Top Photo Spots You’ll See from a Balloon Over Melbourne

If you love photography, there’s no better way to capture Melbourne than from above. A hot air balloon flight gives you a front-row seat to the city’s most breathtaking scenery—bathed in soft sunrise light and framed by the open sky.

Here are some of the top photo spots you’ll see (and want to snap!) during your Melbourne hot air balloon ride.

1. The Melbourne Skyline

As the sun rises, the city’s skyline glows in shades of gold and pink. From the basket, you can capture iconic skyscrapers like Eureka Tower, Rialto, and the shimmering glass of the CBD. The contrast between the modern skyline and the surrounding parklands makes for stunning panoramic shots.

📸 Tip: Shoot toward the east just before sunrise for dramatic silhouettes.

2. The Yarra River

Winding through the heart of Melbourne, the Yarra River creates a natural ribbon of silver in the morning light. From above, its gentle curves and bridges—like Princes Bridge and Swan Street Bridge—look beautiful framed against the city backdrop.

📸 Best shot: Capture the river as it reflects the early sunlight or the passing clouds above.

3. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

No view of Melbourne is complete without the iconic MCG. From the air, the perfectly round stadium stands out clearly, surrounded by lush green parks. Sports fans especially love photographing it as part of the wider cityscape.

📸 Tip: Use the city skyline behind the MCG for depth and perspective.

4. Federation Square and Flinders Street Station

These two landmarks sit side by side and are instantly recognizable from above. The contrast between Federation Square’s modern geometric design and the historic gold tones of Flinders Street Station makes for an incredible aerial photo.

📸 Best time: Just as the first light hits the rooftops, turning them warm and golden.

5. The Royal Botanic Gardens and Yarra Park

From the sky, Melbourne’s gardens look like a sea of green woven into the city. The Royal Botanic Gardens, with its winding paths and ornamental lakes, is especially photogenic from above.

📸 Tip: Capture the gardens alongside the Yarra River for a postcard-perfect shot.

6. Port Phillip Bay

On clear mornings, you can see all the way to Port Phillip Bay. The horizon glows with soft pastel colours, and the water sparkles in the distance. It’s the perfect backdrop for wide, dreamy landscape shots.

📸 Pro tip: Switch to a wider lens to capture both the city and the bay in one frame.

7. The Dandenong Ranges in the Distance

To the east, the rolling Dandenong Ranges complete the scene. As the sun rises, the mist often lingers around the hills, adding depth and atmosphere to your photos.

📸 Best effect: Use the mist and morning haze to create layers of light and shadow.

Capture the Moment, Not Just the View

Of course, the best photos aren’t just of the landscape—they’re of the experience. Don’t forget to capture your fellow passengers, the balloon itself, and those quiet, awe-filled moments that make the flight so special.

✨ Ready to take your own sky-high shots?

Book your sunrise hot air balloon flight over Melbourne and see the city from the most photogenic perspective imaginable.