The best new way to explore the outback

Young woman at the devil's Marbles sitting on a boulder exercises yoga at sunrise. Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Northern Territory, Australia.

If you were looking at a trip – or booking a trip – to the Australian outback, then there’s a hot new tip on how best to experience it.

Alice Springs-based company Outback Ballooning has recently launched a new hot air balloon which offers capacity for 24 passengers plus pilot, making it currently the largest commercial hot air balloon operating in Australia and potentially in the southern hemisphere.

The new balloon’s 5.5 metre long basket is divided into four separate passenger compartments plus one exclusively for the pilot and includes seating, with passengers able to be seated for both take-off and landing, as well as for the duration of the flight.

Hot air ballooning is increasingly becoming an appealing choice for conference and incentive planners seeking an iconic experience for their delegates and event participants.

Inflating the huge envelope of Outback Ballooning's 24 seater hot air balloon

“The hot ballooning experience in Alice Springs is one of the Northern Territory’s truly iconic experiences,” NT Convention Bureau Angela Collard said.

“It provides an unforgettable way to view the outback and delivers a fantastic perspective on the vastness of the region. The new, larger capacity balloon makes it a great option for conference and incentive groups wishing to travel in even greater comfort, whilst floating gently over the landscape.”

The new balloon was literally handmade by Cameron Balloons in Bristol, England which have manufactured over 12,000 balloons since the early 1970’s. Approximately 2,500 metres or more than 2.5 kilometres of fabric, sewn up by approximately 16 kilometres of thread, makes up the impressive balloon envelope.

Early morning flights are conducted over the spectacular outback landscape and provide an opportunity to view desert sunrise from a lofty height. Balloon flights generally take off approximately 15 kilometres south of Alice Springs, adjacent to the scenic MacDonnell Ranges and over the historic Owen Springs Cattle Station.

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