First Accessible Balloon Flights In NSW

Balloon Aloft (in conjunction with Cessnock City Council) has announced that a wheelchair-accessible hot air balloon will soon be available in the Hunter Valley. The first of its kind in NSW, the hot-air balloon will provide wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility the opportunity to experience hot-air ballooning over the picturesque vineyard region, with flights to commence mid-2023.

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The specifically designed balloon basket has an access door, seat, and harness to ensure passengers with various mobility considerations are safe and secure during the flight.

To ensure the experience is inclusive at every point, a wheelchair-accessible minibus will transport passengers directly to their accessible hot air balloon flight.

"The idea behind this project is to increase the number of inclusive adventure tourism options on offer in the Cessnock LGA, which will also bring more visitors to our area," said Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal.

"The other amazing thing about this accessible hot air balloon is that people with disability and reduced mobility can enjoy the experience with their family and friends as it will fit up to eight people."

Matthew Scaife, Pilot, three times Australian Ballooning Champion and Director of Balloon Aloft, believes this project will provide a muchneeded service for the Hunter Valley and Cessnock City Council Local Government Area and will enhance the inclusive tourism products available to visitors.

"As a company, we are passionate about bringing the joy of ballooning to as many people as possible, and we are looking forward to making accessible balloon flights available to those people with mobility impairment issues or those who require mobility aids, including wheelchairs," said Matthew.

The new accessible balloon flights have been made possible by a grant to Cessnock City Council from the Regional Tourism Activation Fund (RTAF). The $30 million RTAF aims to accelerate the development of new and enhanced tourism infrastructure, providing visitors with unique and high-impact experiences while visiting regional NSW. The Fund focuses on projects that increase visitation, expenditure and length of visitor stay and supports projects that improve accessibility, inclusion and enhancement of the visitor experience for people with disability.

Multi-award-winning Balloon Aloft has been offering Hunter Valley balloon flights for over forty years. The one-hour flights take off at sunrise and fly over the spectacular vineyards of the Hunter Valley – floating over the picturesque landscapes of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke at the height of 2000 feet or more. Once back on land, passengers celebrate with a sparkling wine tasting and gourmet breakfast at Peterson House and Restaurant Cuvee. Passengers also receive a complimentary digital photo album as a record of their special event.

For more information, visit www.balloonaloft.com.