VIDEO: Pilot on Cloud 9

Updated December 19 2012 - 2:35pm, first published 12:00am
Cloud 9 chief pilot John Allen. Pictures: Carlos Furtado
Cloud 9 chief pilot John Allen. Pictures: Carlos Furtado
Birthday present:  Dorothea and Mark Hamilton of Toongabbie loved their first hot air balloon ride.
Birthday present: Dorothea and Mark Hamilton of Toongabbie loved their first hot air balloon ride.
This basket took 16 people.
This basket took 16 people.
Cloud 9 Balloon flights say the views of the Hawkesbury as ''exceptional''.
Cloud 9 Balloon flights say the views of the Hawkesbury as ''exceptional''.
Picturesque:  The stunning views of the Hawkesbury Valley from the air, with its patchwork, look reminiscent of England.
Picturesque: The stunning views of the Hawkesbury Valley from the air, with its patchwork, look reminiscent of England.

When you imagine going hot air ballooning, many picture  the wine-growing region. But we have our own exceptional views right here in western Sydney. Editor Heloise Reece and photographer Carlos Furtado joined Cloud 9 balloon pilot John Allen for the ultimate experience.