Northam the balloon capital
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Tuesday, 21 March, 2000 - 21:00
NORTHAM is the ballooning capital of WA, according to Windward Balloon Adventures.
A Windward spokeswoman said Northam’s sheltered environs
provided ideal conditions in which to experience hot-air ballooning.
“There are rare occasions, however, where our passengers find the balloon flight is cancelled due to weather,” she said.
“Much depends on the micro-meteorology in the Avon Valley where conditions are very different to Perth and can be changeable right up until sunrise.”
The ballooning season is from April to November. The hotter summer months are unsuitable as cool, calm conditions are needed.
“We meet at the Northam Airfield just before sunrise – the most beautiful time of the day and also when the weather conditions are most favourable,” she said.
“After coffee and flight briefing, the flights usually lasts from forty-five minutes to an hour.
“When we return to the airfield with the ground crew for chilled champagne and brunch, we celebrate with the pilots who present First Flight Certificates.”
Windward has two balloons which can carry six and eight passengers respectively.
Northam Tourist Bureau manager Don Bremner said the Avon was the only region in Australia where you could balloon, skydive and glide within a radius of sixty kilometres.
“Skydive Express is only thirty-five kilometres from Northam and Beverley offers some of the best conditions for gliding in the country,” Mr Bremner said.
A Windward spokeswoman said Northam’s sheltered environs
provided ideal conditions in which to experience hot-air ballooning.
“There are rare occasions, however, where our passengers find the balloon flight is cancelled due to weather,” she said.
“Much depends on the micro-meteorology in the Avon Valley where conditions are very different to Perth and can be changeable right up until sunrise.”
The ballooning season is from April to November. The hotter summer months are unsuitable as cool, calm conditions are needed.
“We meet at the Northam Airfield just before sunrise – the most beautiful time of the day and also when the weather conditions are most favourable,” she said.
“After coffee and flight briefing, the flights usually lasts from forty-five minutes to an hour.
“When we return to the airfield with the ground crew for chilled champagne and brunch, we celebrate with the pilots who present First Flight Certificates.”
Windward has two balloons which can carry six and eight passengers respectively.
Northam Tourist Bureau manager Don Bremner said the Avon was the only region in Australia where you could balloon, skydive and glide within a radius of sixty kilometres.
“Skydive Express is only thirty-five kilometres from Northam and Beverley offers some of the best conditions for gliding in the country,” Mr Bremner said.