Photo Diary: Hot Air Ballooning Over The Hunter Valley

There is something so magical about watching hot air balloons floating in the sky in all their colourful glory.  I thought I would find the experience of actually riding in one a little overwhelming. My uncoordinated self in an open basket underneath a roaring fire sounds like a recipe for disaster. When I recently ballooned over the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, I was pleasantly surprised about just how peaceful it was (and how hard it is to actually fall out). Now, I am absolutely hooked. I was lucky enough to fly with Balloon Aloft who operate in 6 destinations across Australia They are also the employer of the women's world champion, Nicola Scaife, who happened to be our pilot, and perhaps the reason for an anxiety-free flight.

We had spectacular views of the mansions below, rolling hills covered in vines, the sea out towards Newcastle and kangaroos hopping across misty fields. It was dreamy, but as they say, a picture says 1000 words....

Oink oink,

Truffle Pig. 

I flew with Balloon Aloft courtesy of Mercure on their recent Mecure Roadtrip through the Hunter Valley and Newcastle.