Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2025: Witness Canberra's Skies Come Alive With Colorful Hot-air Balloons

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2025 is Australia’s longest running, and one of the most anticipated hot-air ballooning festivals. And this year, it is already breathing colour and charm into Canberra’s skyline. The festival started on March 15 and will continue till March 23, making it a good time for travellers to witness the capital’s skies transform into a stunning canvas of colours. During this time, one can witnesses over 40 colourful hot-air balloons gracefully drift across the sky. Notably, this year marks Canberra Balloon Spectacular’s debut as a standalone festival.

The nine-day festival ordinarily sees hot-air balloons take off from the lawns on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. This year, the festival is taking place at John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes, which is located in the National Triangle in Canberra.

Here, one can witness the balloons inflate and soar above the city as their ascents cast a magical glow over Canberra’s scenic landscape.

Everything To Expect At Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2025 

Apart from offering a breathtaking sight of these balloons taking over the sky, travellers can savour delicious treats from local food trucks, enjoy a relaxed stroll around Lake Burley Griffin, or even elevate their experience with Balloon Aloft—a thrilling hot-air-balloon-rise above the city that promises breathtaking views of the Australian capital.

A standout at Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2025 are the two special, uniquely-shaped hot-air balloons. Meet Simba, the lion; and Axel, the tiger. These feline-shaped floaters are sure to delight, making it a memorable experience for guests of all ages—whether you are an avid traveller who wishes to chase a hot-air balloons at dawn, an adventure lover hoping to soar the skies, or looking to spend quality time with family.

History Of The Canberra Balloon Spectacular

The festival began in 1966 and has painted Canberra’s sky with a kaleidoscope of hot-air balloons over the years. In the past, the festival has been linked to events including the National Multicultural Festival and the Enlighten Festival (since 2018).

Like Simba and Axel this year, over the years the festival has featured unique balloon shapes including a pair of dancing honeybees, a windmill, a tropical tree, a turtle, a bagpiper, a hummingbird, a frog, and even Vincent Van Gogh’s head!

Since its inception, the festival has come a long way. This year is the first time the Canberra Balloon Spectacular is not being organised as a community event. 

Getting There

The festival is accessible via public transport. One can also take a bike or scooter to reach Lake Burley Griffin, and then follow it with a quick stroll to the launch site. The festival has a parking zone and accommodates wheelchairs and strollers, too. Accessible restroom services are also available at the launch site.