Frequently Asked Questions
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The Canberra Balloon Spectacular will run from the 14 -22 of March 2026 and takes place at Patrick White Lawns.
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Daily announcements detailing flight times or cancellations are made around 6:00am each day of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular event (14-22 March). Look for our updates on the homepage banner, and the Events ACT Facebook page.
If the balloons do not fly, some may 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.
On days where flights are cancelled visitors with flights booked should contact their booking agency directly.
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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.
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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.auDawn Drifters
Phone: 02 6248 8200
Email: sales@dawndrifters.com.auPlease 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.
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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.
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If the weather is unfavourable for the balloons to take flight, there will be an announcement at around 6:00am on the Canberra Balloon Spectactular website and the Events ACT Facebook Page.
If the balloons do not fly, some may 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.
On days where flights are cancelled, visitors with flights booked should contact their booking agency directly.
General Information
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The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is Australia’s longest-running hot air ballooning festival, celebrating the awe-inspiring beauty of balloons in flight.
From Saturday, 14 March, to Sunday, 22 March, vibrant hot air balloons will fill the skies over the nation’s capital, creating breathtaking views that captivate families, photographers, and visitors alike. This year, the festival takes place at Patrick White Lawns, where attendees can experience the balloons up close as they prepare for liftoff. Don’t miss this unique celebration of wonder and flight in the heart of Canberra!
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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.
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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.
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No. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is a flight zone, and 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 to balloons and patrons. Any breaches will be treated seriously.
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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.
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We do not recommend you 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.
If you do bring your dog, they 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.
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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 and movement of others, or the pilots and crews.
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Smoking is strictly prohibited within and around the launch site. Highly flammable propane gas is used in the inflation process.
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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.
View the site map for Canberra Balloon Spectacular to see where first aid is located.
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All lost property enquiries are handled by the friendly staff at the Information Marquee, located at Patrick White Lawns 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
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For information on public transport and parking please refer to the Getting There page.
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Parking within the National Triangle is limited. The event map (link) shows car park spaces within the National Triangle.
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.
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You are 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 Patrick White 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 you own bike lock.
Please go to the Getting There page to see all the information about transport including buses and parking locations
Accessibility
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Canberra Balloon Spectacular is is committed to reducing barriers and delivering an event that is accessible and inclusive.
We would like your visit to Canberra Balloon Spectacular to be an enjoyable experience. Canberra Balloon Spectacular will offer the following services:
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
As Canberra Balloon Spectacular is a grass site, some paths may be limited paths are limited.
For more information, please head to our dedicated accessibility page or visit the event map on our Getting there page.
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Car parks closest to Patrick White Lawns 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 Patrick White Lawns.
View the event map for accessible parking locations.
There are limited additional Accessible Parking Bays around the National Triangle. Parking is limited and vehicles must display an authorised Accessible Parking Permit.
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Wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers are welcome at Canberra Balloon Spectacular, but please note this is a predominantly grass site. Please go to the event map to locate the accessible toilets, parking and paths.
Amenities
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All lost property enquiries are handled by the friendly staff at the Information Marquee, located at Patrick White Lawns 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
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Yes, first aid will be available onsite in the first aid marquee, located on Patrick White Lawns during event hours. Please refer to the event map (add link) or advise your nearest staff member on site who will arrange medical assistance.
Food and Drink
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Canberra Balloon Spectacular is the perfect spot for a picnic. We have a variety of food and drink suppliers on-site but also allow visitors to bring their own picnics.
As the balloons will be launching from the centre of the lawns, we kindly ask that you set up your picnic in the designated areas highlighted on the site map.
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Yes!
Many of our food vendors provide gluten free, lactose free, vegetarian and vegan options on their menus.
Get Involved
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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!
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We are no longer seeking vendors for the 2026 event.
Sign up to the mailing list on the Contact Us page and we will contact you when applications for the 2027 event open.
