Northam is located ~ 100km east of Perth, capital of Western Australia. Travel between Perth and Northam is via the Great Eastern Highway, with travel time of approx. 1 hr. The Great Eastern Highway is aligned east west, and is the major road route connecting Western Australia with the eastern States. The Great Eastern Highway Bypasses Northam Town site to the north, with several connecting routes to the Town Centre. Other significant roads in the area connect Northam with Toodyay, Goomalling and York Town sites.

The competition area extends approx... 40 km north/south, and approx.. 30 km east/west. Topography of the area is interesting with the Avon River flowing from south to north, through the Northam Town Centre. The Mortlock River North and Mortlock River South, are to the east of the Avon and flow in opposite directions to join near the Northam Airfield. That river then flows into the Avon, to Toodyay then through the Darling Scarp to Perth and the Indian Ocean as the Swan River. These river systems are seasonal and often produce interesting local micro meteorology.

The competition area extends loosely from Irish Town (north) to Mackie Siding (south), and from Berry Hill (west) to Meenaar (east).

Northam is a service centre and an agricultural based Town. Significant road and rail infrastructure are focused on the Town Centre. The Region"’s agriculture is generally wheat / sheep in nature. There are several stud farms in the area and crops are typically wheat, barley, canola and export hay. Landing options are slightly reduced in the pre-harvest period of the Event, but compensate with spectacular scenery.

There are two Airfields in the competition area, the Northam airfield, and the Skydive Express airfield and DZ at Mackie Siding.