Milawa - Goldrush Ballooning
Experience the magic of floating above the beautiful King Valley in a hot air balloon with Goldrush Ballooning.
Departing from Milawa at sunrise, the balloon flights offer spectacular views across the vineyards, patchwork farmland, winding rivers and mountain ranges of North East Victoria.
The King Valley is renowned for its beautiful countryside and favourable ballooning conditions, making it an excellent location for a scenic flight.
Goldrush Ballooning operates professional hot air balloon flights throughout the year, with experienced pilots and ground crews looking after passengers from the initial preparations until their return to Milawa.
Children aged six and older can participate, provided they meet the operator's height and safety requirements.
King Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight:
The adventure begins before sunrise at the historic Brown Brothers winery in Milawa.
Passengers meet the Goldrush Ballooning team at the Historic Barn before travelling a short distance to the launch site.
The launch location may change depending on the wind and weather conditions.
At the launch site, visitors can watch the enormous balloon being inflated with hot air, transforming it from a colourful fabric envelope spread across the ground into a towering balloon ready for flight.
Passengers are welcome to assist with the inflation preparations if they wish.
After a safety briefing, everyone climbs into the wicker basket ready for take-off.
The balloon gradually rises above the countryside, offering wonderful views of the vineyards and surrounding landscape.
Depending on wind direction, the flight may pass over the Brown Brothers vineyards, Oxley, the historic Oxley Flour Mill and the King River.
The views can extend across the King and Ovens valleys towards Mount Buffalo and the mountains of the Victorian High Country.
The flight generally lasts approximately one hour.
After landing, the ground crew meets the balloon and passengers can watch or assist with packing away the equipment.
Transport is provided back to the original meeting point in Milawa.
The complete experience generally takes three to four hours.
What's Included:
The King Valley balloon flight experience includes:
- Approximately one hour of sunrise hot air ballooning
- Transport from the Milawa meeting point to the launch site
- Return transport after landing
- Opportunity to watch or assist with balloon inflation and packing up
- Passenger safety briefing before take-off
- Scenic views of the King Valley and surrounding countryside
- In-flight photography
- Hosting and information from the experienced Goldrush Ballooning team
Can Children Go Hot Air Ballooning?
Goldrush Ballooning welcomes children aged six years and older.
Children must be able to see over the edge of the balloon basket, approximately 1.3 metres high, without being lifted or standing on an object.
Every child must be accompanied by a paying adult.
The flight involves standing in the basket for approximately one hour, so children need to be comfortable with the experience and able to follow the pilot's safety instructions.
Younger children who cannot meet the age or height requirements are not permitted to fly.
Families should discuss any concerns about a child's suitability with the operator before booking.
Optional Breakfast:
Following the balloon flight, passengers can choose to enjoy a Prosecco Breakfast at Lancemore Milawa Hotel.
Breakfast is an optional extra and needs to be arranged when booking.
The experience includes a cooked breakfast and a selection of buffet items such as fruit, cereal, toast, tea and coffee.
A glass of local Prosecco is also available for adult guests.
Non-flying family members and friends can join the breakfast by arrangement.
This provides an opportunity for families to celebrate the flight together, even if some members have not participated in the ballooning experience.
Private Balloon Flights:
Goldrush Ballooning also offers boutique exclusive flights for visitors wanting a more private experience.
These can be suitable for couples, families or small groups celebrating a special occasion.
Exclusive experiences are subject to availability and separate booking arrangements.
Standard shared flights require sufficient passenger numbers to proceed, with the operator generally requiring at least four booked passengers to confirm a flight.
Weather and Flight Conditions:
Hot air ballooning is highly dependent on suitable weather conditions.
Flights generally take place around sunrise when winds are often calmer and conditions are more favourable.
Strong winds, rain, fog and other unsuitable weather conditions may result in a flight being cancelled or postponed.
The pilot monitors forecasts before the scheduled flight and confirms the arrangements with passengers, usually during the evening before departure.
If the flight cannot proceed because of weather conditions, passengers are offered options to reschedule or obtain a refund in accordance with the operator's booking conditions.
Families travelling from a long distance should allow some flexibility in their itinerary because flights cannot be guaranteed.
What to Wear:
Passengers should wear comfortable clothing suitable for an early morning outdoor adventure.
Recommended clothing includes:
- Comfortable enclosed shoes suitable for walking across paddocks
- Long trousers
- Warm layers for the early morning conditions
- A jacket during cooler weather
- A hat or cap to provide protection from the heat of the balloon burner
Passengers should also be comfortable standing for the duration of the flight and moving across potentially uneven ground at the launch and landing sites.
Anyone with mobility limitations, recent injuries or relevant medical conditions should discuss their circumstances with the operator before booking.
Meeting Point:
The King Valley balloon flights meet at the Historic Barn at Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard, 239 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Road, Milawa.
The meeting time varies throughout the year according to sunrise and is generally approximately 30 minutes before first light.
Parking is available at the meeting point.
The balloon does not necessarily launch from the winery itself, as the pilot selects a suitable launch site according to the weather and wind direction.
The duty pilot confirms the final arrangements with passengers the evening before their flight.
Facilities and Services:
- Professional hot air balloon flights
- Experienced commercial balloon pilots
- Passenger safety briefing
- Approximately one hour in the air
- In-flight photography
- Transport between meeting point and launch and landing sites
- Optional breakfast after the flight
- Private and exclusive flights
- Gift vouchers
- Parking at the Milawa meeting point
- Toilets at the meeting point
Opening Hours:
Flight Availability and Booking Calendar
Cost:
Flight Prices, Child Rates and Bookings
Review:
Goldrush Ballooning offers a memorable way to experience the magnificent scenery of the King Valley and Victoria's High Country.
The opportunity to float quietly above vineyards, farmland and winding rivers as the sun rises over the mountains is the main attraction.
The balloon inflation process adds another interesting dimension, allowing passengers to see how an enormous hot air balloon is prepared for flight.
For children aged six and older who meet the safety requirements, the experience offers something very different from a typical family activity.
The views towards Mount Buffalo and the surrounding mountain ranges can be particularly impressive, although the exact flight route depends on the wind.
The optional breakfast provides an enjoyable way to finish the adventure and gives non-flying family members an opportunity to join the celebrations.
The main considerations are the early morning start, the cost and the possibility of weather-related cancellations.
Families should also remember that children must be able to see over the basket rim and remain standing during the flight.
For families with older children who are looking for a special experience while visiting North East Victoria, a sunrise balloon flight over the King Valley is an exciting option.
Location
Brown Brothers Historic Barn, 239 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Road, Milawa 3678 View Map
✆ (03) 8566 6746 / 1300 255 666
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ www.goldrushballooning.com.au/king-valley
→ Goldrush Ballooning on Facebook
