GENERAL information
Pick up times vary according to season.
Safety is our primary concern and if you are prevented from flying due to unsuitable weather conditions you may either rebook to another day or receive a full refund. The pilot’s decision with regard to safe flying conditions is final.
Where possible, the balloon flight should always be booked for the first available day in the area to allow for re-booking in case of bad weather.
We ask that you reconfirm the day before the tour. Please use the toll free number 1800 677 893 or +61 8 8953 4800.
This is to check pick up time and also to advise us of room numbers.
It is extremely important to be able to contact you if the weather is inappropriate for ballooning or in the event that you sleep in.
Mobile telephone numbers are also very helpful and should be left on the night before your tour.
Complimentary transfers to and from your Alice Springs accommodation included with every flight.
Meeting times vary throughout the year but are about one hour before first light. The exact time will be confirmed when you book.
You will be with us for approximately 4 hours depending upon where we land.
Flight distance will typically be between 10 and 20 kilometres. The balloon flight takes place approximately 15 kilometres to the south of Alice Springs adjacent to the MacDonnell Ranges and over the historic Owen Springs Cattle Station.
It is dusty in the bush! Suitable outdoor clothing (not white), enclosed footwear and a hat are recommended. It is no colder in the balloon than on the ground but it can be chilly before sunrise. A light jacket is recommended from April to October and mid winter very warm clothes may be necessary. Loose items such as dangling jewellery and scarves are not permitted once passengers reach the launch site and dis-embark from the bus.
If you cancel within 24 hours of departure or do not show up on the morning your credit card will be charged or if you have prepaid you will not be given a refund.
Please note: If you book through a third party, (ie travel agent or tour desk) Spinifex Ballooning recommends that you check their cancellation policy carefully & take out travel insurance, as a third party cancellation policy may differ.
Physical fitness is not a requirement to enjoy a ballooning adventure but passengers must be able to climb up and in (there are foot holes) and stand for the duration of the flight (with secure high sides to lean on) as there are no seats in the basket.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules and regulations and Spinifex Ballooning’s policy prevent us from flying women who are over 12 weeks pregnant. Pregnancy must be advised in advance.
Sickness or diseases that may affect the person or other persons on the tour must be notified to Spinifex Ballooning in advance. Medication should be brought on the tour.
Any form of disablement must be discussed with Spinifex Ballooning prior to making a booking. Each person is considered on an individual basis.
There is no turbulence or vibration as the balloon moves with the wind. With eyes closed it is impossible to tell that you are flying. It is no colder in the air than on the ground. It is a fact it is often warmer with the burners overhead and the balloon flies above the night time low level cold air temperature inversion.
Fear of heights is not generally a problem as the basket sides are high and secure and there is no vertical ‘face’ between the balloon and the ground. The sensation is similar to looking out of an aircraft window but it is much bigger with no glass!