When the first light of day washes over the Yarra Valley and Melbourne, Global Ballooning Australia drifts skyward – not just lifting passengers but carrying the spirit of a family whose story of flight and adventure began almost a century ago.
A FAMILY BORN TO FLY
The story of Global Ballooning Australia begins long before the company’s first flight. In the 1930s, Edward Macarthur-Onslow, a pioneering Australian aviator, founded the country’s first private flying school in Camden, New South Wales, Australia.
Aviation wasn’t just a profession – it was a way of life. Growing up surrounded by engines, propellers, and tales of the open sky, Kiff Saunders, Edward’s grandson, was destined to follow in his footsteps.
By age 15, Kiff had begun flying, but it was a balloon flight in 1987 that changed everything. Floating silently above the earth, carried only by the wind, he discovered a freedom unlike any powered flight.
“That first flight just blew me away. From that day, my life quite literally took off in a new direction.” – Kiff Saunders.
TAKING OFF – THE BIRTH OF GLOBAL BALLOONING AUSTRALIA
After earning his private and commercial balloon pilot licences, Kiff travelled across Australia and overseas. In 1989, he moved to Victoria to pursue ballooning full-time.
When his employer exited Victoria, Kiff faced a choice: return to life on the road or take a leap of faith. Choosing the High Country, he bought his first balloon and equipment. With just a motorbike, a backpack, a dog, and a dream, he offered flights around Mansfield, launching what would become Global Ballooning Australia.
Word spread fast – passengers were captivated by the magic of seeing the world from above. Long days and early mornings ended with breathtaking sunrise balloon flights, cementing the company’s reputation.
Picture: David Caird
GROWING WITH THE WIND
By 1992, Global Ballooning Australia officially launched and expanded to include the Yarra Valley – now recognised as one of the world’s most celebrated ballooning destinations. Rising demand soon saw the fleet take flight over Melbourne city, the only major metropolis in the world where you can float above a skyline of more than 5 million people.
Today, the company combines over 30 years of experience with a dedication to safety, expertise, and adventure, making it the most credentialed ballooning operation in Australia:
- Fleet of 30+ balloons across Victoria
- 150,000+ passengers flown since 1992
- Over 40 passionate team members
- CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) – approved maintenance facility, the only one of its kind in Victoria, ensuring all aircraft are maintained to the highest safety standards.
- 3 maintenance authority holders, 4 CASA-approved commercial instructors, 7 private pilot instructors, and 8 commercial pilots
- CASA-registered flying school and CASA delegated examiner for issuing commercial balloon licences
- Quarterly CASA-approved safety seminars, more than any other ballooning company
- Pilot participation in several world ballooning championships
- Current Australian ballooning champion: Eddie Saunders
- Expert Hydrogen Balloon Pilots – Kiff and Edward Saunders hold rare hydrogen balloon ratings, underlining their elite ballooning credentials and showcasing their advanced expertise to operate one of the world’s most technically demanding types of ballooning.
- The Saunders family all hold European commercial balloon licences, enabling balloon flights worldwide
Over three decades, Global Ballooning Australia has earned numerous accolades, including:
- Multiple Victorian Tourism Awards
- Hall of Fame induction at the Victorian Tourism Awards
- Victorian Disability Sector Award
- TripAdvisor’s #1 outdoor activity in Melbourne
With these credentials and achievements, every flight with Global Ballooning Australia guarantees unmatched safety, world-class expertise, and a truly unforgettable adventure.
A LEGACY OF PASSION PASSED DOWN
More than 30 years later, Global Ballooning Australia remains proudly family-owned and operated.
Kiff’s three children – Paterson, Edward, and Scarlett have each become commercial balloon pilots, carrying on the family legacy with pride. Together, they represent four generations of aviation excellence, combining world-class skill with a shared love for adventure.
Whether competing internationally or flying passengers over Melbourne or the Yarra Valley at sunrise, the Saunders family continues to inspire, proving that passion, dedication, and family spirit truly lift you higher.
INNOVATION, INCLUSION, AND SUSTAINABILITY
At the heart of Global Ballooning Australia lies a belief that everyone deserves the chance to experience the wonder of flight.
- Easy Access Basket: Designed for passengers with mobility challenges, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of flight.
- Carbon Neutral Flights: The only Victorian ballooning company to offset all emissions through Greenfleet, protecting the landscapes they fly over.
- Digital Flight Experiences: Complimentary inflight photos, a seamless online rebooking system, and a custom mobile app that keeps passengers informed in real time.
- Inclusivity & Multilingual Hosts: Flights feature Mandarin-speaking and Japanese-speaking hosts, with Australia’s only Japanese commercial balloon pilot — ensuring all guests feel welcome and supported.
Every flight celebrates nature, connection, and freedom, leaving guests with memories that last a lifetime.
FROM THE GROUND UP – AND STILL RISING
What began with a single balloon, a dream, and a love for the wind has grown into Australia’s best ballooning company – a leader in adventure tourism, accessible ballooning, and sustainable flight experiences.
For more than three decades, Global Ballooning Australia has shared the wonder of flight with dreamers, travellers, and adventurers from around the world.
As we look to the skies ahead, we extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have flown with us, supported us, and believed in our journey.
And to those yet to experience it – we invite you to become part of our story.
Because at Global Ballooning Australia, our history is still being written – one sunrise at a time.
