Canberra’s breathtaking display of hot air balloons will be floating into our skies this Saturday with Canberra Balloon Spectacular. One of the most special features of Canberra’s annual Enlighten Festival, the spectacular will run from the 7th– 15th March. More than 30 stunning hot air balloons from around the world will be participating, including our much loved Skywhale and new international entrant, the giant Tyrannosaurus Rex balloon.

This unique spectacle is something you can’t afford to miss, so we’ve found three ways to enjoy it; from the land, the water, and the air.

FROM THE LAND: BALLOON BREAKFAST IN QT LOUNGE

Enjoy the spectacle in style and comfort from one of the best vantage points in the city with a luxury champagne breakfast in QT Lounge. Positioned just a few hundred metres from the lake, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the balloons dotted across the morning sunrise as they begin their flight from the lawns of Old Parliament House.

The breakfast runs from 7am – 9am on both Saturday 7thMarch and Saturday 14thMarch. Menu items include Fruit Loaf Ricotta with Almonds and Honey, Avocado and Edamame Toast Shiso, Hot Smoked Salmon, and Croque Monsieur (just to name a few). Guests will be given a glass of G.H Mumm Champagne on arrival.

Tickets here.

FROM THE WATER: FLOATING ON LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN

If you have a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you can experience the mesmerising display from the water as you float in the fresh morning air. Every year, spectators love floating on the lake as they observe the reflections of the balloons on the water, and the colours of the sky from below. The best part is, it’s absolutely free! So, grab your swimmers and head down to the water nice and early. Treat yourself to a hot drink and a nice Saturday morning brekkie at a local cafe when you get out.

FROM THE AIR: BOOK A PLACE AS A PASSENGER

Experience the thrill of flying over the city at sunrise in the unmissable opportunity of being a passenger in a hot air balloon. Gently floating across the sky in a balloon has been described as a blissful, peaceful and serene. With views no less than breathtaking, it is a perfect opportunity to share a special moment with a loved one. You will begin your experience with a gentle lift off at 7am after the balloons have finished inflating on the lawns of Old Parliament House.

For balloon flight bookings, call Balloon Aloft (02 6249 8660) or Dawn Drifters (02 6248 8200).