Thousands of Canberrans flocked to Lake Burley Griffin for this year’s Skyfire. Two of Canberra’s best-known radio stations, Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3, joined forces to bring the popular fireworks display back to the family friendly lakeside venue.
The iconic event has been a beloved feature in Canberra’s calendar since 1989. It draws people from across Canberra as well as nationally. I am fortunate to live across the road from the lake and so I was able to get there stress free. It did attract a very large crowd on all sides.
Judging by the lines of traffic and throngs of excited families gathered on the shoreline, it was likely to have been one of the busiest tourist attracting events in Canberra so far. As I arrived at Lake Burley Griffin, huge crowds continued to descend on foot upon the surrounding areas of Commonwealth Park.
Some had set up barbecues and camping chairs, while others had the back of their cars converted into a viewing platform. Children played ball games and chalked the walking tracks as they waited excitedly for the sun to go down.
Skyfire opens at 5pm and crowds start to arrive a little earlier to find the perfect spot. In particular this year, I saw jam packed crowds sitting along Regatta Point Precinct and Commonwealth Park, as they are usually the best areas to view the fireworks.
Another big draw card for this event in the current climate of a cost-of-living crisis is that it was, and has always been, free. This was further evidenced by the lack of lines at the food stands. A lot of families had come prepared with their own eskies and cooking utilities.
For those young Canberrans with some extra pocket money to spend they were also able to go on amusement rides, including the Music Trip and Castle of Fun. I heard screaming and laugher in the background as I was looking at them, they were all having a great time.
Early birds were also treated to a fly over a couple of hours before the fireworks started by the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF). The sound of the jets echoed around the lake and the surrounding suburb of Acton.
The fireworks began at 8:30 P.M. and they didn’t disappoint. As the first of the fireworks began bursting into the night sky along Lake Burley Griffin, the music also blared in time with roar of the cracking and crowds. The display usually lasts for at least 20 minutes and includes over 40,000 pyrotechnic effects, with between 2,500 and 25,000 shooting comets.
I positioned myself on Commonwealth Bridge to capture the best visuals over the lake. This spot usually provides beautiful sunset views on any given day and with the fireworks in the sky reflecting on the lake, as the night settled in, it was mesmerising. Watching the show was a great way to start the weekend for all Canberrans, including myself.
All good things must come to an end. The excitement was soon replaced by the drag of a gridlocked Commonwealth Bridge on both sides. Police had blocked cars coming in while the event was on. The traffic eventually later eased at the end of show.
This year’s Skyfire was a perfect way to start my weekend and I’m already looking forward to next year’s Skyfire.
Photos by James Nguyen