Canberra Balloon Festival
The Canberra Balloon Spectacular also called as Canberra Balloon Event, is an annual hot air balloon festival held on Canberra’s historic Parliament House lawns. Do you know? During the two-week event in March, roughly 50 hot air balloons launch every day before dawn from the forecourt of Old Parliament House and float above Canberra. A couple of dancing honey bees, Vincent Van Gogh’s head, a windmill, a tropical tree, a turtle, the Skywhale, a Scottish bagpiper, a hummingbird, and a frog are among the odd balloons that have participated in the event over the years. On-site entertainment, games, and food and drink are all included in the event.
Old Parliament House
People can witness the event at Old Parliament House. From 1927 to 1988, Old Parliament House, formerly called the Provisional Parliament House, was the seat of Australia’s Parliament. The structure was inaugurated on May 9, 1927, following Parliament’s transfer from Melbourne to Canberra. The Commonwealth Parliament moved to a new Parliament House on Capitol Hill in 1988. Temporary exhibits, seminars, and performances are also held there. It was designated as an Executive Agency of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on May 2, 2008. The Executive Agency, which reports to the Special Minister of State, was renamed the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House on May 9, 2009.
The inflating zone on the Patrick White grounds within the Parliamentary Triangle is the best place to get up and personal with the balloons. You can see the balloons come to life as they are inflated and hear the roar as they take off from this vantage point. You should see it at least once during the festival, although the area may be crowded and noisy, so if you want to sit and relax, look at the other possibilities. It’s free to watch the balloons inflate, but due to Covid regulations, it’s been essential to register in recent years. To prevent disappointment, check the Enlighten website to confirm prerequisites before going.
Several Lake Burley Gryphon locations provide stunning views of the balloons as they fly and then sink into the lake before drifting by. The lakeside alternatives are ideal if you want to lay out a picnic mat and start the day with a less frenetic feel than the inflated zone. The grassed area at the Canberra Region Visitors Centre, the National Museum foreshore, Commonwealth Bridge, and Queen Elizabeth Terrace are all suitable spots to pitch up camp. It may be rather chilly near the sea, so wrap up warmly and don’t be shy about wearing gloves and a beanie.
More info: Top 10 Best Events and Festivals in Australia in 2020
Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2022
Every March, Canberrans are treated to the wonder of a fleet of hot air balloons wafting softly across the city sky for nine days. We’ve been experiencing it for more than 30 years, yet it’s a sight that never gets old. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular began as a one-off event in 1988 and has since become a staple of the two-week-long Enlighten Festival when the nation’s capital physically lights up in honour of our birthday. Before dawn breaks, more than 25 gigantic balloons of all colours and shapes will soar from Patrick White Lawns. Mornings are calm and chilly, but live music and hot meals are available.
Fun Fact
The First Canberra Balloon Spectacular was celebrated in 1987. When Was First Canberra Balloon Spectacular Celebrated?
