Best-known for its excellent balloon excursions, Northam is a peaceful town on the banks of Western Australia's Avon River. It was the starting place for Steve Fossett's round-the-world balloon expedition in 2003, but nowadays it offers shorter sunrise trips over the Avon Valley. These trips include full pilot and ground crew service followed by a champagne breakfast at one of the most historic Northam hotels. In the town itself, a park lines each bank of the Avon. On the east bank, Apex Park is a popular spot with visiting families, hosting a safe children's play area, white swans and plenty of shade. On the opposite bank, Bernard Park is home to a visitors' centre where guests can learn more about this delightful area. Each year, the river attracts large numbers of spectators to see the Avon Descent, a white-water racing event which starts in the town. The town is around 100kms from Perth, which is well-connected to other major destinations by Transwa rail services, while coaches N3 and N5 regularly complete the journey by road.

other spellings: northamhotel wa, otelin nertham wa, noltham hotell wa, nrtham hote wa, notham hotl au