If you really want to wrap your head around the staggering vastness of the Australian Outback, you have to get above it. I decided to take to the skies in a hot air balloon, and let me tell you—it is worth every bit of the 3:30 am wake-up call.
Rising into the cool desert air while the world is still pitch black is an experience in itself, but seeing the sun break over the horizon from the basket of a balloon? That is pure magic. As the first light hit the red earth, the colors of the MacDonnell Ranges began to glow in shades of orange and purple that you just can’t see from the ground.
I kept my eyes peeled as we drifted silently over the spinifex and mulga scrub, and I got lucky—I managed to spot a few kangaroos bounding across the plains below. There is something incredibly peaceful about watching wildlife from above without the noise of an engine.
Once we touched back down, the adventure wasn’t quite over. We all pitched in to help pack away the massive balloon equipment, which is a great way to warm up after the chilly morning air. To celebrate a successful flight, we capped off the morning in true aeronaut style: with a glass of champagne and some snacks right there in the middle of the desert.
It was the perfect “high” to start the day.
Next stop: Back on solid ground to explore the red dirt of the MacDonnell Ranges!
