As first light appeared over the National Gallery, and eager audiences stood in quiet anticipation, what seemed to be an underwhelming start to the day turned into a vibrant and engaging experience. What appeared to be crumpled looking tarps very quickly transformed into massive balloons of hot air, in various colours, shapes and sizes, bringing forth astonishing photographic moments. Balloon Spectacular 2025 captivated Canberra. I assure you, your camera roll would’ve appreciated this 5:00 A.M. wake up.
Canberra’s iconic Balloon Spectacular embarked on a new journey this year, making its bold divorce from the Enlighten festival. Some might be asking, can the event hold its own?
Enlighten and the Balloon Spectacular are known as two of the most iconic Canberra events. By separating them, the opportunity to fully experience each event to its fullest is better realised.
According to the ACT Government, over 42 thousand Canberran’s braved the morning cold to experience the Balloon Spectacular in 2024. That’s 10% of the general population. While this year’s attendance is yet to be released, there was a definite fresh buzz in the air for all those who spectated and it was clear that this separation was appreciated by all.
Well-known in Canberra, the Balloon Spectacular is an event that sees over 40 hot air balloons take to the sky captivating audiences from all over the city. Spanning across nine March mornings, these balloons began inflating at 6:00 A.M., launching into the air by 7:00 A.M.. In 2025, the festival ran from Saturday the 15th of March to Sunday the 23rd of March.
Along with the classics, new balloons are launched annually. From traditional, colourful balloons, to cartoon characters and symbols, every hot air balloon tells its own story.
This year, the National Zoo presented us with new balloons in the shape of Simba the Lion and Axel the Tiger.
Going back to the roots of the Balloon Spectacular, the event returned to its original take-off location in John Dunmore Lang Place, nestled between the National Portrait Gallery and Questacon. The event, which began in 1986, has been a long-time favourite for every Canberran.
One balloon rider, Lillian Altman, said, “as someone who is fairly new to Canberra it was nice to see all the things from above that are important to Canberrans.”
“It was a very smooth ride, including the take off – you couldn’t even tell that we had left the ground!”
“I found it to be relaxing and even at some points put my phone away to just take in the views,” she said. “I would highly recommend it to others. if you have the chance to do it it’s definitely worth it.”
Although hot air ballooning appears to be a peaceful pastime, it can get wild in a moment’s notice. On the morning I attended, everything seemed completely safe and above board until one of the balloon pilots steered his balloon into a tall tree.
This was frightening even from the ground, let alone being in that balloon. Luckily, the pilot managed to recover and get out of the tree just before disaster struck.
After all the balloons took flight, I proceeded to the landing location near the Arboretum. I was able to see the balloons fill up Canberra skies as drivers also got to witness the spectacle during their morning drive to work. At the Arboretum, many photographers were stationed on the hill ready to capture the perfect shot.
The 2025 Balloon Spectacular didn’t just float, it flew. From colourful inflations and picturesque skies, to unexpected mishaps (we’re looking at you, yellow and teal balloon), it exceeded expectations and made it clear that it deserves its own spotlight, separate from the Enlighten Festival. And this is only the beginning. Make sure you mark down March on your calendar, Canberra’s Balloon Spectacular will be back next year with bold new Balloons that will once again turn Canberra’s eyes toward the sky. Get ready for these spectacular balloons to paint our skies in March 2026.Make sure you don’t miss out! Stay tuned for more updates on the next event by heading to the Balloon Spectacular Website.
Photos by Jordan Pounartzis