Frequently Asked Questions

On the Day

  • The Canberra Balloon Spectacular will run from the 15th to the 23rd of March and returns to John Dunmore Lang Place.

  • This year the Canberra Balloon Spectacular returns to John Dunmore Lang Place. It is going back to its original home!

    Find out the best way to get there.

  • Daily announcements detailing flight times or cancellations are made around 6:00am each day of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular (15-23 March). Look for our updates on the Homepage banner, and the Events ACT Facebook.

    If the balloons do not fly, some will stay on site, inflate and tether, providing it is safe to do so. If the balloons are unable to inflate and tether, patrons are still welcome to come and enjoy a hot breakfast.

    The safety of pilots, crew and passengers is paramount and the whole Canberra Balloon Spectacular team would like to thank you for your understanding on days which experience cancellations.

  • Set your alarms early! An announcement about the balloons launching will be made at around 6:00am each day. If the weather is good and the balloons are launching, they will begin inflating from 6:00am.

    Inflation typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the size of the balloon. The majority of balloons will have launched by 7:00am. If conditions are unfavourable and the balloons are unable to launch, they may still be able to inflate and tether on the lawns, which is still a great spectacle.

  • Experience the thrill of hot air ballooning over Canberra at sunrise with Canberra’s most experienced hot air balloon operators. This unforgettable experience will leave you with a lifetime of memories to share with family and friends.

    To book a balloon flight and get the best view in town of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, please contact:

    Balloon Aloft

    Phone: 02 6249 8660

    Email: info@balloonaloftcanberra.com.au

    Online: balloonaloftcanberra.com.au

    Dawn Drifters

    Phone: 02 6248 8200

    Email: sales@dawndrifters.com.au

    Please note that commercial flights are not part of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and launch from alternate locations. Please contact your hot air balloon ride provider to confirm launch location and details. On days where flights are cancelled visitors with flights booked should contact their booking agency directly.

  • Make sure you bring your phone or camera to capture all the stunning balloons, and comfortable footwear for standing on the lawn. We also recommend you wear warm clothing – March mornings in Canberra can be chilly.

General Information

  • The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is Australia’s longest-running hot air ballooning festival, celebrating the awe-inspiring beauty of balloons in flight.

    In 2025 the event has elevated to its own distinct festival, offering a magical experience for all attendees.

    Read more about the event here.

  • The Canberra Balloon spectacular is a free event!

    If you'd like to ride in a hot air balloon, you'll need to book directly with a private provider.

    Please note that commercial flights are not part of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and launch from alternative locations.

  • Please note that commercial flights are not part of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and launch from alternate locations.

    Please contact your hot air balloon ride provider to confirm launch location and details.

  • No. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is a drone free event. Drones are not permitted to be used anywhere near the balloons or over the crowds. Drones pose a significant safety hazard, and any breaches will be treated seriously.

  • Keep an eye on our Events ACT Facebook page and subscribe to our newsletter on the Contact Us page to be notified of the most up to date information on the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.

  • We recommend you do not bring dogs to the Canberra Balloon Spectacular launch site as the burners that inflate the balloons are very noisy and can be distressing for dogs.

    Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, must be socialised and generally non-aggressive to people or other dogs. For the comfort, safety and enjoyment of patrons, Management reserves the right to refuse entry at their discretion to any dog deemed to be unsafe. In consideration of all attendees and as per ACT law, dogs must be picked up after and all waste disposed of responsibly.

  • Yes, you can!

    However, we do ask that patrons respect others around them by placing chairs to the back or sides of grassed viewing areas so they do not obstruct the view of others who may be sitting on picnic blankets at ground level.

  • Both vaping and smoking are strictly prohibited at the launch site.

    Highly flammable propane gas is used in the inflation process.

  • Yes, first aid will be available onsite in the first aid marquee, located on John Dunmore Lang Place during event hours. Alternatively, you can advise your nearest staff member on site who will arrange medical assistance.

  • All lost property enquiries are handled by the friendly staff at the Information Marquee, located at John Dunmore Lang Place in the launch site. If you find something, please hand it to the nearest staff member or visit the Information Marquee.

    For enquiries outside of event hours, please contact events@act.gov.au

Getting There

  • For information on public transport and parking please refer to the Plan Your Visit page.

  • Parking within the National Triangle is limited. Please go to the Plan Your Visit page to see all the information about transport including buses and parking locations.

    Please ensure that where you have parked is a valid spot and you have checked if you need to purchase a ticket. The National Capital Authority will be enforcing parking regulations for the duration of this event, and attendees should ensure they park legally to avoid the risk of an infringement being issued to their vehicle.

    On weekdays and weekends the public car parks within the National Triangle will operate under normal conditions.

    Due to traffic congestion during the event, it is recommended that patrons avoid parking in the National Library of Australia carparks.

  • You are more than welcome to ride your bike to the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, but in the interest of public safety, all forms of bicycles and tricycles, including hand-propelled tricycles, are not permitted on the balloon launch site at John Dunmore Lang Lawns. This excludes mobility scooters.

    Bike racks are located within the National Triangle including at each of the national institutions and also locations around the lake. Please note you will need to provide your own bike lock.

    Please go to the Plan Your Visit page to see all the information about transport including buses and parking locations.

Accessibility

  • Canberra Balloon Spectacular is is committed to reducing barriers and delivering an event that is accessible and inclusive.

    We would like your visit to the Canberra Balloon Spectacular to be an enjoyable experience. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers and will offer the following services:

    - Accessible parking

    - Accessible toilets

  • Car parks closest to John Dunmore Lang Place include the car parks at the National Library of Australia, Questacon and the Treasury Building. We recommend arriving early to secure a car park close to John Dunmore Lang Place.

    There are limited additional Accessible Parking Bays around the National Triangle including at the National Library and Old Parliament House. Parking is limited and vehicles must display an authorised Accessible Parking Permit.

  • The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers.

    Accessible toilet facilities are also available at the event site. Paths are wide enough to accommodate pedestrians, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers. Be aware that most of the grounds are grass lawns.

Food and Drink

  • The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is the perfect opportunity for a picnic!

    We have a variety of food and drink suppliers on-site but also allow visitors to bring their own picnics.

  • Yes!

    Many of our food vendors provide gluten free, lactose free, vegetarian and vegan options on their menus.

Get Involved

  • If you are interested in volunteering at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, please sign up to the mailing list on the Contact Us page and we will contact you when applications open!

  • Applications for food vendor and market stallholders for 2025 have now closed.

    Sign up to the mailing list on the Contact Us page and we will contact you when applications for the 2026 event open.