Moomba Festival from the Sky
Every March, Melbourne comes alive for the Moomba Festival — a weekend of colour, laughter, and celebration along the Yarra River.
And there’s no better way to see it all than from above, drifting peacefully in a hot air balloon as the city wakes to festival weekend.
1. Melbourne’s Most Joyful Weekend
Moomba is more than just a festival — it’s a Melbourne tradition that’s been running since the 1950s.
Each year, families, performers, and visitors fill the city with energy, from water-skiing shows on the river to fireworks lighting up the night.
From the air, you get a completely new perspective: the carnival rides at Alexandra Gardens, the colourful floats lined up for the Moomba Parade, and the sparkling river winding through the heart of it all.
2. A Sunrise Flight Like No Other
During Moomba weekend, the city feels especially alive — even at dawn.
Your balloon lifts off just before sunrise, rising silently as the sky glows pink and gold.
Below, you can spot the festival grounds, the Ferris wheel, and early-morning crews setting up along the river.
It’s peaceful yet exciting — the perfect contrast to the lively day ahead.
As you float over the skyline, you’ll see familiar landmarks from a whole new angle:
Flinders Street Station and Federation Square in the soft morning light
The Yarra River, curving past the Moomba carnival area
The MCG and Royal Botanic Gardens, framed by the city skyline
And if the wind is right, you might even glide directly above the festival grounds as Melbourne wakes to its biggest weekend of the year.
3. Celebrate the Moomba Spirit
After landing, continue the celebration on the ground.
Enjoy an optional champagne breakfast — a ballooning tradition that pairs perfectly with the festive mood — then stroll to the Yarra to join the day’s events.
Festival highlights include:
The Moomba Parade with colourful floats and performers
The Birdman Rally, where brave (and funny) competitors launch themselves into the Yarra River
Water-skiing and wakeboarding demonstrations
Rides and food stalls at Alexandra Gardens
Nightly fireworks lighting up the skyline you floated over that morning
4. Tips for Flying During Moomba Weekend
Book early: Flights over Moomba weekend are among the most popular of the year.
Arrive the night before: Stay near the CBD to make your early morning easy.
Bring your camera: The sunrise light and festival views make for incredible photos.
Allow time after your flight: Many guests love walking straight from the Sofitel to the festival area afterward.
5. Why It’s So Special
Ballooning during Moomba captures everything that makes Melbourne unique — creativity, community, and joy.
It’s the calm before the celebration, a chance to watch the city prepare for its favourite weekend.
When you look down from the sky and see the crowds starting to gather, the river glistening, and the festival waking up, you’ll understand why Melburnians say:
Moomba means “let’s get together and have fun.”
A Melbourne Tradition, from a New Perspective
Watching Moomba Festival from the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience the city’s biggest celebration — quiet, magical, and full of colour.
It’s Melbourne at its happiest, seen from the best seat in the house.
✨ Celebrate Moomba from above!
Book your Hot Air Balloon Flight over Melbourne this March and watch the city’s most joyful festival unfold beneath you at sunrise.