In the heart of the Western Australian outback, where gold fever raged and dust clung to everything, one man took to the skies in a daring spectacle never before seen on the Goldfields.
In this week’s podcast episode, we revisit the thrilling true story of Albert Eastwood — a fearless showman who brought gas balloons, parachutes, and a taste of the impossible to the goldfield’s town of Kalgoorlie in 1910. Performing with the touring Beebe Balloon Company, Eastwood's aerial stunts left crowds gasping as he floated high above the town … and then plummeted back to earth in a parachute, trusting nothing but wind and nerve.
With strong winds, mechanical hiccups, and the constant risk of disaster, every ascent was an edge-of-your-seat event. It was a time when entertainment was raw, real, and often dangerous — and Eastwood thrived in the thrill of it all.
This episode is part of a series inspired by stories written by my Nanna, historian Norma King, who captured the colour and courage of the early Goldfields era through first-hand interviews and research.
The full story will also appear as a chapter in my upcoming book based on Norma King’s original writings, along with many more true tales from the golden days of Western Australia’s frontier towns.
Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for updates on the book's progress, behind-the-scenes extras, and early access to discounted pre-orders when they become available!
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