Avon Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight – Weekends

Your hot air ballooning adventure begins just before sunrise in the departure lounge of our hangar at the Northam Airfield. Following check-in and a hot coffee (or two!), guests are transferred out to the launch site on-board.

At the launch site it's all hands on deck as the pilot and ground crew unload the basket and inflate the balloon. Passengers are able to assist with the inflation of the balloons which helps add that extra dimension to the whole hot air ballooning experience.

Once aboard the balloon, your pilot will run through vital in-flight information including balloon safety and the importance of ballast! We wait a few moments for some final photos and a quick wave to the ground crew before the balloon is released and we drift gently towards the clouds. Once aloft enjoy the spectacle of seeing the first signs of dawn shed light over the Avon Valley, a glorious patchwork of colours.

You will discover how beautiful the Avon Valley is as your hot air balloon drifts over rolling hills, lush green fields and meandering streams. Flight time is up to an hour which allows you plenty of time to take in the panoramic views of this rural landscape. Flying low over rivers and streams, you can catch a reflection of the colourful balloon shimmering on the water, or pick leaves from the tops of nearby trees! As you gently float over the fields of the Avon your Pilot will provide an informative commentary on the region and the activities it hosts, as well as the history of ballooning and the science behind flying.

After disembarking its all hands on deck once again as you discover the art of repacking the balloon before being taken to the Fountain Restaurant at historic Fitzgeralds Hotel to celebrate your experience in style with a sumptuous breakfast, champagne and certificate of flight presentation by your Pilot.

IMPORTANT: Hot air ballooning in Western Australia is seasonal – flights operate during the cooler months from early April to late November (the hot and windy summer weather in WA is unsuitable for ballooning).

Price shown is for 1 person.

For Avon Valley Weekday balloon flights – click here.

RESTRICTIONS:

You must be able to climb into the balloon basket unaided and stand for the duration of the flight. Civil Aviation Safety Authority Laws state that infants 3 years of age or younger are not permitted to fly in hot air balloons. Please advise of weights at time of booking and also if you have had a recent injury or surgery. Flights run daily subject to availability and minimum numbers.

WEATHER:

The limiting factor for a balloon flight is the wind rather than rain and usually when it is raining it is also too windy for ballooning. However Northam only gets about one tenth of the rain that falls in Perth. If we know in advance that the weather will not be suitable for ballooning the operator will contact our passengers by 1pm the day prior if we are going to cancel early. Safety is paramount in our operations. Strong winds or heavy rain could result in cancellation by your Pilot.

WHAT TO BRING:

Casual clothing (jeans & jacket), clothes that can get a little dirty, and sturdy footwear. A hat is also advisable. Don’t forget your camera and plenty of film or be sure to empty your digital camera’s memory card!

WHAT IS SUPPLIED:

A one hour balloon flight Monday – Friday, Champagne breakfast, Flight certificate

LOCATION:

Your hot air balloon flight begins in Northam approximately 100kms from Perth CBD. Please allow at least 1.5 hours for the journey.

TIME:

You will need to allow 4-5 hours for the complete experience including coffee and briefing the balloon inflation, the flight, vehicle recovery and champagne breakfast. The actual flight will last approx 45mins to 1 hr.

Available for bookings from April to November.

NUMBERS:

Our balloon fleet gives us the flexibility to fly smaller exclusive groups, or larger family gatherings and conferences. Our balloons can hold varying capacities: 4 compartments (holds up to 16 passengers) or 2 compartments (hold up to 10 passengers).

CANCELLATIONS:

No cancellations or changes to flight bookings will be accepted within 7 days prior to the day of flight. If you do not show up on your day of flight you ticket is forfeit. S

Price shown is for 1 person.

For Avon Valley Weekday balloon flights – click here.