Is that a flying turtle? The 2026 Canberra Balloon Spectacular special balloon has been announced

Posted on 27 January, 2026

And we’re turtley in love with him.

Finley the Turtle will be making his Australian debut at the 2026 Canberra Balloon Spectacular as the festival’s special‑shaped feature balloon, helping to shine a light on turtle conservation efforts across Australia. 

Finley is the latest shell-ebrity to join our impressive history of special-shaped balloons, including a giant T-Rex, Tico the sloth, Simba the Lion and Axel the Tiger. Travelling all the way from the UK after making his maiden flight in Qatar last month, Finley will be joining 40 other hot air balloons that will be filling the Canberra skyline with movement and colour during event.

Returning to Patrick White Lawns (behind the National Library) while restoration work continues around John Dunmore Lang Place, the 2026 festival will be taking place from Saturday 14 until Sunday 22 March. And while seaoned Canberra Balloon Spectacular goers know that there’s no guarantee the balloons will launch each morning, as always there will be a lot of fun to be had during the festival’s run.

With balloons lifting off at sunrise each morning (weather permitting), visitors are encouraged to enjoy the morning with hot breakfasts, fresh coffee, and a relaxed community atmosphere as balloons begin inflating from 6 am. 

Daily flight announcements will also be made around 6 am on the Canberra Balloon Spectacular website and the Events ACT Facebook page to confirm if the weather conditions will allow the balloons to take off (so make sure you have those notifications on). But if the balloons can’t fly, some may be inflated and tethered so you can walk among them and take photos.

Expected to be bigger and better than ever, is it worth the early start? Without a doubt.

Don’t forget that you can also soak in those stunning views from other vantage points around town and remember to pack something warm and get ready to wave as Finley passes by!