Foodie Itineraries: Ballooning + Dining Experiences
If you believe that great mornings deserve great meals, a hot air balloon flight followed by a culinary experience is the ultimate Yarra Valley or Melbourne day out.
Ballooning already awakens the senses — the sunrise, the silence, the view — so pairing it with delicious food completes the story perfectly.
Here are a few foodie itineraries designed to make the most of your post-flight adventure.
1. The Classic Gourmet Morning – Champagne + Winery Lunch
Start: Sunrise balloon flight over the Yarra Valley
Then: Champagne breakfast (optional)
Follow with: A long lunch at a local winery such as Oakridge Wines, Yering Station, or Meletos.
After a peaceful flight, let the morning flow into a slow, elegant lunch among the vines. Expect seasonal produce, paired wines, and that beautiful “we did something amazing today” feeling.
Why it works: The calm of the flight blends perfectly with the relaxed rhythm of vineyard dining.
2. The Melbourne Brunch Adventure
Start: City balloon flight at dawn, drifting over the Yarra River and skyline.
Then: Coffee and brunch at one of Melbourne’s café icons — Higher Ground, Hardware Société, or Patricia Coffee Brewers.
Keep it simple: great coffee, fresh pastries, and an hour to relive the morning’s moments.
Later in the day, if you’re still exploring, finish with drinks at a rooftop bar like QT Rooftop or Bomba.
Why it works: You begin above the city, then savour its famous café culture from street level — a full Melbourne experience from sky to cup.
3. The Countryside Feast
Start: Early-morning flight across the Yarra Valley
Then: Stop by a farmers’ market (Yering Station or Healesville) to sample local produce
Finish with: Lunch at TarraWarra Estate or Chandon with wine pairings and sweeping vineyard views.
Bring a cooler bag to take home local cheese, olives, or honey — perfect reminders of your morning.
Why it works: It connects you directly with the region — meet the growers, taste the valley, and see the land from every angle.
4. The Craft & Casual Route
Start: Balloon flight followed by coffee or breakfast near the landing site.
Then: Head to Matilda Bay Brewery, Coldstream Brewery, or Four Pillars Gin Distillery for a relaxed tasting or lunch platter.
Think shared plates, local beers, and gin cocktails inspired by the Yarra’s botanicals.
Why it works: Perfect for groups or couples who prefer an easygoing, social finish to their adventure.
5. The All-Day Celebration
For special occasions — birthdays, proposals, anniversaries — turn the day into a full itinerary:
Sunrise: Balloon flight with optional in-flight photos.
Morning: Champagne breakfast.
Midday: Winery or restaurant lunch.
Afternoon: Cheese and wine tasting at Yarra Valley Dairy or Four Pillars Gin.
Evening: Return to the city for sunset drinks at Naked in the Sky or Loop Roof.
Why it works: It’s the perfect “sky-to-table” journey — one that begins in the clouds and ends under the stars.
Planning Tips
Book early: Flights and restaurant tables fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Allow travel time: Balloon landings can vary slightly, so plan your dining reservations from late morning onwards.
Bring flat shoes and layers: You’ll thank yourself when transitioning from fields to fine dining.
Let the day unfold: The best part of ballooning is how unhurried it feels — keep that rhythm for the rest of your experience.
A Taste of the Perfect Day
A hot air balloon flight is more than a bucket-list experience — it’s the perfect opening act for a day filled with flavour, relaxation, and celebration.
So whether you’re chasing a winery lunch, a city brunch, or a gin-tasting afternoon, there’s no better pairing than ballooning + dining in Victoria.
Because when you start your day above the clouds, everything that follows tastes just a little bit better.
✨ Ready to create your own foodie adventure?
Book your Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight, then choose from our recommended dining partners to turn your morning in the sky into a day of indulgence on the ground.