Watch the Australian sunrise on a Gold Coast hot air balloon

Flying a hot air balloon in Gold Coast is not just a travel experience, but a journey back to the purest dreams - where we are allowed to float between the earth and sky, watching the sunrise in the most poetic and free way of life.

Since I was 7 years old, I dreamed of flying up to the sky in a hot air balloon, after reading The Adventures of Mit Dac and Friends .

That seemingly distant dream suddenly became a reality on a misty morning in Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia), when I stood on the basket of a hot air balloon, watching the sun slowly rise over Surfers Paradise, letting the light dye the vineyards and green forests of Hinterland pink.

The hot air balloon basket slowly left the ground, seeing the first rays of sunlight kissing the hilltop, I knew I was "flying" - Photo: QN

In that moment, all the sounds of the world seemed to stop, only the sound of the wind blowing through my hair and my heart filled with joy: The hot air balloon basket slowly lifted off the ground while the street lights were still casting shadows, the first rays of sunlight kissed the hilltop, and I, in that magical moment, knew I was “flying”.

The journey begins with silence

We set off from the hotel at around 3:30, when the city was still asleep and the sunset had not yet turned to dawn, to the Gold Coast Hinterland - where rainforests, green hills and morning mist meet. At the starting point, the colorful hot air balloon - the image that had captivated my mind as a child - was already there.

In the flickering yellow light from the burner, the balloon gradually inflated like a giant waking up. One by one, people stepped into the woven rattan basket, their eyes filled with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

Each guest was both excited and nervous as they climbed into the hot air balloon basket, preparing for a special journey and experience of a lifetime - Video : QN

When the balloon pilot gently pulled the lever, the flame spurted strongly, the hot air made a “whoosh” sound and the balloon slowly lifted off the ground. That feeling – light, joyful and overwhelming – was as if we had just separated from the earthly world .

Below, the vast expanses of vineyards and green hills stretch out; in the distance, the sun slowly rises over Surfers Paradise, dyeing the sky a magical pink-orange hue. Flying a hot air balloon in the Gold Coast is not just a travel experience, but a journey to fulfill a childhood dream - where people are free to float among the clouds, watching the sunrise in the most beautiful and pure way of their lives.

Once the balloon has reached its maximum altitude and is flying steadily, about 20 tourists will be notified to look at the camera to take a group photo to record this memorable and very valuable experience.

When nature and the city retreat under the shadow

As the balloon reaches an altitude of about 200m, floating in mid-air, you will see the sparkling skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise to the east and the rolling hills of Hinterland - a UNESCO-protected rainforest - to the west.

That moment: the breeze, the fresh sunlight through the basket compartment, the scenery below glides like a natural slideshow, the river meanders, the treetops rustle, the sand sparkles. Time seems to slow down. More than 40-60 minutes of flying (depending on the wind) for about 5km is enough for you to clearly see the world with moments that cannot be described in words.

After landing, the "crew" will assist tourists to step out of the basket. And while the pilot prepares to "clean up" after the flight, tourists are invited inside the ball cage to take souvenir photos - Photo: QN

As the balloon slowly descended, touching the dewy grass, everyone erupted in excitement. There was no sound of engines, no rush. Just the sound of the wind, laughter, and the feeling of returning from a beautiful dream.

But the journey isn’t over yet. Visitors are also invited to take part in “balloon pack-up games” – a fun ritual that will be remembered by anyone who has ever flown a hot air balloon on the Gold Coast.

Everyone together grabbed the giant strip of cloth, folding and rolling it up as if capturing the sky that had just flown by. Dew-covered hands, bright smiles, hastily taken souvenir photos in the early morning sun... All created an unusually warm and intimate atmosphere.

Rolling and folding the 420kg ball together was a very interesting experience after the flight - Video: QN

Afterwards, visitors receive a flight certificate with the words “Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast” – a small piece of paper but containing a big memory.

Breakfast and fun after the balloon flight

And to end that magical morning, we were taken to O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard - an ancient house in the middle of the grape valley, where a hot breakfast of eggs, cold meats, toast, fresh fruit and a glass of cold sparkling wine was waiting. Breakfast was served under a large white roofed porch, surrounded by vineyards and the gentle chirping of birds, like the way nature caresses you after you "fly".

A delicious breakfast followed by the "lighthearted" feeling of a hot air balloon flight in the clouds - Photo: QN

Following the clouds - Sunrise on a Gold Coast hot air balloon is an invitation for those who not only want to "hang out", but also want to "experience". Early in the morning in the middle of nature, between the earth and sky, you will have a story to tell, and a feeling of "flying" that will never be forgotten.

QUYNH NGUYEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ngam-binh-minh-nuoc-uc-tren-khinh-khi-cau-gold-coast-20251122212203218.htm