Last Updated on 27 November 2025 by Ariana Svenson
Want to know more about Northam hot air ballooning? Look no further!
Seeing the Avon Valley from above at sunrise is the kind of moment that stays with you. As the light slowly spreads across the wide fields and rolling hills, the whole valley feels calm and almost untouched. There’s a stillness in the early morning that makes the experience even more special, and it’s one of the main reasons the valley has become such a popular ballooning destination.
The weather here also works in your favour. Mornings in Northam, WA, are usually calm and predictable, which means flights are smooth and safe throughout much of the year. A sunrise balloon ride in Northam is a beautiful and peaceful adventure that stays with you, and it’s one I’d gladly recommend, especially if you’re looking to try something new on your visit.
Here’s everything you need to know about hot air ballooning in Northam, and why waking up early for this experience is absolutely worth it.
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What Time of Year is Best for Avon Valley Ballooning
The best time to hot air balloon in Northam is from April to late November, when the mornings are cooler and the winds are gentle.
Summer, on the other hand, brings hot temperatures and stronger winds to Western Australia, which make ballooning in Northam, WA, unsafe.
During the operating season, there are daily hot air balloon rides in Northam. However, it also depends on the weather. Even small changes in wind speed, cloud cover, or visibility can affect takeoff, so pilots make the final call on the morning of the flight.
If you book during the operating season, you’ll have the best chance of seeing those beautiful, clear sunrise views over the beautiful Avon Valley.
Northam Balloon Festival & Championships – Bucket List Events!
Northam is not just a scenic destination for Avon Valley Ballooning. It also hosts major ballooning events that draw pilots and spectators from around Australia and beyond. One of the highlights is the Northam Light Balloon Fiesta, held over several days.
Keep an eye on the Northam Ballooning Events website for next year’s schedule announcement.
During the Northam hot air balloon festival, you’ll see a colourful fleet of up to 20 balloon flights launching every morning. On one evening, they host a balloon glow, where balloons are tethered and illuminated against the night sky.
Northam has hosted prestigious competitions, including the Australian National Ballooning Championships and even the Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championship.
A key part of the festival is the Elevate Festival, a community event held in tandem with the balloon fiesta. It’s a family-friendly celebration with live music, food stalls, markets, and a balloon glow spectacle, where balloon artists ignite their creations at sunset!
Balloon Experiences
The Northam hot air balloon experience isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your mood, schedule, and the amount of time you have, there are many options to choose from. Some experiences include extra touches, from champagne balloon flights to celebrate special occasions.
Many tour packages include pickup and drop-off from the Perth area, so you don’t need a car to enjoy the adventure.
Ballooning in Northam from Perth
There are many Northam ballooning tours which offer pickup from Perth city, such as this Perth to Northam Balloon Flight, which includes a shuttle bus transfer. You can relax on your way to Northam and arrive in good time to prepare for the flight. Don’t forget to dress warmly. Early mornings in the Avon Valley can be chilly!
If you’re driving in, you’ll meet in Northam about 90 minutes before sunrise, giving you plenty of time to settle in and get ready for the adventure. From there, you’ll be driven to a launch site carefully selected by an experienced commercial balloon operator based on the day’s weather conditions.
Personally, I think combining a Northam Balloon flight with Canola season or a wildflower season foray makes a lot of sense! That said, there was quite a lot in the news this year that the Balloon operators were having some issues with the number of crops planted in 2025. Abysmal sheep prices meant that farmers had switched from sheep to cropping, thus reducing the amount of ground the balloons can be landed on.
Lift-Off with the Light
Once on site, you’ll receive a safety briefing and watch the balloon come to life as it’s inflated, a mesmerising spectacle in itself!
Then, it’s time to take off and float gently over the picturesque Avon Valley. As the sun starts to come out, flights lift off gently from the ground. Enjoy up to an hour floating over the Avon Valley, passing through a patchwork of farmland, rolling hills, winding rivers, sleepy towns, and lush green fields stretching as far as the eye can see.
The balloon flight is usually calm and steady, so there’s nothing to feel nervous about, even if you are doing it for the first time. Just relax and enjoy the panoramic views that reveal the beauty of the Avon Valley from above.
Stories in the Sky
During the flight, the pilot often shares insights about ballooning and the local area, including facts about the landscape and little-known details about the towns you’ll pass by below.
After landing, enjoy a flight celebration moment with a toast to mark the unforgettable experience.
