FLIGHTS at CANOWINDRA CHALLENGE and FESTIVAL
2025 International Balloon Challenge
Saturday 26th April – Sunday 4th May 2025
FLIGHT BOOKINGS NOW OPEN
Weather dependent.
MID WEEK PRICES from $350 per person

BOOK FESTIVAL
BALLOON FLIGHT NOW
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR CANOWINDRA BALLOON FESTIVAL FLIGHTS
Hot air balloon Festival rides over the historic “Balloon Capital of Australia” last for 50 minutes to 1 hour flying time depending on available landing sites. We recommend you allow at least three to four hours with us. Flying during the annual festival when the sky is filled with a mass of colourful balloons is the ultimate ballooning experience. Flights are conducted by one of our highly experienced resident commercial pilots who love to be rostered to fly during the festival as they get a “buzz” out of it too. Festival flights finish with a presentation flight certificate and a champagne picnic/boxed breakfast. We also cater for non flying accompanying friends who are welcome to follow the balloons in their own vehicle. If they wish to join you for breakfast please order this, as an extra at the time of your booking. ( limit 2 per booking ) Ballooning is a magic experience. BOOK NOW
We do not normally offer afternoon balloon flights during the Festival as the weather is not very reliable. However if an afternoon is the ONLY time that you can fly, then please send us an email via our CONTACT US form.
Click Play Button to view video of Anton from Balloon Joy Flights with Adam from Canowindra International Balloon Challenge.
CLICK ON 5 TABS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
6.00 AM – Meet your pilot and crew, who will give you a safety briefing and an overview of the morning’s activities. The meeting place will be advised to you when you phone in to confirm your flight arrangements the day before your flight.
6.15 AM – Arrive at launch site and start inflating your balloon.
6.45 AM – Take to the air filled with a mass of colourful balloons.
7.45 AM – Land and help packup
8.15 AM – Enjoy a champagne picnic/boxed breakfast with your fellow “balloonatic” passengers and crew.
9.00 AM – We bid you farewell and hope you enjoy the rest of the festival.
9.30 AM onwards -Wander down Canowindra’s historic main street and say “g’day” to a friendly local and visit the world famous Age of Fishes museum, quirky shops and art galleries.
Please note :Itinerary and timings are approximate and may change or vary without notice.
- General and ballooning safety briefing with our very experienced pilots prior to the flight.
- A unique experience to fly in a large fleet of colourful balloons. This only happens once a year.
- A 50 to 60 minute festival hot air balloon flight above Canowindra.
- In flight commentary by your pilot and great photo opportunities.
- A champagne picnic/boxed breakfast with your pilot and flying companions post flight. A time to share your photos with others.
- Afternoon flights finish with a complimentary glass of champagne or fruit juice and a share platter of nibbles.
- Souvenir flight certificate.
- Pick up your pre ordered merchandise now.
Souvenir merchandise is available for purchase online at time of booking or post flight.
- Purchase souvenir bottle of Balloon Joy Flights Bubbly (Methode Traditionale).
- Extra Champagne Breakfasts @ $30 per person for non flying friends and family “Chasers”.
- Balloon Joy Flights cap.
- Sturdy enclosed shoes .eg Sneakers or boots NO high heels, open sandals or thongs.
- Warm clothing as appropriate for the weather. eg. beanie, gloves, parka and cap.
- Camera.
- A sense of fun.
- A smile on your face.
BOOKING TERMS
- Cancellation by Passenger If you cancel a confirmed booking more than 48 hours before your flight, your booking fee will be deducted from your refund.
- Your flight ticket becomes fully non-refundable: (a) if you cancel less than 48 hours before your flight; or (b) if you fail to show up for your flight (this includes sleeping in and getting lost)
- Please be on time as we can not wait for latecomers, as this will inconvenience the other passengers.
- Cancellation by Balloon Joy Flights If your flight is cancelled by us for any reason (safety, weather or otherwise), you may rebook on another day to suit or receive a refund less your booking fee.
ARE YOU FIT TO FLY ?
Ballooning can involve some active participation and as such, a moderate level of fitness and health is required.
All members of your party will need to be fit & well with:
- No significant knee problems, (knee replacements more than 12 weeks old are OK)
- No significant hip problems,(hip replacements more than 12 weeks old are OK)
- No significant back or neck problems,
- No recent surgeries or broken bones,
- No other existing conditions that would preclude them from following the pilot’s instructions; Assuming the landing positions with knees bent when instructed to do so, Absorbing a small bump when the balloon is landing or would prevent them from holding on to the safety handles when the balloon is landing.
- Hearing impaired passengers will need an Auslan interpreter, who is flying with them.
- Be able to understand safety instructions from the pilot in English or have a translation app on their phone as we do not have interpreters on staff.
- Are able to stand for one hour unassisted,
- Do not weigh more than 125kg individually and children , between 5 and 12 years and do not weigh more than 45kg individually, unless special arrangements are made with us.
- Are not currently pregnant.
CONDITIONS of USE
- ALL PASSENGERS MUST PHONE 0428441819 to confirm the flight, time, meeting place and weather before 12md the day before the flight. We will cancel if there is an adverse weather forecast which may affect passengers safety and reschedule your flight to another date that suits you.
- For their own protection and the protection of our staff, All passengers must sign our on line COVID WAIVER not more than 48 hours proir to their flight.
- ALL PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THEIR NAME, WEIGHT and CONTACT INFORMATION in accordance with Civil Aviation requirements. Please provide these details in the booking form. Also, in accordance with civil aviation requirements our balloons have a minimum liftoff weight, so if there are insufficient passengers for a flight we will contact you to reschedule you to another date suitable to you.

