BALOON ALOFT - Pokolbin, Hunter valley.

Riding in a ‘hot air balloon’ was one of many activities I wanted to do and finally had the chance to do so. 

We have chosen ‘Balloon Aloft’ in great confidence after reading that they have over 30 years of flying experience with no fatalities – you can’t beat that, at least you’re assured that you’re in good hands. 

There are many locations you can choose from to do this remarkable adventure – the location we have chosen was Pokolbin, Hunter Valley. Our booking was 10th January 2017 but to be sure that it was safe for us to partake in this amazing adventure, you need to make a call the evening prior to your flight – contact number and details are provided on the booking details sent to you via email. You will get a recording either confirming that the event is happening or not with meeting venue and time details. 

The meeting venue was at Peterson’s Champagne House – corner of Broke Road and Wine Country Drive in Pokolbin. There we were greeted by friendly staff, directing us where to park, instructing us if we need to go to the bathroom to do so before departing, then meet them in the restaurant where we read ‘terms and conditions’, filled in our details and select which breakfast we would like when we returned. 

There was four to select from the breakfast menu, which was ‘Apple Pie Pancakes’, ‘Big Breakfast’, ‘Muesli’ and something else… can’t think of it? Anyway, I chose ‘Big Breakfast’ two poached eggs, bacon, grilled mushrooms and rosemary, seeded mustard rosti (like a hashbrown) while the rest of my family, who doesn’t have a strong stomach first thing in the morning chose the ‘Muesli’ breakfast muesli in a jar with sultanas, raisins and yoghurt, with a mix of cut up fresh fruit (orange, passion-fruit, raspberries and apricot). 

Then we were instructed to wait beside the bus that will transport us to the balloon location. I was amazed that the guys had no clue where we were going to take-off, they made sure that the location we were to take off met safety regulations regarding high-winds etc. 

Once they had confirmation from another staff at our ‘take-off destination’, communicating on a walkie-talkie, then we headed straight to the nominated area – borrowed land from local farmers. 

We then saw the pilots and crew in action, taking the basket from the truck, attaching the gas bottle and balloon to the basket and even getting volunteers to help out. 

Before we hopped into the basket, we were briefed how to hop in and out of the basket – mind you, there is no delicate way of getting in or out. 

You would have received from Balloon Aloft via email, advising that casual clothing with enclosed shoes are the best possible way to dress along with sunnies and a hat. 

You are also allowed to bring your own cameras and videos but at your own risk. Our pilot was ‘Byron’, he has 24 years of experience and beams with passion and the love for ballooning, in fact, he was born into the industry! He shared with us the history and stories of ballooning that either amazed us or made us laugh while we were taking in the breathtaking views below us. 

After a couple of hours easygoing ride, Byron landed the balloon gracefully in some other farmer’s backyard. Don’t worry, the farmer’s do have an incentive to allow ballooning to land on their properties that Byron shared with us. He explained that it was a tradition way, way back in the 1700s (reputed to have started in France) where the pilot was to present a ceremonial bottle of champagne to the landowner of the property where they make their final landing which Balloon Aloft are continuing with the tradition. 

We also had the privilege to be part in the packing of the balloon and taking ‘selfies’ while deflating the balloon from the inside and outside – great photo opportunities. 

Your family and friends who are not participating in the balloon adventure are most welcomed to wave you off and then follow the ‘retrieve crew’ in their own car to see you land as well. 

We then headed back to Peterson’s Champagne House where our breakfast was served to us in no time at all. The breakfast was truly filling and delicious that we washed it down with a glass of champagne of course! However, if you don’t want champagne you do have other options to drink – coffee / tea, juice or water. Paying $269 for this amazing experience is money well spent.