Above Avon Valley, sunrise arrives slowly: first the dark outline of the hills, then fields and farm animals in the new light. The balloon climbs to around 2,000 feet, but the ride itself is quiet and unhurried, a very different way to see the countryside.
I like two things in particular: the flight gives you a wide view of the valley at its most atmospheric, and helping the crew pack the balloon after landing turns the outing into more than a ride. Breakfast rounds out the early start. The trade-off is the alarm: you may need to be up around 1 or 2 a.m., and weather can cancel the flight.
- What to know before you book
- Sunrise over Avon Valley, not central Perth
- A slow climb and a remarkably calm ride
- The early Northam meeting and the flight-day schedule
- Landing means rolling up your sleeves
- Breakfast is a welcome finish, not the main event
- How much the flight is worth
- Who will enjoy this Avon Valley flight
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- Where does the hot air balloon flight meet?
- Is transportation from Perth included?
- How long does the experience take?
- What time does the activity start?
- Is breakfast included?
- What is the minimum age for the flight?
- Is there a weight limit?
- What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
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What to know before you book
- The meeting point is in Northam: Check in at Farmers’ Home Hotel, 112 Fitzgerald St E. The advertised Perth name can be misleading if you assume city pickup is included.
- Plan on a very early start: The stated meeting time is 5 a.m., but it changes by season. The operator contacts you the evening before with the confirmed time.
- Expect about an hour in the air: The full experience takes roughly three to four hours, including preparation, the flight, packing up, and breakfast.
- The balloon work is part of the outing: You may help fold and pack the balloon after landing. Wear clothes and shoes you do not mind getting dirty.
- It is weather-dependent: A safe flight comes first. Fog, wind, or other unsuitable conditions can mean cancellation or a rescheduled date.
- Breakfast is included, transport to Northam is not: Check your chosen package carefully if you need a ride from Perth.
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Sunrise over Avon Valley, not central Perth
This is a country flight in the Avon Valley, with Northam as the meeting point. The title’s reference to Perth describes the broader destination market, not a city-centre launch. If you are staying in Perth, you need to arrange your own way to the Northam meeting point unless your booking specifically includes transfers.
The change of setting is a plus. From the balloon, you are looking over open farmland, fields, and the valley as the sun comes up, rather than over city streets. On clear mornings, you may spot sheep and kangaroos below. The view changes with the season and the weather, so do not expect the same colour or visibility on every flight.
The operator describes the flight as reaching around 2,000 feet. That height gives you a broad view, but a balloon does not follow a fixed sightseeing route like a bus. The pilot works with the conditions, so the direction and details of the view can vary.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Western Australia.
A slow climb and a remarkably calm ride
A hot air balloon flight may sound like a white-knuckle activity, but this one is described as smooth and steady, with gradual ascents and landings. You stand in the basket as the balloon rises, with the quiet of the early morning broken mainly by the burner. The sensation is less like a fast ride and more like watching the ground fall away at an easy pace.
That gentle rhythm is part of the appeal for first-timers and families with older children. No previous balloon experience is needed, and the minimum age is six. Children aged 13 and over pay the adult rate. The operator sets a 130-kilogram weight limit per person, so check this before booking if it may apply to you.
The crew’s experience matters most when conditions are changing. Pilots named on past flights include Nick, Sven, and Dan, and crew members such as Thor have also helped with the day’s arrangements. You cannot count on a particular pilot, but expect a pre-flight briefing and instructions for getting into the basket and preparing for landing.
The early Northam meeting and the flight-day schedule
The stated meeting point is Farmers’ Home Hotel at 112 Fitzgerald St E in Northam. The listed departure time is 5 a.m., with a return to the same location around 9 a.m. However, meeting times change through the season, and the operator confirms the actual time the evening before. Treat the published schedule as a guide, not a promise of an exact sunrise timetable.
Arrive at least 10 minutes before the confirmed departure time. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable, which makes a careful plan for reaching Northam especially important. The tour does not include transportation to the meeting point unless you select a separate package that says it does.
Once gathered, you can expect the crew to coordinate the flight around the weather and the day’s conditions. Some past schedules included a briefing, a short transfer to the launch site, and balloon inflation before takeoff. Those details can vary, but watching the balloon take shape is one of the more memorable parts of the outing. It gives you a practical sense of the size of the equipment before you climb aboard.
The flight lasts about an hour. Add the preparation, landing, and return to the meeting point, and plan for three to four hours in all. That makes this a half-day activity, even though much of it happens before breakfast.
