Hot air balloons have always been synonymous with romance. It’s the perfect way to celebrate with an out-of-the-ordinary experience, share gentle moments flying in the sky, and do something together that neither of you will ever forget. Here at Global, we like to think that we’ve perfected the art!
This year we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special rate for two in both the Yarra Valley and Mansfield. Book to fly on the 14th of February (still spaces available!) or purchase a gift voucher at our V-day Special Rate to redeem at a later date. We’re sure either way it’ll be a hit!
And if you’re not sure about which of our incredible three flight locations to choose from, read on for a comprehensive guide, and some ideas for how to make this year’s V-day extra special.
MELBOURNE CITY
Melbourne is Australia’s cultural mecca, heaving with hallowed gothic architecture, museums, theatres, fashion, and an outrageous offering of fantastic food and drinks (and coffee!). It has topped the World’s Most Livable list numerous times over the last decade, and it’ll do so again. If the person you’re impressing loves any of the above, this is the option for you.
Where to stay: Pullman Melbourne on the Park
It is what it says; set between the CBD and one of Melbourne’s iconic sports precincts, and across the road from one of her most beautiful parks, Fitzroy Gardens. A stunning place to stay, the Pullman’s positioning is perfect. Whether you’re visiting Melbourne for the first time or spending a night on stay-cation, we can’t recommend the Pullman highly enough – which is why we’re proud to say it’s also our passenger meeting place for all Melbourne City flights
What to bring: Everything you need for a fabulous city getaway, perhaps a small surprise to present your significant other in the sky, your camera, and an appetite for adventure!
How it will happen: Go to bed early (set your alarm!), then meet our team & check in downstairs at the Pullman. From here we head to our launch site, where we’ll inflate the balloon and set off on our flight across Melbourne’s city skyline. Once we land and enthusiastically pack up the balloon, it’s back to breakfast at the Pullman, with the traditional glass of post-flight sparkling, of course (just quietly, there’s a dedicated pastry department at this buffet – oo la la)!
Tips for your trip: Visit Ponyfish Island for an afternoon cocktail, observe the sunset from water level on the Yarra River, set up a personal shopping experience at David Jones, see a show at one of our many theatres, catch a live band at The Corner, spend time grazing along the Swan St precinct in Richmond.
YARRA VALLEY, VIC
An hour east of Melbourne’s CBD you’ll find the beautiful and serene Yarra Valley – a special destination for food and wine lovers, pampering, an endless combination of outside and inside experiences, and a taste of the elegance of nature. The Yarra Valley is home to some of the finest establishments in Australian viticulture, not to mention fine foods. If your person expresses a wistfulness for wine country on occasion, consider this.
Where to stay: Balgownie Yarra Valley
Set amongst the vines on a gently raised hillside with stunning views of the Valley, we meet passengers for our Yarra Valley Flights here. You’ll find beautifully furnished rooms and suites of all kinds, as well as a dedicated Endota Spa on-site.
What to bring: Everything you need for a summer Valley getaway – swimmers, outdoor shoes that won’t mind getting a bit wet, an outfit for wine-tasting (linen is a winner), a longing for a long lunch and a small memento to commemorate your time spent here (present it in the balloon basket for extra points).
How it will happen: Head to bed early (don’t forget to set your alarm)! We meet an hour or so before sunrise, but it’s just a short walk from your Balgownie room to reception to check in. We’ll pile into buses and four-wheel drives to get to our launch site, then inflate the balloon – providing you with epic photo opportunities even before getting into the basket. You’ll fly for 45 mins to an hour, and experience the high energy of packing the balloon away! Then it’s back to Balgownie for a well-earned traditional champagne breakfast.
Tips for your trip: Spend the rest of the day exploring the Valley with Hop It, book in for an Endota Spa experience, spend some time in Healesville in the breweries and distilleries, visit the Edible Food Forest.
MANSFIELD, VIC
Nature and adventure lovers prick up your ears! If your person is all about the outdoors, visit regional Australia and see the High Country. It is beyond sensational in the summertime, and we fly here too! Here you have everything – wildflowers as far as the eye can see on the peaks of Mt Buller, bushwalks and walking tracks, cool river swims, even adventures on horseback. Start your day in a hot air balloon over the Mansfield region, then for activities and things to do afterwards, the sky really is the limit.
Where to stay: The Sebel Pinnacle Valley
Sprawling in the foothills of Mt Buller, the Sebel is the perfect place to base yourself to witness all the beauty and wonder this area offers. With a big pool, large lawns and gardens shared with herds of kangaroos and other wildlife, and a restaurant complete with deck and happy hour rates, you’ll fall in love.
Another option is to set up camp at the Tunnel Bend Flats campsite. One of nine flats perched on the banks of the Howqua River, these spots offer free camping, beautiful picnic areas and all the colours of the bush.
What to bring: Your hiking boots, your swimmers, play clothes and shoes that won’t mind getting a bit wet, and everything else you might need for a summer High Country getaway.
How it will happen: Go to bed early, set your alarm! In Mansfield things run a little differently – we meet in Mansfield town (approx 15 min drive from the Sebel). Here you’ll find your pilot and balloon, pile into a Troopy and set off to find the launch site as the outline of the surrounding mountains slowly appear as the sun peeks around the corner of the earth. We’ll inflate the balloon, get lots of photos, and fly for 45 mins to an hour. Following a boisterous pack-up of the balloon, we head back to town and let you loose to choose your own breakfast adventure (not included with the flight, but we can give lots of locals tips about where’s best to go).
Tips for your trip: Read our blog about summer activities in Mansfield and spend the rest of the day exploring the region. Picnic at Delatite Winery, spend an afternoon at the Goughs Bay Boat Club on the deck overlooking the lake, hike up to Buller summit to pick wildflowers or visit some of the many local breweries and distilleries – they’re great!
Has this inspired you to prep the most extraordinary Valentine’s Day ever? It’s easy to book online – click here and we’ll help make your experience one to remember.
