- The 5th FAI Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championship descends on the Avon Valley
- First time the Championship has been held outside the Northern Hemisphere
- Event will boost the local tourism industry, bringing thousands of competitors, spectators and photographers to the region
The world’s best female ballooning pilots will take to the skies in Northam over the coming week for the Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championship.
The unique contest will take place from 2 to 9 September 2023, with 30 female pilots from 13 nations set to battle it out in the largest ballooning competition ever held in Western Australia.
The event will bring thousands of competitors, spectators, photographers and ballooning enthusiasts to the region, to witness the flights at sunrise and sunset (weather permitting), as the world’s best pilots compete over the picturesque Avon Valley.
The event marks the first time the championship will be held outside of the Northern Hemisphere in an Australian and competition first, providing a boost to the local tourism industry.
The competition kicks off with the new Northam Festival of Ballooning, which will delight visitors with live music, entertainment and international food dishes as well as ballooning demonstrations and the chance to meet the pilots.
The Championship is organised by Northam Ballooning Events and supported by the Shire of Northam.
More information is available at northamballooningevents.com.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Destination events such as the Women’s Hot Air Ballooning Championship play an important role in supporting regional tourism by creating jobs, boosting the economy and drawing visitors to the region who will spend money with local accommodation providers, restaurants and tourism businesses.
“Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Northam for the event, and I encourage all visitors to stay and explore this beautiful area.
“It’s particularly exciting with this being the first time the Women’s World Championship has been held outside the Northern Hemisphere, so this is a great opportunity to show what a special place Western Australia is.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“Northam is known for being a world-class hot air ballooning destination – and for good reason, with the town’s weather conditions ideal for such events, the colourful display is sure to delight those travelling to the region.
“Women’s sporting events have been in the spotlight of late, and I’m delighted that yet another competitive women’s event is promoting Western Australia on the global stage.
“This event is free for the public to enjoy and there is plenty of opportunity to witness the colourful spectacle with the stunning Avon Valley scenery as a backdrop.”
As stated by Agricultural Region MLCDarren West:
“We’re really excited to welcome thousands of people to the region over the next week to enjoy what will be a fantastic event.
“I really encourage people to make the most of their visit and explore the gourmet food and wine trails, heritage buildings and beautiful scenery while they’re here – we have so much to offer.
“Thanks to the volunteers who contribute the thousands of hours to make this Festival possible.”
