A Birds Eye View of Yarra Valley
There are so many Yarra Valley attractions to choose from that it’s only fitting you start your tours with a hot-air balloon ride. The Yarra Valley boasts of expansive vineyards thick with grapevines, and the overhead view of this velvety carpet should set the mood for the rest of your day. A balloon ride is a truly different experience, even if you’re used to outdoor adventures. The experience is similar to the high you’ll get if you hike to the top of a mountain, but it’ll still pale in comparison to an actual balloon ride. You’ll experience the toned-down thrills of hang gliding or bungee jumping with balloon rides, and you’ll enjoy the trip better if you’re a hopeless romantic. Nothing beats coasting through the air in a balloon, with the unobstructed panoramic view of the countryside all around you.
You can vary the size of your trip’s boarding party and create a mood that’s fitting for the occasion. Balloon rides can accommodate a private boarding for couples or offer shared thrills for families, since the gondolas are large enough to carry sixteen people in a single trip. You’ll get a glimpse of the various Yarra Valley attractions with a bird’s eye view from the hot-air balloon. Balloon trips are often scheduled early in the morning, allowing you to coast through the dawning landscape before you actually tour the countryside. Trips will push through if the weather permits, which is often the case because of the Valley’s temperate climate. The gondolas can only carry certain weight loads, though. It’s up to your pilot to decide if he can take your group in one boarding or if you’ll be split into two balloons or two back-to-back trips. If your party is split into groups, then you can choose to take the shorter course. This usually takes an hour or so to complete. The rest of your company may enjoy a gourmet breakfast while they await their turn to board.
You’ll only be assured of a slot if you call the balloon company weeks in advance and schedule a trip on your preferred date. The Yarra Valley’s landscape also changes with the seasons, so you’ll likely be scheduling trips for repeat visits. There’s greater visibility on winter and spring morning trips and balmy, vibrant hues during the summer. The autumn landscape, on the other hand, is surreal, offering carpets of velvety hues that extend far into the horizon. Balloon rides are but one of the many Yarra Valley attractions you can choose from, and they’re also available all throughout the year except Christmas and New Year’s Day. There’s a chance that the weather won’t be in your favor on your scheduled trip. The balloon service company will move your trip to your most convenient slot, or they’ll offer a refund. There’s plenty to experience in the Yarra Valley, but you should kick off your day with an unforgettable hot-air balloon trip.
