Hot Air Balloons Over Melbourne: A Magical Morning Above the City

 There’s something truly magical about seeing hot air balloons floating across the Melbourne skyline just as the city begins to wake up. The early morning chill, the glow of sunrise, and the sound of giant burners firing into the crisp air created an unforgettable atmosphere that felt almost dreamlike.

I had the opportunity to photograph several hot air balloons as they prepared for take-off before heading toward the Melbourne CBD. Watching the crews unpack the balloons, inflate them, and carefully guide them upright was just as fascinating as seeing them drift peacefully into the sky.

Preparing to take off

Photographing hot air balloons is all about timing and atmosphere. The soft sunrise tones added warmth to the images, while the balloons' movement created a sense of adventure and freedom.

Some of the best moments came before take-off — watching the balloons inflate, seeing the reflections of light across the fabric, and capturing the anticipation of passengers as they prepared for the flight.

The photos were taken on a Canon 5D III with a 24-105 mm lens. Exposure ranging 1/200, F/4.5, ISO 320

    Hot Air Balloons Headed for Melbourne CBD

Melbourne is one of the few major cities in the world where hot air balloons regularly fly over the CBD. Seeing colourful balloons glide past skyscrapers, the Yarra River, and famous landmarks is a bucket-list experience for both locals and tourists.

The peaceful pace of ballooning contrasts beautifully with the busy energy of the city below. It’s calm, relaxing, and surprisingly quiet once the balloons are airborne.

See the photos from the full series below