Where to get food and coffee at the 2025 Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Posted on 14 March, 2025

Setting your alarm and braving the morning to see the magic of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular? You might want a coffee to help with that.

Taking place from Saturday 15 until Sunday 23 March, Canberra’s annual hot air balloon festival draws thousands of early risers to watch the colourful balloons take to the sky. But for those who don’t want to pack a picnic or need extra sustenance to get through the morning, we’ve found some places serving hot food and drinks early in the morning.

Divided by some of the best vantage points (Lake Burley Griffin, the Arboretum, Regatta Point, Mount Ainslie lookout, and Red Hill lookout), here’s where to get food and coffee at the 2025 Canberra Balloon Spectacular.

If you’re at John Dunmore Lang Place

For those viewing the balloons from John Dunmore Lang Place, there will be food and coffee carts operating until 9.30 am each morning.

Every day of the festival, you can get a hot breakfast from L’épi Bakery, Grain & Grill Café, Saccharum Espresso, and Le Petit Breton Authentic French Crepes. On the weekends, Shotclock Espresso and Kerb Side Coffee will also have stalls operating

If you’re near Lake Burley Griffin

The Portrait Café in the National Gallery of Australia is open at 8.30 am on weekdays and 9 am on weekends, serving home-baked pastries and seasonal dishes.

Serving coffee, matcha and assorted baked goods, Rosa’s in the National Rose Gardens is open from 7.30 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends.

Head to Queen Elizabeth Terrace to get coffee, assorted baked goods or a gourmet toastie from Margot from 6.30 am on weekdays or 7 am on weekends or pop down to The Jetty at 7 am for coffee, matcha, and various food options – including toasties, pastries and baked goods.

If you’re near Regatta Point

Open from 8 am on weekdays and 7 am on weekends, Walter Café offers stunning views of the lake and a mouth-watering menu of morning breakfast favourites to match.

Just a 20-minute walk or short drive away, Catbird is open from 7 am every day. Serving a Californian-inspired menu, you’ll find breakfast burritos, wholesome sandwiches and house-made pastries as well as plenty of hot and cold beverages.

Add a few more minutes to pop into Teddy Pickers, INTRA PRVN, Knead Bakery or Kiitos Café in Campbell. All have opening hours from between 6.30 am and 8 am.

If you’re near the National Arboretum

You can pop in to the onsite Café at National Arboretum every day from 9 am to get your hands on grab-and-go goodies or to sit down for a warm meal.

Café Sosta at Black Mountain Peninsula is only a short drive away and opens at 7 am to serve an Italian-inspired breakfast menu, while Redbrick Coffee Curtin is a 10-minute drive away and is open from 7 am during the week, 7.30 am on Saturdays and 8 am on Sundays.

If you’re near Mount Ainslie Lookout

Edgar’s Inn is open for breakfast from 7 am every day of the week and is home to a wholesome menu that will fill you up.

Breizh Café is closed Monday and Tuesday, but is otherwise serving much-needed coffee from 8 am Wednesday to Saturday and from 9 am on Sundays – and who doesn’t love galettes and crepes for breakfast?

EQ Café and Bakehouse in Majura Park is also a great option. Only a 10-minute drive away from Mount Ainslie Lookout, it’s open from 7 am during the week, 7.30 am on Saturdays and 8 am on Sundays.

If you’re near Red Hill lookout

Those travelling to Red Hill lookout will have plenty of post-Balloon Spectacular options with Deakin just down the road and Manuka about a five-minute drive away.

Doubleshot is open from 6 am and is the ideal spot for a cracking good coffee and breakfasts for every appetite.

TYPICA, Patissez, My Café and Urban Pantry all  have opening hours that range from 6 am to 8 am to fill you with delicious drinks and food. Some even have an option to order ahead if you’re feeling extra hungry!

Local favourite Fox & Bow Red Hill is always worth popping into, especially if you’ve never been before. Open from 7 am during the week and 7.30 am on weekends, everything on the menu will tickle your tastebuds.

Finally, Deakin & Me is also only a five-minute drive away, promising a delicious way to end your morning.