5th FIA Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championships 2023

Taking place from 2 to 9 September, it is the first time the Championship will be staged outside the Northern Hemisphere. 30 amazing women pilots from 13 nations – from Brazil to New Zealand and Latvia will be taking to the skies to find out who is the best in the world. This is the largest number of balloons that have flown in a competition event in Western Australia.

Ballooning fever will be in full flight during event week and a new festival on Saturday 2 September will kick off the competition. Northam Festival of Ballooning – a tailor-made music, entertainment and international food festival, will be hosted by the Shire of Northam and incorporate the Championship’s Opening Ceremony and official welcome to competitors. Ballooning demonstrations, inflation and night glow will also be included in the festival.

Flying and photography enthusiasts can catch the competition flights at sunrise and again in the late afternoons (weather permitting) from several vantage points as pilots compete in a series of scored tasks over the Avon Valley. A spectator information point and activation will be located on the Village Green in Northam’s town centre.

Organised by Northam Ballooning Events and supported by Tourism WA and Shire of Northam, and the 5th FIA Women’s World Championships provides a fantastic day out or overnighter in the Avon Valley. Save the dates and experience the magnificent display of colour and skill.

Dates: 2 to 9 September 2023
- Northam Festival of Ballooning – 2 September
- Practice flights – 2 and 3 September
- Competition flights – 4 to 9 September

Time: Competition flights - sunrise and late afternoons weather permitting

Location: Northam, Western Australia on Ballardong Nyoongar Boodja country. The course stretches 30 x 40km across the Avon Valley.

Instagram: @northam_ballooning_events

Tickets: Free to attend.

Visitor information: Northam Visitor Centre, contact 96222100, email tourist@northam.wa.gov.au or visit the Shire of Northam website.

Media contact: Janine Pittaway, jpittaway@brightcommunications.com.au