Festival of Speed Balloon Flight - Winton Motor Raceway

Before the engines begin to stir and the paddock comes to life, there is another way to experience the Winton Festival of Speed — from above the circuit at sunrise. 

Join Goldrush Ballooning for a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight and witness the scene of the Winton Festival of Speed from a truly unforgettable perspective. Drifting silently above the raceway and surrounding countryside, you will enjoy sweeping views of the circuit, the beautiful rural landscape, Glenrowan and Mt Buffalo on the eastern horizon as the first light of day illuminates the region. 

Operated by northeast Victoria’s premier ballooning company, Goldrush Ballooning combines more than 39 years of ballooning experience with the region’s renowned flying conditions. Goldrush's Chief Pilot, Paul, has flown Craig Lowndes, James Courtney and the SuperCar media crew, and has launched balloons from the Suzuka F1 circuit and Motegi Twin Ring, and said "to be part of the Winton Festival of Speed is a great honour". Each flight is led by highly experienced commercial balloon pilots and concludes with a celebratory Prosecco toast, creating the perfect start to days of historic motorsport and High Country hospitality.

Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast, aviation lover, photographer or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a Goldrush Ballooning sunrise flight offers an unforgettable way to elevate your Winton Festival of Speed weekend. The Festival of Speed Balloon Flight meets and returns to Winton Motor Raceway.

The Goldrush Ballooning Festival of Speed Balloon Flight experience includes:

o Easy parking at Winton Motor Raceway

o Transfers in our vehicle to the launch site, and return from the landing

o A full passenger safety briefing before take-off

o Spectacular one-hour* sunrise balloon flight at Winton and the surrounding area

o In-flight photography during the flight, to prove you were there!

o Hosting by our expert team who keep you informed throughout

o A glass of Brown Brothers Prosecco and chocolates after the flight

Limited Flight Season

The Festival of Speed only comes around once a year, therefore the availability of this flight is limited and seasonal. If you aren't able to fly say due to weather, you have the choice to join us at Milawa in the King Valley, or Mansfield on another occasion, or receive a full refund.

Schedule and Flight

Meet us at Winton Motor Raceway at 6.30am to fly in the perfect conditions around sunrise. Our expert crew will provide you with informative details throughout.

After a short drive to the launch field, it takes about thirty minutes to inflate your balloon. You are welcome to be involved in the inflation, and later the deflation process if you wish. Once the balloon is ready you'll be invited to climb aboard. You will receive a full passenger safety briefing before take-off and the flight is safe, friendly, and professional. The ground crew follows and meets the balloon at its landing. After deflation and a quick pack-up, your crew will drive you back to Winton. The flight is for an hour and the complete activity lasts between 3 and 3.5 hours and is suitable for ages 6 and up..

What will you see?

Flights usually begin at Winton Motor Raceway. We get expansive views from the raceway across to Mt Glenrown, Mount Buffalo and the High Country. Occasionally we vary our take-off location if prudent due to the prevailing wind direction on the morning of your flight.

Post Flight Celebration

After your flight we celebrate it with a delicious glass of King Valley Prosecco and chocolates - juice is also available. 

Accommodation

Benalla has many good accommodation options - please contact us for details.

Meeting Details

The meeting time is 6.30am at the Skid Pan, Winton Motor Raceway via the Huntley Street main gate, Winton Victoria 3673. All these details will be sent to you in your flight booking confirmation email. The meeting time may vary with forecast weather. Your Duty Pilot will call between 6 - 7 pm the night before to confirm arrangements for the morning. 

Price per Guest

Adult: $395  Child: $375  (6 to 15 years old)

Payment accepted by Bank Transfer, Visa, or Mastercard. Credit card payment attracts 1% surcharge

This experience can be purchased as an open-dated Gift Certificate valid for 3 years. The Festival of Speed Flight Ticket or Gift Certificate is transferable to our other flight locations - refer to our Terms and Conditions for details.

Rescheduling or Refunding

The Festival of Speed Flight can be rescheduled or refunded if the weather is unsuitable for flying on the morning of your flight. Also if you need to, you can reschedule your flight with at least 7 days' notice. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.  

Flight Availability and Minimum Numbers

Goldrush operates 7 days a week. A minimum of 4 guests is required to confirm the Festival of Speed Balloon Flight on your chosen date. If there are less than 4 guests booked we will advise you and provide options to get you airborne.

* Times may vary slightly due to conditions.