Floating over Melbourne by hot air balloon

Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-8

Is there any better way to see a city than from above?

I love sunrises and I love heights. So naturally, while in Melbourne, a hot air balloon ride over the city was in order.

Firing up the hot air balloon by Expat Edna Firing up hot air balloon by Expat Edna Firing up hot air balloons by Expat Edna

It’s worth the 4:30 call time.

If you get cold, volunteer to help set the balloon on fire. That amount of heat (and the sense of accomplishment!) is bound to get your heart racing.

Melbourne before sunrise by Expat EdnaHot air balloons on fire by Expat EdnaMelbourne from above before sunrise by Expat EdnaIn the hot air balloon basket by Expat EdnaMelbourne from above before sunrise by Expat Edna-2

The morning of our flight was gray and overcast. I was worried my first hot air balloon experience — something I’d waited for for years — was going to be a dud.

But then, to the east:

Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat EdnaMelbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-2 Melbourne cityscape by hot air balloon by Expat EdnaLooking over Melbourne by hot air balloon by Expat Edna

A gorgeous sunrise emerged from the clouds, blanketing the city in brilliant warmth.

Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-5Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-6Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-12Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-13

There isn’t much to say here, really. I took far too many pictures and have far too many words to describe the experience.

But how magical is the world that we can be ants in the sky, looking at ants on the ground, in a little wicker box suspended by fire?

Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-7Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-9Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-14Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-11Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-16Melbourne sunrise by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-15Melbourne by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-17Melbourne by hot air balloon by Expat EdnaMelbourne by hot air balloon by Expat Edna-2

Where’s your favorite destination to explore by hot air balloon?

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Paris from Above
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22 Comments

  • Reply
    Jackie
    April 13, 2015 at 15:30

    Gorgeous photos! My favorites are the one of the cities where the street lights are still on. I’ve never been on a hot air balloon before but it’s definitely on my list!

    • Reply
      edna
      April 16, 2015 at 05:11

      Thanks! That was actually Joe’s favorite photo too, haha. I hope you get to do a balloon flight some day, they’re awesome.

  • Reply
    Steph (@ 20 Years Hence)
    April 13, 2015 at 21:43

    Love it! I’ve yet to experience the thrill and wonderment of a hot air balloon ride, so I enjoyed vicariously experiencing your ride in Melbourne. What a sunrise!

    Also, are you and Joe sharing glasses? :P

    • Reply
      edna
      April 16, 2015 at 11:56

      Haha we might be — surprised that people picked up on that! I totally didn’t even notice!

  • Reply
    marghini
    April 14, 2015 at 04:06

    What a gorgeous, gorgeous sunrise! Amazing pics Edna!

    I’ve never had a chance to go on a baloon but after seeing these pictures I wonder if I should make it happen somehow.. Even just for taking pictures as awesome as yours!!

    • Reply
      edna
      April 16, 2015 at 11:55

      Thanks you Marghini! It’s definitely worth the view (and photos).

  • Reply
    Marina @ Garlands in Paris
    April 14, 2015 at 07:19

    I love that last sentence… And the glasses sharing! You guys are adorable.

    • Reply
      edna
      April 16, 2015 at 11:55

      Haha thanks Marina! Of course you’d notice :)

  • Reply
    Louise
    April 14, 2015 at 16:51

    I think you need to check this off your bucket list! x

    • Reply
      edna
      April 16, 2015 at 11:56

      Ah you’re so right! Thanks for the reminder! x

  • Reply
    Jennifer Stevens | Adventurous Appetite
    April 15, 2015 at 06:29

    Ahhhhh why didn’t I know about this when I visited in January?? Looks incredible! Beautiful pictures :)

    http://www.adventurousappetite.com

    • Reply
      edna
      April 16, 2015 at 11:57

      Thanks Jennifer! Just think of it as a reason to go back :)

  • Reply
    Sara
    April 15, 2015 at 11:10

    You seriously do the coolest things! I’ve always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon – I also share your love of being places from above! The photos are absolutely stunning – looks like an unforgettable experience. It reminds me a little of the time I went skydiving at sunrise in Hawaii with my brother – though your experience undoubtedly lasted a bit longer, and you have all these gorgeous photos as a keepsake!

    • Reply
      edna
      April 16, 2015 at 11:59

      Haha thanks Sara! I know, I’m so glad to have a heights buddy in you! I really want to go skydiving sometime — Hawaii sounds like an amazing place to do it.

  • Reply
    Caroline Eubanks
    April 15, 2015 at 18:39

    I went in Cappadocia but these pictures are so beautiful I want to go again!

    • Reply
      edna
      April 16, 2015 at 12:01

      Ooh Cappadocia is at the top of my list for hot air ballooning!

  • Reply
    Felicity
    April 15, 2015 at 20:48

    SO beautiful! Youve inspired me to book a hot air balloon ride in Napa this summer :) Thanks lady! x

    • Reply
      edna
      April 16, 2015 at 12:02

      Ahh Napa sounds beautiful!! Enjoy gorgeous x

  • Reply
    Jenia
    April 16, 2015 at 04:54

    There is just something so cool about hot air balloons. We’ve done it twice, and both times it was absolutely magical :)

  • Reply
    Mo
    April 20, 2015 at 03:23

    Whoa!!! What a sunset. Beautiful photos!

  • Reply
    Ceri
    May 15, 2015 at 10:35

    Okay, I actually gasped at some of your pictures. Wow, wow, and wow. Stunning.

    I’m in two minds about going in a hot air balloon (blame the whole Balloon Boy thing) but after seeing those photos? Oh my gosh. What an incredible way to see a city. And think of all those people in the city having no idea that all those balloons were in the air as they woke up.

  • Reply
    Becca
    September 2, 2015 at 11:04

    Wow these photos are gorgeous. It almost makes me want to take a hot air balloon ride! I’m just so terrified of it – what if it pops or you can’t get down?! (I am aware that physics/experience makes this unlikely, but I can’t get it out of my mind). How far outside the city are you?

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