Why you should visit the Gold Coast Hinterland this Winter
The Gold Coast Hinterland is a great place to visit in winter. The cool morning air and warm colours make for a perfect backdrop for a scenic flight in a hot air balloon. With plenty of wineries and restaurants to explore, there's something to satisfy everyone's interest in the Gold Coast Hinterland during winter!
Rise and start the day early!
On a beautiful July morning, the Gold Coast Hinterland is at its most stunning. A patchy blanket of ground fog painting the countryside below, our hot air balloon rises through the fog, gradually floating overhead.
Expert pilot Jay points out the camera dangling from lines attached to the balloon envelope, and his passengers turn and wave as the remote shutter is triggered, capturing smiling faces and waving hands.
It's a magical experience, and one that you'll never forget!
As the sun slowly rises, it casts a beautiful golden glow over the landscape. The colours become more vibrant and the air is filled with the sound of birds chirping.
Below Jay's balloon flies another of our stunning aircraft, with Dhawal at its helm, its yellow and orange vertical stripes contrast against the lush green of the fields
Wineries abound
The Gold Coast Hinterland is home to some of Australia's best wineries. Whether you're a wine lover or not, the location and ambience alone will make a visit worthwhile.
Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast tops off a morning flight with breakfast at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards, one of the many great wineries in the area.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the vineyard restaurant. The menu features locally sourced produce and there's plenty of wine to choose from!
Wander the spacious grounds after breakfast, and take in the stunning views. The vineyard is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Alpacas!
And did we mention the cute alpacas? The vineyard's delightful residents are always a hit with visitors!
Springbrook National Park
For those that love the outdoors, a visit to Springbrook National Park is a must. With its waterfalls, lookouts and walks, there's plenty to explore.
Other top highlights include Natural Bridge, where you can see a waterfall crashing through a cave, and Best of All Lookout, which offers sweeping views of the Gold Coast Hinterland.
The park is open daily from 8:30am to 5pm.
And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try abseiling down Purlingbrook Falls? It's an exhilarating experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
Travel time
From Brisbane, the drive to Springbrook National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Gold Coast, allow around 45-60 minutes.
If you're visiting from interstate or overseas, there are plenty of accommodation options in and around the park.
Options for ballooning
Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast offers flights year-round, with pick up included from most Gold Coast accommodation. For those visiting and staying on the Hinterland itself, you can chose to meet us at one of our meeting points, and we'll transfer you in comfort to the launch site.
At the end of the flight, we'll provide transfers to O'Reilly's Vineyard for a delicious breakfast, and after you've relaxed and said hello to the alpacas, we'll return you to your own vehicle at the original meeting point.
Visit today!
There are plenty of lookouts and walks to keep you busy, so make sure you allow plenty of time to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the Gold Coast Hinterland today! .