More than 30 giant hot air balloons from across the globe are expected to take to the skies in Canberra this autumn as part of the annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular. 

Each day between Saturday 12 March and Sunday 20 March, pilots will begin inflating their balloons on the lawns of Old Parliament House before ascending into the sky and creating a picturesque backdrop for Canberra’s national attractions.

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is the only event in the world where balloons can fly in such proximity to houses of Government and buildings of national significance. 

Passengers can experience the thrill of hot air ballooning over Canberra at sunrise while spectators on the ground are treated to an experience of the senses with a flurry of colour, sound and movement.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular Fast Facts

9: Number of days the Spectacular runs for. It is the longest hot air ballooning event in the world.

25,000: The average number of litres of propane used by festival pilots during the Spectacular.

30,000: Number people who flock to the launch field throughout the event.

30: Number of years the event has been running.