Women’s World Championships takes over the Avon Valley in September 2023

As a passionate enthusiast of hot air ballooning, I recently had the incredible opportunity to witness the Women's Hot Air Ballooning World Championships in the picturesque town of Northam, Western Australia.

This event was absolutely breathtaking experience. I cannot even begin to explain what it’s like to look up and see a sky full of vibrant, colourful balloons just floating above me.

I might be biased but the Avon Valley was the perfect backdrop for the Women’s World Championships. This event brought together skilled female pilots from around the globe to showcase their talent, determination, and the beauty of hot air ballooning. The Pilots transformed the skies above Northam as these majestic balloons gracefully floated through the air, leaving me in absolute awe.

Competitors hailed from various countries, contributing to the global spirit of camaraderie and friendship that permeated the event. The championships not only showcased the prowess of these women in navigating their balloons but also underscored the growing inclusivity and diversity within the world of Hot Air Ballooning.

Our Female pilots across the world are all so friendly and kind hearted. Coming from so far away and yet they all have the same goal, to help everyone and expand our Ballooning Community. They truly are role models for young ladies and myself. I am so grateful I got the opportunity to witness this event firsthand.

I personally think this was more than just a Sporting event. The amount of residents and businesses who joined forces to welcome all the Pilots, Crew and visitors, creating a festive atmosphere right here in Northam. We all gathered at designated viewing spots and people with 4wds went anywhere else they could view the event from.

Not only did we all enjoy the competition in the sky but also our town came together to have a night celebrating the Competition with food trucks, live music, and stalls around. The Pilots were happy to talk to all of us and tell us all about their experiences. Our Town truly came alive with colour, light, and Flame.

As all the Pilots slowly started returning home after the competition, Our town was left with a sense of accomplishment, having witnessed not only a thrilling sporting event but also a celebration of women's achievements in the field of hot air ballooning. It’s a pretty incredible feeling to witness how far the sporting world has come. You Ladies are amazing!!

~ Ella