If you’re looking for something different to do, perhaps a drive into the country, then look no further than Northam, where the skies above will be adorned with 30 beautiful hot air balloons for the National Ballooning Championships.
For one week from Saturday 2nd to 9th September, international, interstate and local hot air balloon pilots will descend on the Avon Valley, testing their skills at varying winds and altitudes. It’s also the perfect opportunity for boost your Instagram account with stunning photos of golden-hour skies dotted with colourful balloons.
Northam is 97 kilometres east-northeast of Perth, or about an hour’s drive. Situated on the banks of the Avon River, Northam was gazetted as a town in 1836, making it second only to Fremantle in terms of numbers of significant historical buildings. The visitors centre runs a bus tour of the historical buildings too.
Public festivities for the National Ballooning Championships commence at 4pm on Saturday 2 September with the Northam Balloon Fiesta followed by the visually stunning Balloon Glow after dark at the Henry Street Oval, weather permitting.
The free Fiesta will include a live stage show, balloon discovery zone, carnival rides, game zone, markets, food and drinks and show bags.
The competition balloons will fire up in all their glory with musical accompaniment at approximately 7.30pm with a fireworks finale.
Each day enthusiasts can see the balloons flying across the rolling hills and valleys at dawn and again in the afternoon if weather conditions are suitable.
Spectating opportunities are available at various locations around Northam. Balloons will launch at around sunrise each morning and fly until approximately 9am.
Another highlight is the Key Grab competition on Saturday 9 September. This is a flying task for the balloons departing from the Northam Airfield at first light. Pilots fly from point to point, collecting foam ‘keys’ from the end of 10metre poles in several locations.
For more information visit http://www.northamnationals.com, email info@northamnationals.com or receive updates on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/northamnationals and Instagram @northamnationals.
The 2017 National Ballooning Championships is proudly supported by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, The Shire of Northam, and other local sponsors – this is just one reason by the Government’s Royalties for Regions funding is so important for Western Australia, it supports so many terrific regional events including the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster and Taste Great Southern.