Seasonal Differences in Balloon Photography (Autumn vs Spring)
Every hot air balloon flight over Melbourne is different—but the season you fly in changes everything.
The colours, the light, the atmosphere, even the way the city feels from above all shift between autumn and spring.
If you’re planning to bring your camera, here’s how each season creates its own unique photographic magic.
Autumn: Warm Light and Golden Colours
Autumn mornings in Melbourne are crisp, calm, and rich with colour. The lower sun angle gives photographers that dreamy golden light that lasts longer after sunrise—perfect for capturing soft tones and deep shadows.
🍂 What You’ll See:
Trees in Yarra Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens turning amber, red, and gold.
Misty layers over the suburbs and the Dandenong Ranges—great for atmospheric shots.
Clearer skies and gentle winds, ideal for wide landscape panoramas.
📸 Photo Tip: Use the longer shadows to add depth to cityscapes. Warm your white balance slightly to highlight the golden tones of the season.
Spring: Fresh Colours and Crisp Clarity
Spring brings a different kind of beauty to balloon photography in Melbourne. The air feels lighter, and the landscape bursts back to life. Mornings are cool but not cold, and visibility is often crystal clear—perfect for vibrant, high-contrast photos.
🌸 What You’ll See:
Bright greens and blooming gardens around the Yarra River and Royal Botanic Gardens.
Clear horizons stretching all the way to Port Phillip Bay.
Sunrises that shift quickly from soft pinks to vivid golds, offering dynamic lighting changes mid-flight.
📸 Photo Tip: Experiment with slightly faster shutter speeds in spring—the light changes quickly, and you’ll want to freeze that bright, crisp detail.
How the Light Differs
Autumn light is warm, gentle, and textured—perfect for storytelling photos that feel nostalgic.
Spring light is clean, bright, and energizing—ideal for bold, colourful compositions.
Photographers often say autumn flights are about emotion, while spring flights are about vibrancy.
What Stays the Same
No matter the season, a sunrise hot air balloon flight offers something timeless: peaceful skies, breathtaking views, and the thrill of watching Melbourne wake up beneath you. Whether it’s autumn’s golden calm or spring’s lively sparkle, the experience (and the photos) are always unforgettable.
✨ Ready to capture your season in the sky?
Book your Melbourne hot air balloon flight this autumn or spring and see how the changing light transforms your photos—and the way you see the city.