Balloon Festivals in Victoria (Yarra Valley, Canowindra, etc.)
For those who love colour, community, and the magic of sunrise, balloon festivals offer one of the most breathtaking experiences in Australia.
While Melbourne and the Yarra Valley provide beautiful flights year-round, several regional festivals take the celebration to a whole new level.
Here’s a guide to the key ballooning festivals and experiences across Victoria and nearby regions.
1. Canowindra International Balloon Challenge (New South Wales)
Although just over the Victorian border, Canowindra International Balloon Challenge is one of Australia’s largest and most spectacular ballooning events.
Held each April, the festival attracts pilots from across Australia and the world.
Highlights include:
Mass ascents at sunrise, where dozens of balloons lift off together in a sky full of colour
The Cabonne Community Balloon Glow, where balloons light up against the night sky
Live music, food stalls, and markets, creating a relaxed country-festival atmosphere
For anyone passionate about photography, travel, or flight, this is the ultimate balloon experience. It’s around a seven-hour drive from Melbourne, making it ideal for a long-weekend road trip.
2. Yarra Valley Ballooning (Victoria)
While the Yarra Valley doesn’t host a single-week balloon festival, it is the heart of ballooning in Victoria.
Flights depart year-round, with stunning views of vineyards, farmland, and gentle morning mist.
Many operators offer packages that include:
Champagne breakfast after landing
Winery visits or tasting experiences
Private group baskets for celebrations or proposals
If you’d like a “festival-style” feeling without the crowds, choose a sunny spring or autumn morning when multiple balloons launch together — it’s every bit as magical.
3. Other Regional Ballooning Events
Beyond the major festivals, ballooning occasionally features in smaller community events across regional Victoria and southern New South Wales, such as:
Tocumwal Air Show and other aviation weekends where balloons make guest appearances
Local wine or harvest festivals that include balloon tether displays or early-morning flights
These smaller events give visitors a chance to see balloons up close while exploring country towns and meeting local pilots.
4. Why Balloon Festivals Are Worth the Trip
Atmosphere: There’s nothing like watching dozens of balloons inflate and rise together at sunrise.
Community: Festivals bring together locals, travellers, photographers, and balloon teams in a friendly, relaxed setting.
Scenery: Regional areas like the Yarra Valley and Canowindra offer stunning landscapes for flying and photography.
Family-friendly: Many festivals include markets, entertainment, and food stalls — perfect for all ages.
5. Travel Tips for Festival Visitors
Book early: Accommodation and flights sell out quickly around festival dates.
Arrive early: Balloon launches happen before sunrise, so plan to be on-site very early.
Dress warmly: Morning temperatures can be cool even in spring.
Be flexible: Ballooning is weather-dependent; have a backup plan or extra day in your schedule.
Bring your camera: Early-morning light and vibrant colours make for stunning photos.
6. Combine Ballooning with a Victorian Road Trip
For travellers starting in Melbourne:
Begin with a city or Yarra Valley balloon flight, then
Drive north to Canowindra or regional towns hosting smaller festivals,
Finish with a few days exploring wine country, farm stays, or local markets.
It’s a scenic, relaxing, and unforgettable way to experience both the adventure and the artistry of ballooning.
A Sky Full of Colour
Whether you’re watching from the ground or flying among the clouds, balloon festivals capture everything joyful about flight — teamwork, community, and pure wonder.
From the Yarra Valley’s peaceful vineyards to Canowindra’s glowing skies, each event reminds us why ballooning continues to inspire people of all ages.
✨ Ready to experience ballooning for yourself?
Join a Hot Air Balloon Flight over Melbourne or the Yarra Valley, or plan a trip to one of Australia’s stunning balloon festivals — and see the skies come alive.