Fact Sheets & Video - Legends, Wine and High Country

Highton Manor in Mansfield, two hours north east of Melbourne, takes the meaning of B&B to a new level. Not only does the Manor provide quality accommodation, it's the official meeting place and launching pad for Global Ballooning Adventures.

If you've ever wondered how the balloon goes where the pilot wants it to go, the answer is blowing in the wind. The various currents in the wind enable the pilot to pick and choose the level and direction of travel. The flight lasts for about an hour and while it may seem a short adventure, it's plenty of time to whisk high over Mansfield and beyond.

Weather permitting, balloon adventures run all year round. With 360 degrees of uninterrupted views, looking out of the basket of a hot air balloon is a great way to explore Mansfield. The only hard part is getting down - the landing depends on the co-operation of Mother Nature, with a just little help from the pilot.

The complete Global Ballooning experience spans five hours and includes a champagne breakfast to calm those pre-flight nerves. When your feet finally hit the ground, Highton Manor awaits. If the Mansfield scenery has given you an appetite for the country lifestyle, the homemade dishes like gnocchi with tomato and cream sauce will make you feel right at home.

The facts:

Qantas flies to Melbourne daily from all capital cities.

Qantas

Tel: 13 13 13

Global Ballooning runs five hour flights which cost $240 per person, including champagne breakfast.

Global Ballooning Experience

Tel: 1800 627 661

Accommodation at Highton Manor in Mansfield starts from $225 per room per night and includes a cooked breakfast. Three course meals at Manor cost from $60 per person.

Highton Manor

Tel: 03 5775 2700