldn't drink to that feature?

6. Hot air balloons are “healthy”

Motion sickness and vertigo are two common problems that passengers experience while flying airplanes and helicopters. The solution: hot air balloons.

Since the balloon flies at the same speed as the air and wind surrounding it, motion sickness is non-existent. How about during the launching and landing? It's possible.

That said, keep in mind that those events typically only last for a few minutes. Then there's vertigo. The balloons' height during flight usually ranges from treetops, to 3,000 feet.

At first, 3,000 feet might seem really high, right? In fact, the world's tallest building is about 2,700 feet. So if you wouldn't get vertigo while standing on the top floor of that, then you likely wouldn't experience it during a hot air balloon flight.

For the best in balloon rides over the Hunter Valley, contact Wine Country Ballooning today

by +John Wright