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Hot Air Ballooning ET might be used to these dawn starts for his fishing, but when he said "Michelle, you've gotta get up real early" - he wasn't kidding ! This is definitely above and beyond the call of duty.. being sent thousands of feet skywards in a hot air balloon. The setup and inflation of the balloons only takes about half an hour.. then we're ready for launch. The balloon moves so gently - that we're up and away before I even know it. Bizarre - just floating! This is a very romantic way to spend a morning, so if you can - bring someone special along with you. It's amazing - so unbelievably peaceful up here. We're flying over the lower Hunter. To our north is Barrington, to the south a range where the valley really opens up. A steady breeze is pushing us down towards Newcastle. Now we're just hovering. Above a few little kangaroos who seem very fascinated about what we're doing. Another blast of the burners and we're suddenly right above the vineyards. We're gonna drop and get a glass of chardy and be on our way! That's what I love about ballooning in the Hunter. Balloons aloft not only give you a great morning, they also send the welcoming committee ! There's plenty of time left in the day to explore the Hunter. So I'm hoofing it to the vineyards. Mistletoe is a family-owned vineyard that tempts your palate with boutique wines. Speaking of palettes, they also have quite an art collection here at the Pokolbin Gallery. And if all this beautiful artwork isn't enough, you can check out nature's own exhibition just out the door. At the end of the day there's nothing quite like Hunter hospitality. Cheers ! Balloon Aloft Australia has sunrise flights every day of the year - weather permitting. The trip over the Hunter Valley will cost $225 for adults, and $150 for kids. Mistletoe Wines is open for tasting every day. Their wines are only available from the cellar door or ordered through their website. |
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Hunter Valley Ballooning Balloon Aloft Australia Cost Mistletoe Wines & Pokolbin
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