The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is a popular hot air balloon event that takes place annually each March in Canberra, Australia to celebrate Canberra Day. This event is one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in Australia, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year from around Australia and the world.
This year’s event took place between Saturday 11 March 2023 and Sunday 19 March 2023.
The Balloon Spectacular typically takes place over a period of nine days, and it features a range of colourful and unique hot air balloons from around the world.
This year’s feature hot air balloon was Buster the beagle, designed in the shape of a beagle dog, with floppy ears and cute face with his tongue hanging out and one tooth showing.
The balloon is owned and operated by Cameron Balloons, from Bristol, United Kingdom.
Buster the beagle has been used in various events and festivals around the world and can hold up to four passengers.
The Kiwi Balloon Team was there flying the happy smiley face.
The balloons take off from various spots around the city and float across the skyline of Canberra and provide a breathtaking view of the city. The event usually takes place early in the morning, with the balloons launching just before sunrise. The main launch site is the Patrick White Lawns beside the National Library of Australia. You can watch the balloons launch while listening to live music and eating breakfast provided Lions Clubs of Canberra or other food and drink stalls.
There are various vantage points around the city to view the balloons. The most popular locations include the lawns of the National Library of Australia, Telstra Tower, the National Museum of Australia, and the Arboretum. If you are lucky enough to get hold of a kayak or canoe, you can view the balloons from Lake Burley Griffin and may even be lucky enough to interact with a balloon or two as some of them lower to skim across the lake.
If you plan to fly in one of the balloons, you should book well in advance as places are booked out early.
This year I had the opportunity to experience the stunning display of colourful hot air balloons as they floated across this beautiful city.
You can purchase some photos from this event from the Shop photos page.






























