Balloon Aloft launches new accessible tourism experience in the Hunter Valley

People with mobility access requirements can now enjoy NSW’s first wheelchair accessible hot air balloon experience in the Hunter Valley – an experience supported by the NSW Government and Cessnock City Council, in partnership with operator Balloon Aloft.

Australian balloon manufacturer Sean Kavanagh of Kavanagh Balloons said designing and building the state’s first accessible balloon basket has been both a challenge and a privilege.

“The biggest challenge was ensuring we could engineer a wheelchair accessible balloon basket that was safe, so we locally designed and built a basket with a door and cushioned seating with restraint systems and a multi-point harness,” Kavanagh shared.

“We’re very proud to be involved in this project as hot air ballooning is our passion, and one of the greatest things about our business is being able to share that with other people, and everyone should be able to experience a balloon flight.”

Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal advised “we are focused on ensuring that the unique sights and experiences that attract tourists are available to everyone and our new accessible hot air balloon boosts the number of inclusive tourism experiences on offer in the Hunter Valley region.”

Pilot and General Manager Matthew Scaife said Balloon Aloft, which has been based in the Hunter Valley for 43 years, is excited to be launching a tourism experience that will enable people with limited mobility to experience the thrill of hot air ballooning.

“We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy this amazing experience and our new balloon will make that possible for more people than ever before and it’s wonderful to see this come to fruition with the launch of our Hunter Valley Accessible Balloon Flights,” Scaife said.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the balloon’s first official flight is a milestone moment for local accessibility and inclusion, which are critical components for responsible and sustainable tourism in the Hunter Valley.

Minister Moriarty notes “Planning and creating accessible tourism experiences like this one in the picturesque Hunter Valley has removed the barriers that prevented locals, families or visitors from enjoying the freedom of flight and will also help the local tourism industry become more sustainable.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said the wheelchair accessible balloon basket is significant and added “The NSW government is excited to be backing inclusive tourism initiatives like this, allowing people with disability to access adventures and seeing wheelchair accessible tourism taking off."

Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion Liesl Tesch said it was a proud moment to be part of the state’s first accessible balloon flight and understands how important it will be for locals and visitors to the region, especially for those with disability.

“Dignified and equitable tourism experiences benefit the individual and also their support networks, who will now be able to share an unforgettable experience together, and that will go a long way in making life more inclusive for people with disability in NSW,” Tesch said.

“Too often, people with disability miss out on the joys of tourism and I am thrilled to see more equitable experiences across our regions.”

Visit Balloon Aloft to find out more about the accessible balloon flights.