Connections Tourism Australia Copyright

Introducing this new and exciting experience

Combine the majesty of Uluru/ Ayers Rock, the tranquillity of the desert, the colours of sunrise and the excitement of ballooning for an unforgettable memory of central Australia.

Thanks to a unique agreement with the traditional owners of the area to the south of Uluru, Outback Ballooning is now pleased to offer this exciting new activity.

Participants will be collected from their accommodation early morning and driven into the surrounding desert where the pilot will have the balloon ready for the spectacular pre dawn inflation.

Once in the air the vastness of the Australian Outback punctuated by the magnificent Uluru will become apparent. Traditional owners look after the land over which the balloon will fly. It is outside the National Park and has never before been accessible to visitors without special permits. It is an area unchanged by humans with no cattle stations, no mining and only a couple of tiny bush tracks. The harshness of the land used by generations for hunting and gathering with a few rocky pinnacles, some sacred, will fire the imagination of life in the desert.

The balloon floats as a perfect viewing platform with no turbulence, vibration or noise - other than the occasional reassuring roar of the burner.

After returning safely to this ancient land and some fun packing the balloon back into its bag there will be light refreshments accompanied by sparkling water or fruit juices.

A souvenir Flight Certificate will be issued to commemorate the occasion.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR ALL PASSENGERS AND RESERVATION STAFF

Balloon flights DO NOT occur over the Rock itself. They take place between 10 and 25 km to the south although it is of course still clearly visible. See below for details.

Additional Flight Information In Brief

· The balloon flights take place over the beautiful natural desert and bush land of the Patji region south of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. The flights have been made possible because of the enthusiastic support and assistance of the Uluru family the traditional owners of the land.

· Uluru and Kata Tjuta have enormous cultural significance for the local indigenous people, the Anangu . Strict regulations and respect for this culture precludes flights over Uluru itself. The area is also World Heritage listed.

· Uluru is a striking feature of the balloon flights which occur between 10 and 25km to the south of the Rock depending upon wind direction. Kata Tjuta further to the west will also be illuminated by the sunrise.

· Light refreshments are provided in the desert where the balloon lands. Alcohol is not permitted on aboriginal lands.

· A complimentary flight certificate is provided for all ‘balloonists’.

· Outback Ballooning Uluru flight souvenirs are available for purchase.

· Water is carried in all vehicles and balloons.

· The flight and refreshments allow a unique appreciation of the Uluru, Kata Tjuta region and the vast Australian desert. No other tourist vehicles or people will be seen in the ballooning area although Kangaroos and other wildlife are common sights.

· There are no facilities in the vehicles or balloons so passengers should visit the bathroom prior to departure.

Prices

2012 season 1 March to 31 October

Adult flight with light breakfast           450 AUD per person
Children 6 to 16                                    360 AUD per person         must be accompanied by an adult

Children under 6 not generally recommended but may be considered on an individual basis.
Price includes the $25 pp mandatory Civil Aviation Safety Authority insurance.