What it's like to be a hot air balloon pilot during a global pandemic

For a snapshot in time, we asked eight people around the country to reflect on Australia Now. Here, Georgia Croft, a pilot for Global Ballooning Australia based in Victoria, shares her thoughts on what the global pandemic has taught her.

Keep reading our Australia Now series here.

When lockdowns grounded Global Ballooning Australia’s Melbourne and Yarra Valley flights, Georgia Croft saw an opportunity to establish a brand-new location for the company.

Today, one of only five female hot-air balloon pilots in Australia, the 24-year-old flies high above the scenic landscape and rolling hills of Mansfield and Mt Buller in Victoria’s High Country.

A day in the life of a hot air balloon pilot

The day starts early – up to two hours before sunrise. Ungodly hours that only hot-air balloonists and bakers keep, says Georgia. The flip side is that post-flight day napping is entirely acceptable within their community.

Hot air balloon pilot Georgia Croft getting ready to take off — Hot air balloon pilots are very early risers.

No day is typical with hot-air ballooning. “Every single day brings its own conditions and a whole new experience," says Georgia. “Even this morning – and I’ve been flying up here for three months – we got a wind direction that allowed us to fly over Lake Eildon and look at the valley from a completely different perspective. And last week we accidentally got bogged in a paddock and had to call the landowner to get in with his tractor to come and help us out. It’s a beautiful balance of being a professional and doing what we know and love, but also working things out as we go."

Why it’s great to pilot hot air balloons, according to Georgia

Georgia’s love for hot-air ballooning is manifold. From the fact it is the world’s oldest form of aviation and something of a lost art, to witnessing the awe of passengers, who are often first-timers, as they take in such inspiring sights as the sun rising over a snow-capped Mt Buller.

Hot air balloon pilot Georgia Croft, all set to take to the skies over Canowindra.

And she loves being part of the industry itself: the places it takes her and connections forged around Australia and beyond. “There are all these tiny little communities within this culture that have such a beautiful knowledge of their land and their environment, and also their [wider] community because of how engaged you have to be in that network in order to successfully do a hot-air balloon flight." Employing the seriously high level of skill and knowledge it takes to pilot a hot-air balloon, from meteorology to navigation, it offers a unique way to explore the country. “You’re assessing the wind and the topography and you’re looking at all these really niche factors that you would have no reason to pay attention to otherwise," she says.

It makes for a unique perspective on Australia, and not only literally. The job requires engagement with local landowners to get permission to launch and land: often popping into their backyard and saying, ‘Hey, do you mind if we land here?’ “And then 20 minutes later you’re in this random dude’s house and he’s walking you through his property and serving you a cup of tea," laughs Georgia. “I am constantly blown away by how giving people are of their time and their place, and their knowledge of the place. When you turn up and show an interest in that way, your possibilities are endless. And, through those interactions, you learn so much more about the land and the way that it works."

Hot air balloons over Mt Buffalo National Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

What the global pandemic has taught her

And there’s a lot more Australia can reveal to us yet, Georgia reflects. “This period of hardship, which everyone has gone through individually, has made me sit back and really appreciate this country and how much we have to learn from it and grow within it as well. But more so than that, it’s made me realise how privileged I am to be here and to live here. It gives me this solid optimism going forward, because it opens us up to have more intimate and more in-depth experiences rather than constantly looking elsewhere. It’s through this we could really learn to cherish where we belong and where we are. And that makes me really excited."

The wild, otherworldly beauty of The Grampians offers a perfect place to unwind, slow down and relax.

Not all holidays yield the same result; some are bustling, with endless things to do, events to book and places to see. All great things, but they leave you feeling more tired than before. Then, there are destinations that help you slow down, making real connections and participating in self-care.

Destinations like The Grampians : surrounded by untouched nature, allowing a chance to reconnect with yourself and loved ones at a slower pace.

Discover six science-backed ways to enjoy a holiday and feel restored at the end of it.

1. Practice mindfulness

Hamilton Gallery, the grampians — Be present at Hamilton Gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Mindfulness – the practice of tuning into the present moment – has been found to help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. One way to practice this art is by immersing yourself in art.

Hamilton Gallery has been in operation for over 60 years, and is not only home to many significant art pieces but also runs workshops and events for all ages to expand their awareness and understanding of art. The gallery is also the custodian of the largest collection of Gunditjmara artefacts held on country.

