Beyond Ballooning

It wasn't a great experience after all. 5 hours return driving, 90 minutes of waiting to decide the location they gonna to, and end up with only 32 minutes of flight time at low heights for $300 per person can't be saying value for money by any means. Firstly, during the wait at 5 am in a closed hotel, there was no food or water available. When… Read more

asked if we can get some water. We were told by a senior staff just drink from the bathroom tap. He also rudely refused to let anyone grab food or water for their car, which was parked only 20 meters away. The reason was "we could leave at any minute." After he said that, another 45-minute delay was extended, but still nothing changed no one was allowed. We don't understand why this is, but not in the mood to argue with him.

As a result, we missed the sunrise, and the flight time was cut short to only 32 minutes of air time compared to their website stating 45 - 60 minutes of flight. It was also fairly low altitude the whole flight as well. We flew about a bit, like 4-5 km on that day.

BTW， Under the same weather conditions, the Aloft balloon called off all flights on that morning due to weather reasons and rescheduled the customer booking for another day. Maybe this was the right thing to do?

definitely BEYOND Ballooning – "Up Up & Away!!" this is a really professional outfit. the fact there are ONLY '5 star' ratings says it all. *Attention to detail for your safety, comfort and enjoyment is paramount. *here's a very specific observation of this: Blake had even organised the brekky tables at HV Rydges so that people who were in our group could share stories and experiences. Definitely a 'BEYOND Ballooning' experience from start to finish. Congratulations!

Great Views Great Service – A Fathers day gift, I stirred at 4.30 a.m. and headed to the pick up point at the Crown Plaza Hotel where we were briefed and then sorted into groups for the three balloons to lift above the Pokolbin vineyards. On arrival the ballloon crew sent up illuminated balloons to check the wind currents to assure that all was well while the pilot… Read more

explained the set up and what was to happen, a very thorough briefing. We waited inside the minibus to keep away from the cold air until it was time to fill the balloons. It took no more than about 20 minutes to get us ready and then time to take off.

The ground crew took individual and group photos and then it was up up and away. We drifted over the treetops, vineyards and farms while Nathan, our pilot took us to various heights to catch the wind and keep us moving while alerting us to various landmarks.

The ground crew was kept up to date on where we might land and some were surprised to learn that we did literally have to go where the breeze took us.

Great views, Nathan made sure everyone felt safe and secure with his informative talks and all the while the outside cameras kept clicking away but "don't worry" he said, "unlike other companies we don't charge you for photos."

Once on the ground a carefree hour later, we all assisted in packing up the balloon before being taken back to the Crown Plaza for a sumptuous breakfast in pre reserved tables which was great as I have never seen so many people in the one place for breakfast before.

Finally, Nathan called around to our table with 62, yes 62 photos and a portfolio of other local attractions. A great service, although these days a USB might be a better idea than a CD. Couldn't fault them and I understand that it is a family business which has been in the area for many years.