Landing means rolling up your sleeves
Do not assume that the experience ends the instant the basket touches down. Participants may help the crew deflate and pack the balloon, including folding and carrying parts of the fabric. Some people find this hands-on finish a welcome way to understand the work behind a flight; others may be surprised by the effort after an early start.
Choose practical clothes for this part. Mornings can be cold, especially in the cooler months, and the balloon fabric may pick up dirt. A hat or cap and sunglasses are on the recommended packing list. Past participants also advise dressing warmly without wearing favourite clothes or shoes. That is sound advice for the chilly wait and the balloon packing alike.
The flight itself is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. If anyone in your party has mobility needs, ask the operator about the physical requirements before booking rather than relying on the general description of a smooth ride.
Breakfast is a welcome finish, not the main event
Breakfast is included in this package, and past outings have finished with a buffet at a Dome café. It is a useful reward after being awake for much of the night, and a chance to sit down with the group after the flight and pack-up. The exact breakfast arrangements are not specified in the package details, so check with the operator if you have dietary needs or want to confirm the venue.
Think of breakfast as a satisfying finish rather than the reason to buy the tour. The main value is the flight and the chance to watch the valley wake up from above. If you are comparing packages, make sure you are comparing like with like: some options include transport from Perth, while this package’s stated inclusions are breakfast and operator-provided insurance.
How much the flight is worth
The experience is advertised from US$272.09, while the price information also gives a starting price of $299.29. Prices and displayed currencies can differ by booking channel, date, and package, so confirm the total in the currency shown at checkout. The important comparison is whether your fare includes only the flight and breakfast or also transport.
At this price, you are paying for a specialist activity with a short flight, a crew, and a dawn setting that is hard to reproduce on your own. The value improves if you want the full balloon experience, including the inflation and pack-up, rather than simply an aerial view. It is less compelling if you are chiefly looking for a long flight or a broad tour of the region: the time in the air is about one hour, and the scenery depends on conditions and season.
Weather is the biggest uncertainty. Fog has caused cancellations, and cloud can obscure sunrise views even when a flight goes ahead. The operator can cancel for safety and offer a reschedule or full refund in that situation. If your wider trip is tightly scheduled, leave room for a change of date if possible. A flight that cannot safely depart is no bargain, however disappointing the lost morning may be.
Who will enjoy this Avon Valley flight
I would put this on the shortlist if you enjoy quiet outdoor experiences, want a special sunrise outing, or are celebrating with someone and can manage the early start. It also suits first-time balloon passengers who want a gentle flight with a crew briefing and a clear role in the landing-day routine.
Families can consider it for children aged six and older, but remember that this is not a late-morning activity. You will need to judge whether your child can cope with the pre-dawn start, the cold, and the wait around the flight. The group size is listed as one to 12 participants, which keeps the group relatively small, though the precise arrangement on the day may depend on the operator.
It is a weaker fit if you dislike heights, need wheelchair or stroller access, cannot travel to Northam independently, or have no flexibility around weather delays. And if you are booking for the sunrise alone, keep expectations measured: fog, cloud, or seasonal conditions can change what you see.
Should you book it?
Book if you are willing to trade sleep for a calm, memorable hour over Avon Valley, and you can get to Northam before dawn. The sunrise, the chance to spot animals below, and the crew’s balloon pack-up make this more engaging than a simple ride. Confirm your transport plan, dress for a cold morning, and keep some flexibility for weather. If those details work for you, the flight is a distinctive way to see the countryside.
Avon Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight in Perth includes breakfast
“Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to ride the hot air balloon this time. Due to heavy fog in the morning that persisted even after sunrise, th…”
FAQ
Where does the hot air balloon flight meet?
The meeting point is Farmers’ Home Hotel, 112 Fitzgerald St E, Northam WA 6401. The operator returns you to this location after the activity.
Is transportation from Perth included?
No, transportation to the meeting point is not included in this package. Check the exact package details if you need a Perth transfer.
How long does the experience take?
Allow about three to four hours in total. The flight itself lasts around one hour.
What time does the activity start?
The listed meeting time is 5 a.m., but times change through the season. The operator contacts you the evening before to confirm the meeting or pickup time.
Is breakfast included?
Yes. Breakfast is included in this package. Past outings have included a buffet at a Dome café, but confirm the current arrangements with the operator if needed.
What is the minimum age for the flight?
Participants must be at least six years old. Children aged six to 12 need a child ticket, and those aged 13 or older pay the adult rate.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. The stated limit is 130 kilograms per person.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
The operator may cancel the flight for safety reasons. In that case, you can choose to reschedule or request a full refund.
