Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2020

Overview

Every March, for the past 30 years, the lawns of Old Parliament House in Canberra have transformed into a launching pad for the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.

You can watch a group of colourful hot air balloons take off together into the sky and provide a backdrop to Australia's national attractions. Plus, it's the only event in the world where they can fly so close to government buildings, iconic architecture and houses.

The classic hot air balloons are there, but the festival also mixes it up each year with novelty-shaped balloons. In previous years, there have been windmills, a pair of dancing bees and a balloon shaped like Vincent Van Gogh's head flown into the sky. To lose yourself in this extraordinary sight, all you have to do is get yourself to Canberra during the Spectacular, which will take place every morning from March 7–15 next year.

Most balloons arrive by 6.15am and spend half an hour or so preparing, before taking off around 7.15am. Transforming the event into a festival will be live music, hot drinks and breakfast cooked up by the local Belconnen Lions Club.

Watching is absolutely free. But, for an even better adventure, you can climb aboard and see Canberra in all its splendour — from above the clouds. Tickets cost $345 during the week and $395 on the weekend.

You can a book balloon ride during Canberra Balloon Spectacular by calling or emailing Balloon Aloft. Just don't leave it too long, as the Spectacular is pretty popular. Once you're locked in, plan the rest of your journey over here, where you'll find info covering parking, public transport and timing.