Northam Hot Air Ballooning: Our Top Recommendations
If you’re ready to book a hot air balloon experience in the Avon Valley, here are two trusted operators that consistently deliver safe, memorable, and beautifully run hot air balloon rides in Northam.
1. Windward Balloon Adventures
Windward is one of the longest-running ballooning companies in Western Australia, recognised for its smooth flights and friendly, experienced pilots. They have a calm and organised approach from the moment you arrive until the moment you land, great, especially if you’re ballooning for the first time!
Why choose Windward:
- Great for first-timers
- Highly experienced pilot team
- Classic sunrise flights with breathtaking views
- Reliable schedule and well-organised operations
View Windward Balloon Flights here >>>
2. Liberty Balloon Flights
Liberty Balloon Flights is another excellent choice, especially if you want a relaxed, informative, and scenic flight. Their team is known for sharing fascinating stories and insights during the ride, which adds a personal touch.
Their flights are smooth and calm, and you’ll have plenty of time to take in the patchwork of farmland, winding rivers, and rolling hills below.
Liberty Flights are also known for offering special touches, such as optional champagne toasts or commemorative photos, that make the experience feel even more memorable.
Why choose Liberty:
- Warm, knowledgeable crew
- Smooth, gentle flights over rolling hills and farmland
- Ideal for couples, families, and anyone who loves adventure
- Highly rated
More info about flights from Northam here >>>
Flight from Northam with pickup from Perth >>>
How to Choose the Best Hot Air Balloon Flights Experience
Choosing the right hot air balloon experience can make all the difference in your Avon Valley adventure. Here are some things you should consider:
Location, Meeting Point and Pickup Options
Decide whether you want to drive to Northam yourself or take a tour that includes pickup from Perth. Most hot-air ballooning tour packages in Northam, Western Australia, include transport, so you don’t have to worry about logistics.
Flight Duration
Look for Northam hot air ballooning packages that allow enough time in the air, so you can fully enjoy the wonderful scenery of the picturesque Avon Valley. Most sunrise flights last around an hour.
Special Add-Ons
Consider what extras are included. Are you celebrating a special occasion? You may want to book a champagne balloon flight, or perhaps splurge on exclusive, private flights to make the experience even more memorable. Some of the hot air balloon rides in Northam also include a sumptuous breakfast before or after the flight.
Group Size
Some Northam hot air ballooning flights are small and intimate, while others can accommodate larger groups. Smaller baskets are great if you want something more personal. Larger flights are perfect for a more social experience and are often better value.
Safety and Reputation
Hot air ballooning in Northam, WA, is generally very safe, but choosing an operator with an excellent safety record always adds peace of mind. All operators we have recommended are known for their professional standards, experienced pilots, and consistently positive guest reviews.
Hands-On vs. Observational
Some tours include helping with balloon setup, while others are purely observational.
Budget
The cost can vary widely depending on extras, duration, and group size. Choose a package that offers the best value for what you want out of the experience.
How can I see the balloons?
Not quite ready to fly? If you rise early in Northam you can often see the balloons flying in the area. Alternatively, if you want to see them take off, you can call one of the operators and they may be able to tell you where they will be taking off from.
Your Trip to Northam
Northam is famous for hot air ballooning, but it’s also a picturesque regional town with plenty to see and do. It’s an excellent option for a weekend getaway from Perth.
If you’re visiting for a sunrise balloon ride with your own transport, make sure you take some time to explore Northam.
Northam has plenty of places where you can enjoy a slow breakfast or a quiet coffee after your early morning start. Northam is also an excellent base for exploring other scenic spots in the region, such as White Gum Farm and the Silo Art Trail. The Avon Valley National Park is a wildlife-filled area has picturesque walking trails through the bushland and scenic lookout points over the valley.
You can also take a short drive to the nearby towns of York, WA and Toodyay, home to cosy cafés, heritage buildings, fantastic bakeries, and art galleries.
And if you’re turning your trip into an overnight escape, the Avon Valley region is near some of the loveliest Western Australian farmstays. Make sure you also read our guide to the top things to do in Northam if you’re planning a longer adventure. The guide also includes some of our top accommodation recommendations, such as
- The amazing Farmers Home Hotel.
- Rec Hotel
- Fairway Manor
Final Words
Now, you know exactly what to expect from Ballooning in Northam, and you’ll be glad you gave it a try. Any worries will quickly disappear. Ballooning across the Avon Valley as the run rises is a very memorable experience, where you can see the hills, rivers, and farmland. Hot air ballooning is addictive, and you’ll be booking your next balloon flight before you know it!
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