ITINERARIES

5:30AM // HOT AIR BALLOONING

The day begins in Northam floating in a hot air balloon, like a dream, over a magic patchwork quilt of rolling hills, lush green fields and meandering streams. From April to late November, Windward Balloon Adventures and Liberty Balloon Flights have been creating special memories for customers for years.

9:30AM // BURLONG POOL

Take about two hours to stroll the relatively easy Dorntji KoorlingBurlong Pool riverside hike, and admire various native birds along the way. You’ll see black and white swans, spoonbills, ducks, herons and coots. Stop at Burlong Pool and cast a handful of sand into the water as a mark of respect to its status as an important Aboriginal site, the summer home of the Wagyl (Rainbow Serpent).

1PM// PICNIC

Make your way to Toodyay and look out for silos bearing artwork from renowned international artists, Phlegm and Hense, along the 30-minute journey. Stop for a picnic amongst abundant wildflowers in spring at the Bilya Walk Track where — after you pick up delicious pies and pastries from the famous Toodyay Bakery — you may spot waterbirds and long necked turtles. After, walk part of the sign-posted 7km track offering splendid views of the Avon River.

3:30PM // PELHAM RESERVE

Finish the day with a short drive up to Pelham Reserve looking over 50 hectares of bushland featuring York Gum, Jam Woodland and Wandoo. In spring, its steep slopes are covered in carpets of everlastings. Stay on and watch a spectacular sunset before settling in for the night at a historic hotel like The Toodyay Manor or The Victoria Hotel, where the classic Australian pub fare will warm your soul.

Historians At Heart

8AM // BREAKFAST

Wake up at the luxurious Laurelville Manor, famous for its breakfast, before taking a leisurely wander down York’s Avon Terrace lined with heritage buildings.

10AM // YORK COURTHOUSE

Step inside the York Courthouse Complex and marvel at the grandeur of the courtroom built in 1859 and its transformation into an art gallery. It’s now a showcase for Aboriginal culture and a history of colonial impact.

11AM // YORK MOTOR MUSEUM

You can’t visit York without checking out the only communityowned and operated motor museum in Australia. York Motor Museum, opened in 1979 by the late Peter Briggs and James Harwood, has a fascinating collection of vintage cars and bikes.

12PM // RESIDENCY MUSEUM

Whip over to Brook Street and delve back into the past at the awardwinning Residency Museum located inside a Victorian, Georgian style house, which is the last remaining part of York’s Convict Depot.

2PM // WALKING TOUR

Drive 45-minutes to Toodyay for a bite to eat before taking a selfguided walking tour. Visit Connor’s Mill to discover historic machinery, explore the era of Moondyne Joe in the Newcastle Gaol Museum precinct, and wander past the old Butterly Cottage and through Duidgee Park before returning via the banks of the Avon River. Pass St Stephen’s Anglican Church and Stirling Terrace along the way.

4PM // CHARCOAL LANE

Admire Toodyay’s public murals in Charcoal Lane behind IGA, including the bright birds mural by Morangup artists Nicola Cowie and Kat Ferguson.

Liberty Balloon Flights

T: 1800 22 55 66

E: info@libertyballoonflights.com.au

W: libertyballoonflights.com.au

Early morning balloon flights in Perth (Avon Valley), experiencing magnificent views whilst participating in this ancient sport.

The peaceful adventure of floating in the wind is an activity to share with friends and family. This day will then become a memory which will last forever.

No one feels fear of heights during this contemplative and gentle flight. A hands-on experience (we need help in simple tasks during the morning), ballooning is for anyone aged 6 to 100!

The activity is weather dependant and flights are rescheduled if conditions are not safe.

Windward Balloon Adventures

Northam Airfield, Withers Street, Northam

T: +61 8 9621 2000

E: info@windwardballooning.com

W: ballooning.au

Experience breathtaking scenery as you float gently above the Avon Valley on a Deluxe Champagne Balloon Flight in our safe and experienced hands. Windward have over 40 years’ experience and are past winner of two WA Tourism Awards for Adventure Tourism.

Lifting o at sunrise you’ll float gently over a rural landscape of rolling hills, lush fields, and meandering streams. Post flight; celebrate in style with champagne, breakfast, and flight certificate presentation.