Magic takes flight: Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2025 – in pictures

The early bird gets the shot. A father and child take pictures of hot air balloons during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular which kicked off at 6am, with balloons launching from 6.30am.

A flame from a hot air balloon burner illuminates the pre-dawn crowd watching on.

Fun for all ages. A family takes a selfie in front of Axel the Tiger, one of the many fan favourites.

A beaming hot air balloon touches the water of Lake Burley Griffin where onlookers paddle out to get among the festivities.

The magician’s secrets: a pilot checks the inside of his hot air balloon prior to takeoff.

A crowd looks on as a pilot ignites his burner to inflate his hot air balloon.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? A mother and her child observe hot air balloons floating over Lake Burley Griffin as the sky fills with colour.

By 7am, most of the hot air balloons are airborne, with the brilliant array of colours reflected by the calm morning waters of Lake Burley Griffin.

So close you could almost touch them. A young onlooker takes in the magic of the the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.

The lake, hills, cityscape and other Canberra landmarks become part of the Spectacular. Here, balloons frame the Black Mountain tower.

A large crowds look on as a hot air balloon readies to take flight behind them.

Even amongst the crowd, a quiet moment can be found. A couple takes in the scene as hot air balloons float through the sky.

It isn’t just colours, but also themes and designs, that inform the hot air balloons that take part in the Spectacular.

Hot air balloons rise over Lake Burley Griffin during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.