

Hot air ballooning operations
Hot air ballooning operations must comply with the City Plan and local laws, including:
- Local Law No. 16 (Licensing) 2008
- Local Law 9 (Parks and Reserves) 2008 and
- Local Law No. 16.5 (Aircraft Operations from a Premises Owned by a Person) 2008.
Applying for a new hot air balloon licence
Select from the drop-down headings below for more information.
Is a licence required?
A licence is required for hot air ballooning operations. This is regardless of whether they launch or land on private property or City of Gold Coast parks.
The launching and/or landing of hot air balloons is restricted to the following City parks (subject to change):
- Firth Park, Mudgeeraba
- Frank Chaston Sporting Field, Gilston
- Pizzey Park, Miami (avoiding southern boundaries of park adjacent to residential development)
- Little Clagiraba Park, Clagiraba
- Ballybunion Park, Napper Road Parkwood
- Broadwater Parklands (southern end)
- Albert Park, Broadbeach Waters
- Ned Twohill Equestrian Park, Southport
- Cos Zantiotis Park, Labrador
- Runaway Bay Sports Precinct
- Riverstone Crossing Sports Park, Upper Coomera
- Glennon Park, Nerang (only when prevailing winds results in a north or east direction of flight)
- Sir Bruce Small Park, Benowa.
How to apply
Complete and submit a hot air balloon licence application form. To avoid processing delays, please ensure you attach the following supporting information.
- Public liability insurance certificate of currency for at least AU$20 million.
- photos/images of balloons (including any branding).
You must also specify the purpose of your hot air ballooning operation when applying for a licence.
Find a link to the hot air balloon licence application form below.
Taking over an existing business
Select from the drop-down headings below for more information.
Transfer of business or licence details
If you are taking over an existing hot air ballooning business, the current approval holder may apply to transfer the approval. The land owner must be aware of the application and have granted the consent. No fees apply.
Find a link to the hot air balloon licence transfer form below.
Information for existing businesses
Select from the drop-down headings below for more information.
Amendments to a hot air balloon licence
You will need to submit an amendment application for
- changes to your business or contact information
- modifying your operation
- requesting a change to conditions of approval.
Find a link to the hot air balloon licence amendment application below.
Licence renewal
Hot air balloon licences are renewed annually. They are valid until 31 August each year. Fees apply.
Lost or damaged licence or approval documentation – how to request a request a replacement
You may apply for a replacement of your licence or associated documentation.
Please note that fees apply for this request. Find details of these fees on the application form.
Related information
Jump to key information- Libraries
- Media Centre
- Find a park
- Alerts
- Find a waste centre
- Report a problem
- Contact us
- Forms & applications
- Events
- Have your say
- Payments
- Permits & licensing
- Disaster management
- Community Directory