Canberra Balloon Spectacular, previously called Canberra Balloon Festival, is a highly anticipated annual event, which takes place every March at the lawns of the old Parliament House. Held since 1987, the festival is a stunning 9-day display, which features about 50 hot air balloons, taking off daily at dawn.
The festival is known for its unusual balloons of all shapes and colors. The most creative ones included a pair of dancing honey bees, a Scottish bagpiper, a Yoda head, and a giant T-Rex. Canberra Balloon Spectacular gathers about 30,000 people with its balloon magic annually.
The massive balloon ascension, when dozen colorful dots pop up over the city's skyline, can be viewed daily at 6:15 am, weather permitting. In addition to downtown Canberra, the balloons can be seen from the National Arboretum. Visitors can book flights during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, lasting for up to one hour. Guests will get a commemorative flight certificate and will be offered a glass of champagne.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular attracts large crowds, so get there early to avoid disappointment. A hot breakfast and plenty of live music will entertain all those watching the balloons from the ground.