Our Festival Balloon Flights offer many Photo Opportunities
Your festival flight includes plenty of time to take amazing photos with the stunning scenery of the Belubula Valley and the large colourful fleet of balloons as your backdrop.

NOT DISPLAYED
Read our TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Cancellation by Passenger If you cancel a confirmed booking more than 48 hours before your flight, 10% of the total booking price will be deducted from your refund as an administration fee.
- Your flight ticket becomes fully non-refundable: (a) if you cancel less than 48 hours before your flight; or (b) if you fail to show up for your flight (this includes sleeping in and getting lost)
- Please be on time as we can not wait for latecomers, as this will inconvenience the other passengers.
- Cancellation by Balloon Joy Flights If your flight is cancelled by us for any reason (safety, weather or otherwise), you may rebook on another day to suit or receive a refund less a 10% administration fee. . per person in $AUD
ARE YOU FIT TO FLY ?
Ballooning can involve some active participation and as such, a moderate level of fitness and health is required.
All members of your party will need to be fit & well with:
- No significant knee problems, (knee replacements more than 12 weeks old are OK)
- No significant hip problems,(hip replacements more than 12 weeks old are OK)
- No significant back or neck problems,
- No recent surgeries or broken bones,
- No other existing conditions that would preclude them from following the pilot’s instructions; Assuming the landing positions with knees bent when instructed to do so, Absorbing a small bump when the balloon is landing or would prevent them from holding on to the safety handles when the balloon is landing.
- Hearing impaired passengers will need an Auslan interpreter, who is flying with them.
- Are able to stand for one hour unassisted,
- Do not weigh more than 125kg individually and children , between 5 and 12 years and do not weigh more than 45kg individually, unless special arrangements are made with us.
- Are not currently pregnant.
CONDITIONS of USE
- ALL PASSENGERS MUST PHONE 0428441819 to confirm the flight, time, meeting place and weather before 11am the day before the flight. We will cancel if there is an adverse weather forecast which may affect passengers safety and reschedule your flight to another date that suits you.
- ALL PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THEIR NAME, WEIGHT and CONTACT INFORMATION in accordance with Civil Aviation requirements. Please provide these details in the booking form. Also, in accordance with civil aviation requirements our balloons have a minimum liftoff weight, so if there are insufficient passengers for a flight we will contact you to reschedule you to another date suitable to you.
What is included your Canowindra Festival Flight?
- General and ballooning safety briefing with our very experienced pilots prior to the flight.
- A 50 to 60 minute hot air balloon flight above Canowindra.
- In flight commentary by your pilot.
- Souvenir photo taken by crew on your camera.
- A champagne picnic/ boxed breakfast with your pilot and flying companions post flight. A time to share your photos with others.
- Souvenir flight certificate.
- Pick up your pre ordered merchandise or buy now.
Who goes on our festival flights?
- Singles….It’s a great experience on your own and you will make new friends
- Groups….Sporting clubs, work colleagues, company team building,social clubs
- Friends….have a ball together
- Grey Nomads…..you are never too old to enjoy ballooning
- Young or older lovers……….what a magic experience to share
- Families…..makes a great family holiday activity
- The wider LGBTQI community.
- Special Occasions. For people celebrating Special Occasions……Anniversaries, Birthdays, Christmas, Engagements, Weddings, Father’s & Mother’s Day, Thank You, Valentine’s Day.
BOOK BALLOON
FLIGHT NOW
FLIGHTS DURING CANOWINDRA CHALLENGE
Why it’s a good idea to book with us, the owner operators






