Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2025

A Personal Account

We were fortunate to attend while visiting family, in Canberra. It was a truly unforgettable experience and one that will live long in our memory.

About the Festival

In 2025 this event was held from March 15 to March 23 at John Dunmore Lang Place in the heart of the National Triangle, Featuring over 40 colourful hot-air balloons gracefully lifting into the Canberra dawn sky. Thousands of families gathered in the cold morning air, all sharing the same sense of wonder and anticipation. Each morning, a status update was posted around 6:00 AM on the festival website and Events ACT Facebook page, letting attendees know whether conditions were suitable for flight. https://canberraballoonspectacular.com

Our Experience

Our first attempt proved to be a disappointment, with the day's launch cancelled due to dangerous wind conditions — a reminder of just how weather-dependent hot air ballooning can be. Despite the early 5:00 AM rise, the excitement and anticipation of the crowd made it worthwhile simply being there. encouraging us to try agin. Our second morning was a different story entirely. Inflation began at 6:00 AM and the balloons were airborne by 7:00 AM — and every early alarm was absolutely worth it.

The Spectacle

Watching more than 40 balloons slowly inflate from flat fabric on the ground into towering, vibrant giants was a truly mesmerising process. The grounds buzzed with the energy of a busy market, filled with excited crowds, food stalls and the unmistakable roar of the burners echoing across the park. The star attractions were two special shaped balloons — Simba the Lion and Axel the Tiger, brought to life by the National Zoo. Together with the fleet of over 40 balloons, they painted the Canberra sky in a breathtaking display of vibrant colours, shapes and forms that had the crowd completely captivated.

Loved the experience but not the frosty Canberra weather.