For many of us, watching the sunrise is a rare and special occurrence. Now, imagine catching the first light of day from approximately 2000 feet above the clouds. That is the serene reality on offer from Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights.
The family business, operated by Graeme and Ruth Day, has been floating above Ipswich, the Scenic Rim, and the Somerset countryside for more than 17 years. The boutique ballooning experience is an intimate journey, with a maximum of ten passengers per flight.
There is no second guessing that you will be in safe hands with Graeme, the chief pilot, who has more than 27 years of ballooning experience across three continents. Fortunately for Graeme, who flies every weekend, no two flight paths are the same. Possible views from the balloon extend from Ipswich city, Flinders Peak, Mt Walker, the Great Dividing Range, McPherson Ranges, Lamington national Park, through to Mt Tamborine, Moreton Bay, the D’Aguilar Ranges, Wivenhoe Dam, and even the Brisbane River.
The flight itself is remarkably gentle, and you cannot help but feel relaxed as you glide through the sky. The hour long flight is the perfect amount of time to properly take in the seemingly endless view. As your eyes drift from the clouds, to the tops of trees, to the mountains in the distance, Graeme can answer any questions about the area stretched below you. Graeme and Ruth have received multiple awards for their innovation in tourism and micro business, as well as featured by Qantas, Channel 7, and Channel 9 in promotional videos for South East Queensland.
The experience was well worth waking up early and the 30 minute drive west of the Brisbane CBD. From watching the balloon inflate to the complimentary breakfast afterwards, the Floating Images experience is a true bucket list item.
