
2. Hot Air Ballooning
Location: Nuriootpa, SA
The rolling fields and vineyards of the Barossa Valley make for a pleasant enough spectacle when viewed from the road, however those wanting the ultimate vantage point of this verdant part of South Australia can instead take to the skies and view its lush beauty from high above.
Hot air ballooning is one of the Barossa’s most popular non-wine-oriented activities, as the region’s characteristically clean air and calm skies are conducive to floating peacefully over the landscape far below.
While it requires an early rise and shine in order to participate, the idyllic panorama cast by the glow of the rising sun over the valley’s charming features justifies the sleepy eyes, and if conditions are right you may even take in sweeping views of the Murray River far below.
There are also few better ways to come away with quality photos of the region, and the typically stable and serene nature of a hot air balloon’s flight path make for excellent conditions for snapping panoramic shots.
If you’re looking for the ultimate “Instagram-worthy” documentation of your time in the Barossa, then forking out for a balloon ride is well worth the investment.
Ballooning itself is also a remarkably serene experience, as at points there’s no sound other than the occasional hiss of the balloon’s fire breaking up the peace.
If you’re looking for the ultimate “Instagram-worthy” documentation of your time in the Barossa, then forking out for a balloon ride is well worth the investment. The remarkable Barossa Valley hot air balloon flight is one of the top things to do.
Those who are afraid of heights need not fear, either, as the region’s ballooning operators are used to dealing with first-timers and those with such a phobia, and are eternally reassuring and accommodating.
The baskets of the balloons themselves are also surprisingly spacious, able to fit around 16 participants with a minimum of cramping.
Local operator Barossa Balloon Adventures (at Nuriootpa) offer flight itineraries for those looking to take part, with flight times typically including 1 hour of airborne activity (although expect to spend around 5-6 hours in total from commencement of tour, inflation of the balloon, landing, etc.)
With the option to have the ballooning experience capped off with a tasty champagne breakfast that comes with a selection of typical Barossa-quality meats, breads, cheeses and fruits, it’s a great way to commemorate a special occasion, too.
While it’s obviously a weather-dependent activity, time your visit on a clear day and you’ll come away with photography that you’ll find hard to match.