Frequently Asked Questions
Who can fly?
What time do we meet?
What do I wear?
What is for breakfast?
A champagne picnic breakfast with your pilot and flying companions post flight. A time to share your photos with others. We can cater for all dietary requirements but you need to let us know when you book in.
What if I am afraid of heights?
What are our terms and conditions?
How long will my flight last?
Festival flights over the historic “Balloon Capital of Australia” last for 50 minutes to 1 hour flying time depending on available landing sites. We recommend you allow at least three to four hours with us. Flying during the annual festival when the sky is filled with a mass of colourful balloons is the ultimate ballooning experience.
How do I pay for my flight?
Do you have accommodation packages available?
We normally offer accommodation packages in Canowindra however we are unable to do this during the Festival.
Can the balloon fly in any weather conditions?



Read our Customer Reviews
A magical experience
Wonderful experience with the Balloon Joy Flights team. Calm, beautiful still morning – early start – quickly away in Anton’s capable hands. Not one who is keen on heights, I was not concerned at any stage, was totally distracted by the calm peaceful space.
A very easy and knowledgeable person...
Graham Kerr is a very easy and knowledgeable person to be around and gave us all a great experience on the balloon flight. He and his wife made it all a great experience
This was the most fantastic experience...
Everything about the balloons were awesome!!.. Watching them fill up,…
V Harland, Australia
A must do ...
We couldn’t fault the professionalism and experience that this team displayed. And let’s face it, if you are going up so high, you really want that to make sure that you are safe. Graham (pilot) and Jan – who on our trip acted as ground crew.

Canowindra, NSW is known as the Hot Air Balloon Capital of Australia as it is considered one of the best places to hot air balloon in Australia. Hot air ballooning is one of the most popular things to do in Orange NSW region. During April and early may the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge is a highlight of the year, and culminating in the vibrant Cabonne Community Glow where hot air balloons light up the night sky.
Get In Touch
Have a question about our balloon flights? Are you trying to book and are having problems? ... please fill out this simple form for a quick response
If you would prefer to give us a call to discuss booking your flight, please don't hesitate to call us on:
02 6344 1819 or 0428 441 819 or email enquiries@balloonjoyflights.com.au
We look forward to talking to you.
ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM
Take a Hot Air Balloon flight with Balloon Joy Flights - for a Magical Experience
We have been flying hot air balloons for over 35 years and supporting the Canowindra International Balloon Festival!

Contact us online or to discuss booking your flight, please don’t hesitate to call us on:
02 6344 1819
or
0428 441 819
or email
We look forward to talking to you.
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