- Australian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Ballooning Championships and Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championship taking to the skies above Avon Valley
- ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Championships return to Northam for the first time in six years
- Supported by the McGowan Government, through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program
A colourful week-long aerial spectacle is taking off over Northam this week as the much-anticipated ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Ballooning Championships return to Western Australia for the first time in six years.
The skies above the Avon Valley in Ballardong Noongar Country will be filled with a spectacular array of hot air balloons as pilots compete in the only national competition where the highest-ranking competitors will be selected for the World Championship.
The 23rd Australian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Ballooning Championships are being held from 6 to 13 May, with the Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championship taking place from 4 to 9 September this year.
Both events are supported by the WA Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, and delivered by Northam Ballooning Events, in partnership with the Shire of Northam.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Ballooning Championships challenges pilots to exercise their skill in manoeuvring their balloons over a set course with goals, time and distance limits.
The Elevate Festival with balloon-themed events, including the spectacular Balloon Night Glow, will activate the town, marking the fifth time the competition has been held in Northam.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Ballooning Championship was last held in WA in 2017 and attracted more than 12,000 visitors to the region, while the Night Glow event drew more than 7,000 attendees.
The Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championship was last held in Poland in 2018, when 33 athletes from 10 nations competed, including Australia’s Nicola Scaife, who won the event in both 2014 and 2016 and will be back in Northam to compete at both the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s and Women’s Worlds.
Together, the two Championship events are expected to attract almost 30,000 out-of-State visitors to Northam and inject millions of dollars into the local economy.
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As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
“Northam is known for being a world-class hot air ballooning destination – and for good reason, with the town’s weather conditions being ideal for such events and the colourful display sure to delight those travelling to the region.
“Events such as these play an important role in supporting regional tourism by creating jobs, boosting the economy, and drawing people to the area – who will spend money with local accommodation providers, eateries and tourism businesses.
“The event is free for the public to enjoy and there is plenty of opportunity to witness the colourful spectacular over the stunning Avon Valley scenery.”
