The National Ballooning Championships finishes on Saturday (9 September) with a competition unique to hot air ballooning called the Key Grab.

In a Key Grab, the balloon pilots all try and fly into the Northam Airfield and attempt to get hold of a large foam key that sits atop a very tall pole.

National Ballooning Championship Timelapse

Where to watch from?

The pilots have a choice of where to launch their balloons from that day and are likely to be spread out across the area so spectators are encouraged to arrive straight to the Northam Airfield, grab a spot along the fenceline and enjoy the spectacle.

You can find Northam Airfield at Withers Street Northam. If you are coming from Perth, allow at least 1.5 hours driving time.

When to arrive?

it is recommended to arrive by 6.30am. They will be in the air for approximately one hour.

The cafes of Northam will be open for breakfast following the Key Grab and the Northam Show is also on this weekend so there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

On Saturday the Northam show is on from 9am to 5pm. Visit northamshow.com.au for more information.

Your chance to win a picturesque Avon Valley balloon flight for two

If you are heading to the National Ballooning Championships make sure your phone and or camera is ready to capture the perfect shot to enter this year’s photo competition.

Some amazing #NorthamNationals shots so far

A post shared by L A L A (@leesa_lala) on Sep 4, 2017 at 12:52pm PDT

A post shared by Janine Pittaway (@neen70) on Sep 5, 2017 at 7:55pm PDT

A post shared by Mark Molinari (@mark_molinariphotos) on Sep 1, 2017 at 4:09pm PDT

A post shared by Soulfly_seiklus (@soulfly_seiklus) on Sep 6, 2017 at 2:12pm PDT

A post shared by Sara Bacon (@lazaretto) on Sep 4, 2017 at 4:12pm PDT

For competition details visit National Ballooning Championships Photo Competition.

For more on the National Ballooning Championships visit the Northam Nationals Facebook page or northamnationals.com.