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 Mornington Peninsula’s newest bathhouse just became a complete wellness destination with the addition of The Sanctuary.

It’s a quiet luxury mood board come to life. That’s my first thought when I enter the brand-new villa. It’s one of five perched at the highest point of the 15-hectare property that’s also home to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa. I remember meeting Kadi Morrisson, Alba’s Director of Sales & Marketing, at an industry event in 2024 as she excitedly revealed the renders of what was to become the luxury accommodation I’m now standing in. I can see that her excitement was completely warranted. This retreat is something special.

Location

The Sanctuary is located in the seaside town of Fingal on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Supplied)

Tucked away on an idyllic seaside pocket of land in the Mornington Peninsula, The Sanctuary accommodation is the newest addition to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a 15-hectare bathhouse and wellness sanctuary fed by the region’s underground mineral springs. The seaside town of Sorrento, as well as world-class restaurants, wineries and pristine beaches, is all minutes away. It’s also an easy 90-minute drive south from Melbourne Airport, making it within reach of an interstate wellness weekend getaway.

Rooms and villas

The Sanctuary’s five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025. I’m staying in one of three villas that feature an en suite with an oversized stone bathtub set in front of a floor-to-ceiling glass wall (villas 1-3 only). It means I’m treated to expansive views of the bay and native bushland while soaking in Alba’s signature bath salts – a blend of native Australian botanicals, moisturising oils and mineral-rich salts. Aesop amenities are also supplied in the shower and bathroom.

Glass doors open onto a private deck from the en suite and bedroom; the perfect place to sit with a cheese board and wine at the end of the day to watch the sunset or to stargaze come nightfall. And if you’re feeling in the mood for a stretch come morning, make use of the provided yoga mats and salute the sun at daybreak.

My second-favourite addition (after the bath) is the indoor log fireplace that is set of an evening by the concierge (they can be called to add another log before 10pm as needed). Listening to the crackle of the fire from the comfort of the king bed makes drifting off to sleep a breeze.

Find wine from 10 Minutes by Tractor in the villa’s bar. (Image: Supplied)

The extensive all-inclusive (minus champagne, cocktails and spirits) mini bar champions local businesses with wine from Ten Minutes by Tractor, St Andrews Beach Brewery beer, Peninsula Cold Press Juice Co. and Alba’s Signature tea. Snacks include Chappy’s kettle cooked chips, Choca Mama peanut brittle, pretzels and nude nuts. As well as still and sparkling water and T2 tea. An Illy coffee machine and pods are also included.

Style and character

Local design studio KWD in Mt Martha crafted the interiors from a soothing palette of muted hues – think every shade of cream imaginable. I’m greeted by soft afternoon light leaking through the chiffon curtains; it makes me feel like I’m sinking into a cafe latte-inspired dream. With accents of wood and black metal, as well as exquisite design details like the subtle silver sheath covering the bedside lights, this is understated luxury at its best. I never want to leave.

Facilities

Undoubtedly, one of the major drawcards of a stay at The Sanctuary is inclusive access to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa for each day of your stay, plus you get to enjoy one upgrade to a private pool (The Terrace, The Clouds or The Salts). Concierge transfers via buggy between your villa and the springs are also available – but it’s an easy walk if you don’t mind the hill up to the villas.

Alba Thermal Springs and Spa

The Terrace at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa

The Terrace is one of the private pools at Alba that guests get access to once during their stay. (Image: Supplied)

Opening in 2024, Alba’s pools and landscape architecture were designed by MALA Studio. The team transformed the expansive property into six regions through the thoughtful curation of over 60,000 native and endemic plants.

There are 34 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and herbal-infused botanical, that range in temperature and design – some to create a feeling of seclusion, while others invite social connection – all fed by natural geothermal mineral waters that flow from 550 metres below ground. I gravitate towards The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. I leave my robe at the entrance, slip into the sunken geothermal pool and immediately feel the tension from my travels melting away.

Inside, Alba has 22 spa treatment rooms, including a steam room, Vichy shower, and single or double massage rooms with a spa menu designed to renew, repair and recalibrate guests. The wristband that acts as a key to your villa also gives you access to the change room and bathhouse – just speak to reception on arrival. In addition to lockers and showers, the change rooms also feature a clever swimsuit drying spinner – I find this makes for a more comfortable dining experience (more on that below) in your robe minus wet swimmers.

Thyme Restaurant

Breakfast at Thyme by the springs is included. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Breakfast is included at the in-house restaurant Thyme throughout your stay. I opt for yoghurt panna cotta with toasted house granola topped with local honeycomb, fermented blueberries and berries. But I admit to having FOMO when I see my husband’s choice of poached eggs, Adelaide Hills bacon, layered thyme potato with roasted mushroom and fresh sourdough arrive at the table. Barista-made Little Rebel coffee, smoothies and cold-pressed juices, as well as tea, are also included.

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the springs. It’s strongly encouraged to dine in the provided robe, which means you can easily go from soaking in the pool to dining and back again without needing to change.

Both The Sanctuary breakfast menu and The House menu for lunch and dinner were created by award-winning chef Karen Martini, with head chef Mario Di Natale at the helm. Expect fresh, healthy and flavour-driven dishes made with sustainability in mind. For dinner, my husband and I ordered the tuna crudo, scallop and prawn wontons for entrées and roasted cod and sake-braised beef short rib for mains to share with seasonal greens.

Does The Sanctuary have access for guests with disabilities?

The pools at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa are designed to welcome all guests, and a full accessible studio is part of The Sanctuary.

Is The Sanctuary family-friendly?

Guests of all ages are welcome at The Sanctuary, and rollaway beds or cots can be provided upon request. The springs require adult supervision for children aged under 16, and the private pools and spa are reserved for visitors aged 16 and over only. However, I didn’t see any children during my visit.

Details

Best for: A romantic retreat or indulgent girls’ weekend away

Address: 282 Browns Rd, Fingal, Victoria

Room rate: Prices start at $1300 per night for two guests in a Villa with bath, $1150 for Villa without bath.

Tips for visiting Alba Thermal Springs and Spa:

1. Pack waterproof footwear so you don’t have to walk on the cold paths barefoot (plus, footwear is required inside the restaurant).

2. Phones and smartwatches are not permitted – leave them in your locker or room.

3. The minerals in the water can cause jewellery to tarnish; lock them away in the in-room safe.

4. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at the drinking fountains – you will dehydrate quickly in the pools and saunas.

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