Where to get coffee during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular
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Set your alarms, get out your jumpers, and look no further for your morning coffee fix as you head off to watch the skies of the nation’s capital erupt into a sea of shapes and colours!
The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is officially kicking off and with the chance to see the skyline fill with hot air balloons until Sunday 19 March, it’s safe to say that we’re excited.
Although, we know getting up early (especially as the weather starts to cool) isn’t easy, so to make rising with the dawn more bearable, we’ve found all the places close by where you can get a nice, hot coffee.
Margot
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What better way to take in the incredible views than sitting lakeside at a French style bistro, enjoying a coffee and pastry? Margot will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to Paris, while avoiding the hefty price of a plane ticket. Enjoy from one of their tables or grab a coffee to go.
West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | Open Monday to Wednesday 6:30 am-2 pm, Thursday to Friday 6:30 am-8:30 pm, Saturday 7:30 am-8 pm, Sunday 7:30 am- 8 pm | margot.bar
The Lions Club
If you’ve made your way to the Patrick White Lawns early and don’t want to miss a thing, head to the big white tent on the lawn where you can grab a coffee along with a hot breakfast. Bacon, eggs, pancakes and more, you’ll be sure to find something to suit everyone.
The big white tent located on the Patrick White Lawns | Open Saturday 11 until Sunday 19 March from 5:45am | belconnenlionsclub
Jetty Kiosk
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With unrivalled views over Lake Burley Griffin and the perfect place to set yourself up for the morning, the Jetty Kiosk has everything you could want for an early morning start. As well as great coffee, you’ll also find Sonoma Bakery goodies, fresh sandwiches, Acai bowls and more.
Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | Open Monday- Sunday, 7 am- 4 pm | thejettycbr.com
QT Canberra
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Champagne on arrival? Parisian-style breakfast spread? Endless tea and coffee? Sign us up! Ditch the crowds and enjoy your morning coffee with an elevated viewing experience as you marvel at the floor-to-ceiling views of the rising balloons from the QT Lounge on the lofty level 15. Make sure you grab your tickets early; the event is sure to sell out fast.
1 London Cct, Canberra City | 6:30 am-9 am Saturday 12 and Sunday 19 March | Book here
National Gallery of Australia Street Cafe
Serving coffee from one of Canberra’s favourite speciality roasters, ONA, grab it to go with some breakfast from the National Gallery Street Cafe. Located by the main entrance of the National Gallery, the Street Cafe is only a ten-minute walk to the Patrick White Lawns or a short walk to the Queen Elizabeth Terrace where you can find a spot to enjoy the balloons.
Parkes Place, Parkes | Open Monday to Friday, 8 am- 4 pm and, Saturday to Sunday 9:30 am- 4 pm | nga.gov.au
Bookplate
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If you’re looking for somewhere to go and have some brekky after enjoying the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Bookplate is sure to have something to suit everyone. Open from 9 am on weekends and 8.30 Monday to Friday, enjoy breakfast amongst pairs of floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows or out on the terrace overlooking Lake Burley Griffin and Patrick White Lawns. Located within the National Library of Australia, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
25 Parkes Pl West, Parkes | Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am- 4 pm and Saturday to Sunday 9 am- 4 pm | bookplate.com
Atomic Catering
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If you’re looking to make your morning as stress-free as possible so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the balloons, why not pick up a coffee from Atomic Catering coffee cart, which is just a four-minute walk from Patrick White Lawns? Open during the long weekend, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March, it’ll be the perfect pick-me-up.
And the best part is Atomic Catering also has you covered when it comes to breakfast. Offering their “Balloon Breakfast Grazer Box” which includes an assortment of delicious breakfast treats, these can be ordered online and picked up at their coffee van (along with your morning brew) from Saturday 11 and Sunday 19 March.
Corner of Mall West Road, Questacon | Open Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March | atomiccatering.com
Wild Honey Bistro
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Although it’s closed on weekends, Wild Honey Bistro is the perfect place to grab a coffee and treat to go as you head down to the Patrick White Lawns to enjoy the balloons if you’re planning on going during the week.
John Gorton Building, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Open Monday to Friday, 7am- 4pm | wildhoneybistro.com
Walter Cafe
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If you’re enjoying the Balloon Spectacular from the other side of the lake, Walter Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and an incredible breakfast (think vanilla waffles, Alaskan crab omelettes, eggs benedict and so much more.) You can book a spot on the deck overlooking the lake or grab a coffee and pastry and throw out a picnic mat on the lawn!
Barrine Drive, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park | Open Monday to Sunday, 7 am- 4 pm | waltercafe.com
