Hot Air Balloons at Melbourne Festivals & Events
Melbourne is famous for its festivals — from food and wine to art, music, and sport — and hot air balloons often play a colourful role in the city’s celebrations.
Whether they’re rising at sunrise or glowing against the night sky, balloons add a sense of wonder and excitement that captures the spirit of every event.
Here’s how hot air balloons feature across Melbourne’s festival calendar, and why they’re an unmissable part of the city’s skyline each year.
1. Moomba Festival 🎡
When: March
Where: Along the Yarra River and Alexandra Gardens
Moomba is Melbourne’s most iconic community festival — a joyful mix of parades, water sports, fireworks, and family fun.
Each year, the skies above the city often feature special balloon flights that mark the start of the celebrations.
Watching the balloons drift over the Yarra River while the city wakes up for Moomba weekend is pure magic — especially for families or first-time visitors.
Tip: Book early for flights during Moomba weekend, as it’s one of the most popular times of the year.
2. Melbourne Cup Carnival 🎠
When: Late October to early November
Where: Flemington Racecourse and across the city
Spring in Melbourne is about fashion, flowers, and racing — and hot air balloons over the city at sunrise are often part of the festive atmosphere.
A morning flight offers sweeping views of Flemington Racecourse, the blooming gardens, and the city dressed up for the Cup Carnival.
It’s a stunning way to start the day before heading to the races — champagne in hand, hat perfectly in place.
3. White Night Melbourne 🌙
When: Winter (dates vary)
Where: Melbourne CBD and regional Victoria
During White Night, the city transforms into an after-dark wonderland of light and art installations.
While balloons don’t fly at night, they sometimes appear as illuminated displays or special tethered glow events connected to the festival.
These glowing balloons, lighting up parks or riverside spaces, become one of the most photogenic parts of the evening — and a unique way to see ballooning in a whole new light.
4. Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 🍷
When: March
Where: Throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria
Ballooning and food pair perfectly — sunrise flights often finish with an optional champagne breakfast, and some years, special Food & Wine Festival flights have included exclusive post-flight dining events.
In the Yarra Valley, this combination shines even more. Guests can start their day in the air, then continue to local vineyards for tastings, long lunches, and live music as part of the festival program.
5. Regional Balloon Festivals Across Victoria 🎈
While Melbourne’s skyline is iconic, the countryside comes alive with dedicated ballooning festivals throughout the year.
Toca Valley Balloon Festival (King Valley / North East Victoria)
Features mass ascents, night glows, and local wine events.
Canowindra International Balloon Challenge (NSW, near Victoria border)
Australia’s largest balloon gathering, often featuring pilots from across the world.
These regional festivals celebrate both flying and community spirit — perfect for travellers who love photography, adventure, and local food.
6. Sporting Events & City Celebrations
Major sporting weekends like the Australian Open, Grand Prix, and AFL Grand Final often see balloons decorating the sky as part of Melbourne’s welcome.
For early risers, a balloon flight during one of these weekends gives you a bird’s-eye view of the excitement below — crowds, arenas, and a city buzzing with energy.
7. Private & Corporate Events
Beyond public festivals, hot air balloons are often part of private celebrations — from company launches and team-building events to marriage proposals and milestone birthdays.
Custom balloon displays, tethered flights, and scenic launches are a unique way to make any Melbourne event truly memorable.
8. The Perfect Photo Opportunity
Balloons are not only an experience — they’re a spectacle.
Whether seen from the ground or the sky, they transform the Melbourne skyline into a canvas of colour.
Many photographers plan their shoots around festival weekends, when multiple balloons take off together, creating picture-perfect sunrise scenes.
A Celebration Above It All
From Moomba mornings to race-day skies, hot air balloons have become a joyful symbol of Melbourne’s energy and creativity.
They remind us that every celebration can start a little higher — with the city laid out beneath a golden sunrise.
✨ Ready to join the festivities from above?
Book your Hot Air Balloon Flight over Melbourne or the Yarra Valley, and see the city’s festivals from the best seat in the sky.