How to make the most of Balloon Spectacular (according to an expert)
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It’s one of the most magical times in the Canberra events calendar and as the Canberra Balloon Spectacular quickly approaches, you might be wondering how to make the most of it.
So we asked an expert.
Enter Erna Glassford, a Balloon Aloft Canberra team member. Here she shares seven tips to make the most of this year’s Canberra Balloon Spectacular (trust us, you’ll want to take notes).
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Plan ahead and arrive early
Decide where you would like to see the balloons from, whether at the launch sites or at other vantage points across Canberra. Most balloons will be inflated from around 6.15 am at Patrick White Lawns and will take off around 6.30 am, depending on the wind.
To secure a good viewing spot, I would recommend that you arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled launch time. This will give you enough time to find a good spot, set up your camera equipment if you have any and prepare for the balloons to take off. Keep in mind that parking spots are limited, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot! Alternatively, you can consider ride-sharing services to get to the event.
Due to their sizes, commercial balloons will be launch from different locations. You can follow Balloon Aloft Canberra’s social media for their launch sites and which direction they’ll fly.
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Vantage points
Head to Patrick White Lawns, Rond Terrace, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Bridge, National Museum of Australia, Black Mountain Peninsula, Black Mountain Lookout, Mount Ainslie lookout, Red Hill Lookout, Mount Pleasant Lookout, and the National Arboretum for some of the best views. Or consider watching it from the water with GoBoat Canberra!
You can also book a balloon ride with Balloon Aloft Canberra to experience the magic of hot air ballooning firsthand. This will give you a unique perspective of the event and the city.
Dress warmly
Canberra can be chilly in the morning, so dress in warm layers!
Stay for breakfast
You don’t have to leave the launch site after the balloons take off. There will be plenty breakfast option on the site, however if you would like something different, perhaps something for picnic while watching balloons, Atomic Café will have breakfast grazing package that will be packed with a delicious assortment of breakfast items. Think mini waffles, yoghurt and granola pots, mini ham and cheese croissants, seasonal fresh fruit, mini quiches and more! They’ll also have a coffee cart on the corner of Mall West Road, outside Questacon from 6 am during Saturday 11, Sunday 12, Monday 13, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March.
Another option is breakfast at QT Lounge where you can graze on Parisian-style breakfast spread with never ending tea and coffee while the magic unfolds before you.
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Be flexible and prepared for weather changes
The Balloon Spectacular is a weather-dependent event, especially the winds. It’s the most critical aspect that effect the balloons. Sometimes the weather appears to be perfect on the ground, but the balloons cannot be launch as the upper wind is deemed to be unsafe by the pilots. Check Enlighten Canberra’s social media pages for updates.
Respect the balloons and their pilots
The balloons are delicate and expensive, so please be careful around them! Also, remember that the pilots are working and may not be able to stop and chat with visitors (as much as they would like too).
Enjoy the experience
The Balloon Spectacular is a unique and unforgettable experience! Remember to take it all in, and enjoy the beauty of the balloons soaring over Canberra.
Feature image: Matt Witcombe.
