Melbourne, everyone deserves a chance to fly!

Earlier this week, our massive WICKED hot air balloon flew over Melbourne, heralding the return of this glorious show to its original Australian home, and Lord Mayor Sally Capp was on hand to welcome the two stars, Courtney Monsma and Sheridan Adams, to Melbourne. 

Almost 20 years since its premiere on Broadway, WICKED remains one of the most successful and popular musicals in the world. Winner of over 100 major awards including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award, six Helpmann Awards, three Tony Awards® and six Drama Desk Awards, WICKED is “A Complete Triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry and think” (USA Today).

The musical has played in 16 countries around the world including Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, The Philippines, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, and has been translated into six languages. WICKED has become the 4th longest running show in Broadway history (surpassing CATS).

Tickets to this incredible show are NOW ON SALE at the Regent Theatre from March 2024 – don’t miss out!

BOOK NOW

Want to win the chance to fly in our NEW WICKED balloon?

Head to the WICKED website for more info and how to enter.

ENTER COMPETITION

The competition will close 5.00PM ADST Friday 17/11/23. Winners will be announced on Monday 20 November 2023. 

You have a feeling that this is something you want to try next! As a first timer, questions may be bubbling up like balloons. Worry not! We’ve got you covered with the top seven questions for a hassle-free ballooning experience.

Question 1: Best Time to Fly? 

Every season has its charm, making ballooning a year-round delight. In summer, you’ll relish clear skies; spring gifts you with lush greenery below, and autumn paints a colorful canvas with misty mornings. 

Each flight is a unique experience, so choose your season and make it your very own treasure or come whenever you are available, we are ready for you!

Question 2: Can I Bring My Camera?

Absolutely! Your camera is your passport to capturing this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you’re wielding a fancy DSLR or a trusty smartphone, be sure to bring it along. 

But remember, as we glide back to earth, you’ll need both hands free to clutch the landing ropes. So, bring a small camera bag or a zip pocket to keep your cherished gadget safe and snug.

Question 3: What to Wear for Ballooning?

Prepare for an active morning amidst the great outdoors. Closed-toe footwear is a must—leave those high heels and flip-flops behind! The morning dew can make your feet chilly and damp, so a spare pair of socks and shoes is a smart move, especially in cooler months. 

Think warm and layered clothing, comfy hiking shoes, toasty socks, and don’t forget a cap to keep the heat from the burners above your heads. Pockets with zips are your best friend to store valuables, while big bags stay grounded—leave them behind. 

Question 4: Can a Hot Air Balloon Fly in the Rain?

Ballooning dances with the weather, and rain isn’t a partner we like to tango with. Raindrops aren’t kind to our balloon fabric, and stormy weather isn’t our idea of safe flying. We’ll have to wait for a clearer day!

Question 5: How to Check Your Flight Status?

Balloon rides are weather-sensitive, so your flight may be cancelled to keep you safe. Once you’re booked in, download our Global Ballooning mobile app and check your confirmation for vital details. We’ll keep you posted on your flight status and the exact meeting time by 6pm the afternoon before your flight date.

Question 6: Flight Cancellation and Rescheduling:

If your flight has been cancelled due to inclement weather, we’ll email you with options to reschedule your adventure via a convenient link. Keep in mind that weekend flights can be popular and book up quickly, so consider weekday alternatives. 

For those unable to reschedule, a refund may be an option, though it is dependent on the terms and conditions on booking. 

Question 7: How Big is the Basket? Can I Sit?

Baskets come in all sizes to fit the occasion. While there’s no cozy seat in the balloon, standing for around 60 minutes is all part of the fun! 

The basket size varies based on the number of passengers, ranging from intimate 2 person baskets to larger ones accommodating up to 24 thrill-seekers.

If you’re hungry for more information, don’t hesitate to float over to our FAQ section. And, for any other questions, drop us an email at balloon@globalballooning.com.au

Your sky-high adventure awaits—prepare to elevate your senses and embrace the thrill of ballooning. We will see you in the sky!

It was Ed’s first time competing in Northam and the National Championships, which took place
over spectacular Avon Valley rolling hills and farmland. Amongst the pilots Ed competed
against were his brother Paterson who came in fourth and his sister Scarlett who placed sixth.
Ed said he came into the week with a desire to win but didn’t necessarily think he would do it.
“At the beginning of the week the main goal was top four, which would get me to the World
Championships in Hungary next year. But winning is the cherry on top.

“I had a really good season last year in Europe and placed 12th out of 105 in Slovenia at the
World Championships, but we are aircraft relying on the wind so anything can happen.
“It was a good start to the week for me, which does give you confidence going forwards.
Any lead is a good lead, and I managed to maintain it.”
Ed said he owed much to the people around him.“I feel extremely humbled. It’s been a dream
of mine to get a National Championships win.

“One hundred percent having my family around me has made a difference in this competition. There were four of us in the team this year – my brother Pato and sister Scarlett, plus my girlfriend was navigating for her brother, pilot Harry Fraser. It was lovely having close family and friends around as it wasn’t an easy week – strategizing with the weather.

“I also have Jacob Brown who is my close friend and navigator. He does all my tech and
logging, and he saved me on every front. I fly the balloon but he’s the brains of the basket.
And I’ve also got to recognise my dad who taught me to fly balloons. It’s nice to get one on
the board.”

NSW pilots Matthew Scaife and reigning champion Sean Kavanagh placed second and third
respectively and will also head to the World Championships along with Paterson Saunders to
represent Australia.

National Championships Director Gary Lacey said it was a fairly challenging week with difficult
meteorological conditions.

“Given the difficult weather conditions, there was excellent flying,” he said. “It was clear the best pilots rose to the top but it was pretty close right to the end.

“The only way you can win a ballooning competition is consistency throughout the week and
Ed achieved this.”

Tens of thousands of spectators descended on Northam for the event, watching in delight as
the pilots – aged between 22 and 80 – flew overhead early in the morning and late in the
afternoon.

Practice flights ahead of the championships were cancelled due to weather conditions, forcing pilots to only experience the flying area during the first competition flight on Monday morning. Tuesday afternoon saw better flying conditions and near-perfect Avon Valley weather on Thursday and Friday saw many pilots improving their scores by manoeuvring their balloons to achieve goals, targets, scoring areas, time, and distance limits.

Spectators who missed out on the opportunity to witness the skies full of colour have a second
chance this year when competitive ballooning returns to Northam from September 2 to 9 for
the 5th Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championships – the first time the event has ever
been held outside Europe. Four women who were in Northam for the Nationals will return to
compete for Australia: Nicola Scaife (NSW), Scarlett Saunders (Vic), Alana Kahl (ACT) and
Georgia Croft (Vic).

For full results from the 23rd National Ballooning Championships visit
https://northamballooningevents.com/ and click through to the event and ‘pilots and balloons’.

The National Ballooning Championships is organised by Northam Ballooning Events and
supported by Tourism WA and The Shire of Northam.
For more information on the Australian National Ballooning Championships, visit Northam
Ballooning Events or www.facebook.com/northamballooningevents