If you prefer to practice mindfulness through movement, visit Halls Gap Zoo to feed the meerkats – who wouldn’t feel better after focusing on these little guys? Or visit The Grampians Horse Riding Centre for an unforgettable morning ride through 10 kilometres of bushland. Enjoy the soothing movement of the horse and experience the bush anew.

2. Indulge in self-care

two people swimming in the Venus Baths, the grampains — Take an immersive bath in nature on the Venus Baths loop walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

While the term self-care might conjure up images of indulgent bubble baths or a soothing massage, there’s more to it than pampering. Self-care is any action that protects your physical, emotional and mental well-being.

Like taking an immersive ‘bath’ in nature. Do just that on the Venus Baths loop walk – ideal for less experienced hikers or those walking with kids – stopping at freshwater-filled rockpools to cool down along the way.

Serious hikers (we’re talking some rock hopping and traversing slippery tracks) can tackle the Wurgarri, or Mount Sturgeon walk, which rewards the effort with panoramic views from the summit.

For those whose idea of self-care leans more towards arts and culture, a visit to WAMA is a must. Australia’s first national centre for environmental art is home to exhibitions that explore the natural world through film, installation, painting, performance and more.

3. Embrace nature

Boroka Lookout, the grampians — Soak in incredible views over Halls Gap at Boroka Lookout. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Spending time in nature is the ultimate way to soothe your body and mind. It’s been proven to help with all manner of things, from reducing stress to boosting cognitive function. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than among the raw sandstone, wildflowers and native creatures of The Grampians.

Rocklands Reservoir, spanning 6700 hectares, is an ideal spot. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view over Grampians National Park. Cast a line, hire a canoe or follow nature trails along the water’s perimeter. How’s the serenity?

To appreciate nature’s imposing power, head to Splitters Falls. Here, find unrivalled tranquillity. Spring is the best time to visit, when bouquets of native spring flowers greet visitors.

Those with limited mobility will appreciate Boroka Lookout, a viewing platform surrounded by breathtaking views over Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. Come early to witness a sunrise you’ll never forget.

4. Prioritise Rest

outdoor bathtub at Nook On The Hill — Recharge at Nook on the Hill. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Above all else, a holiday should be an opportunity to recharge, and there’s no better way to do it than to get a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you how essential sleep is, for everything from mental health to strengthening the immune system.

Try Wanderlust Glamping , where guests fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature after an evening relaxing around the fire pit and wake to your very own green oasis.

For pure luxury in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, look no further than Nook on the Hill – a handcrafted tiny house surrounded by rewilded, lush native Australian bush. It might be small, but Nook on the Hill has everything needed to unwind in style, including an outdoor bath for balmy nights.

For a modern farm stay, book at Mount William Station in the foothills of The Grampians. The station combines old-world charm with modern amenities and easy access to everything this region has to offer.

5. Engage Your Senses

Salingers Cafe, destinations that help you slow down — Indulge in a meal at Salingers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Few human senses are as fun to indulge in as taste. A meal at Salingers in Great Western is the ultimate treat, and not only for the taste buds. The food is excellent, but Salingers’ really unique attraction is the bustling beehive that lives within the walls of the historic building.

For an expertly smoked burger, ribs, or beef brisket, head to Flame Brothers in Halls Gap. Tuck into delicious food while you enjoy the view.

If you prefer your senses heightened by the pump of adrenaline, Grampians Soaring Club offers an eagle-eye view of the Grampians National Park and Pyrenees Ranges from a glider. Take in the sights with a cross-country flight, ridge soar, or altitude wave flight.

6. Connect and reconnect

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

Making shared memories is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. These unexpected finds make it easy to discover something new in The Grampians.

Amateur geologists will delight at the Kanawinka geotrail, which covers 60 sites over Australia’s most extensive volcanic province. Visit the Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre to learn more about volcanic activity in The Grampians, or head to nearby Mount Napier State Park for a trip into the Byaduk lava caves.

Pop in to the Ros McArthur Art Studio to peruse the gardens full of native and exotic plants and flowers that serve as the subjects of Ros’s still life paintings.

For a shopping experience like no other, head to the Dimboola Imaginarium . Far more than a shop, the Dimboola Imaginarium is an immersive experience where you’ll find all manner of quirky bits and pieces. Expect the unexpected.

Put these science-backed holiday benefits to the test during a trip to The Grampians. Plan your peaceful getaway at visitgrampians.com.au.

What it’s like to be a hot air balloon pilot during a global pandemic