Creative Souls Above the Scenic Rim: Sandra & Sven’s Skyward Story with Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast

Dawn light over the Scenic Rim

Before dawn, Sandra and Sven joined fellow guests and crew near Beaudesert. A cool southerly carried the promise of a golden morning as pilot Jay lit the burners and the basket lifted gently skyward at around 5:24 a.m.

With calm valley winds and light left-hand turns aloft, the balloon traced a serene southbound line over farms, winding roads and mirror-still waterways. The pair floated toward Laravale, rising and dipping with the morning air in a rhythm that felt, to two filmmakers, wonderfully cinematic.

Filmmakers, dreamers & adventurers

Sandra's and Sven's story began through an online program, an unexpected connection that soon brought Sven from The Netherlands to Australia. The spark turned into a creative partnership and a short film that captures their curiosity and chemistry - watch it on YouTube: “The Art of Being Open”.

He’s the gear-loving filmmaker forever exploring edits, camera moves and fresh angles (with a soft spot for theme parks and the design magic behind them). She’s the people-focused storyteller who finds inspiration in cultures, conversation and music at the piano. Together, they’re the perfect balance of technical craft and heart.

Places that shape their story

• A peaceful lake near Sandra’s family home in Poland.
• The buzzing backstreets and late-night eats of Hong Kong.
• The tropical calm of Long Island, Whitsundays.
• (From Sven) A lifetime love for theme parks - they even filmed a project at Energylandia in Poland.

Post-flight: brekky & alpacas

Touchdown celebrations continued with a gourmet breakfast at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, the official breakfast partner of Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast™. Fresh pastries, barista coffee and bubbles on the homestead lawn - there’s no better way to toast a sunrise well spent.

With time to spare, guests wandered next door to Mountview Alpaca Farm for a cuddle and a photo or two. As far as morning itineraries go, this one’s hard to beat.

Evening rituals, sky-high perspective

Sandra and Sven often end the day with a walk, sharing a highlight and a lesson, or a spontaneous playlist-powered drive. This time, the reflection began in the sky itself. Their flight wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was a reminder that creativity, like ballooning, starts with a spark of curiosity and the courage to lift off.

Instagram: @ahitsandra  |  @ahitsven
Website: svenhermans.com
YouTube: Watch their short film