New Year’s in Melbourne: Is Ballooning Possible?
Spending New Year’s in Melbourne is an unforgettable experience — fireworks, rooftop parties, and the buzz of summer in the city.
But many visitors wonder: can you take a hot air balloon flight during New Year’s?
The answer is yes — with a few things to keep in mind.
1. Ballooning Is Available Over the New Year Period
Hot air balloon flights in Melbourne and the Yarra Valley operate all year round, including the New Year holiday period (weather permitting).
Flights take place at sunrise, so even after a big night, you can greet the first morning of the year in the most extraordinary way — floating peacefully above the city as the world wakes up.
Imagine watching the New Year sunrise from a balloon, with views stretching from the Yarra River to Port Phillip Bay — it’s the perfect calm after the midnight celebration.
2. What to Expect on New Year’s Morning
Flights on New Year’s Day are among the most peaceful of the year.
The streets below are quiet, the light is soft, and the air is usually calm — ideal for flying.
If you’re planning to celebrate the night before, just make sure to:
Get some rest — you’ll need to wake up around 4:00–5:00 am.
Avoid heavy drinking — safety regulations mean passengers must not be intoxicated on the morning of the flight.
Stay nearby — book accommodation close to the CBD (for Melbourne flights) or Yarra Valley Lodge (for Yarra Valley flights).
It’s a magical, serene way to welcome the new year — and far more refreshing than sleeping in.
3. A Sunrise Like No Other
While most people are still in bed, you’ll be rising with the sun — literally.
As your balloon lifts into the sky, you’ll see the first golden light of the new year spreading across Melbourne or the vineyards of the Yarra Valley.
For many guests, it becomes a tradition: a fresh start, quiet reflection, and unforgettable photos of the first sunrise of the year.
4. Booking Tips for the Holiday Season
Book early: December and January are busy for both locals and tourists.
Allow flexibility: Weather in summer can change quickly; plan a backup date if possible.
Arrive in Melbourne the night before: With road closures and fireworks crowds on New Year’s Eve, being close to your meeting point (Sofitel Melbourne on Collins or Yarra Valley Lodge) will make your morning stress-free.
Add champagne breakfast: It’s the perfect way to toast the year ahead after landing.
5. The Perfect New Year Experience
Ballooning on or around New Year’s Day offers everything you could want to start the year right — peace, perspective, and beauty.
It’s ideal for:
Couples looking for a romantic morning after New Year’s Eve
Families enjoying their summer holidays
Travellers wanting to begin the year with a once-in-a-lifetime experience
6. Alternative Dates for Holiday Visitors
If you’d rather sleep in on January 1st, you can still enjoy the same atmosphere any morning during the New Year week.
Melbourne mornings in early January are warm, bright, and often perfectly clear — some of the best flying conditions of the year.
A Fresh Start Above the City
As Melbourne greets another year, there’s no better view than from a hot air balloon.
The calm of dawn, the glow of the horizon, and the quiet of the city below combine to create an experience full of hope and wonder — the perfect way to begin again.
✨ Ready to rise into the new year?
Book your Hot Air Balloon Flight over Melbourne or the Yarra Valley and welcome the year ahead with the most memorable sunrise of your life.