National Ballooning Championships

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Fri 28 Aug 2015 - Sun 06 Sep 2015

[SECTION]Up, Up and Away[/SECTION]

Northam is known for the Avon Descent whitewater race and the unusual white swans on the Avon River . Now a more colourful event will fill the air above the region when the Australian begin on 28 August. Last held here in 1984, this unique event attracts balloon pilots from around the world. As well as the daily flights there will be community events and entertainment for all ages, making this the perfect time to visit the Avon Valley.



[SECTION]The Championships[/SECTION]

Throughout most of the year the Avon Valley offers excellent conditions for hot air ballooning and there are commercial flights every day during the season. The Championships will feature practice flights on the weekend of 29-30 August, then daily morning and afternoon flights for the next week, subject to weather conditions. The flight area extends 40 kilometres north/south, and approximately 30 kilometres east/west of Northam.


Pilots have come from all over Australia as well as Japan, China and Russia to compete in the events. The Balloon Championship isn't a race in the traditional sense but rather a series of tasks that "requires the pilot to assess how to utilise the winds to navigate from the launch field to a target point". The targets are set by the event director and change according to the conditions. Points are awarded according to how close the pilot drops a marker to the target.

One event not to be missed is the Key Grab, where balloonists select a take-off point and then fly to a foam key mounted atop a 10 metre pole.



[SECTION]Other Events[/SECTION]

As well as the balloons there will be plenty to see and do on the weekend of 29-30 August with free activities to suit all ages. The Northam and Districts Small Farm and Business Expo will run throughout the weekend at the Northam Recreation Centre. This event showcases local businesses, products and service. Visitors can expect to find wines, chocolates, chillies, cheeses and nuts plus craft items. For the youngsters there are rides, a bouncy castle and the friendly animals from Incredible Creatures.

On Saturday afternoon, parents and children alike will enjoy the Flight Discovery Zone where they can:

see and touch hot air balloon equipment
find out how hot air balloons fly without an engine
try flying a virtual hot air balloon
meet experienced pilots
discover why the Avon Valley is WA's ballooning 'capital' '

Also on Saturday there will be a Fiesta starting at 4pm which will include live music and food before the spectacular Balloon Glow when all 30 balloons are lit.



Northam is approximately 100 kilometres from Perth and an easy 1-hour drive. There are also regular coach and train services, but with so much happening, why not stay for a few days?

#attractions
#avon_valley
#escape_the_city
#family
#festivals
#free
#near_perth
#things_to_see
#tourist_attractions
#unusual_events
#august
!date 28/08/2015 -- 06/09/2015
%wnperth