Magic takes flight: Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2025
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. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
A flame from a hot air balloon burner illuminates the pre-dawn crowd watching on. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA
Fun for all ages. A family takes a selfie in front of Axel the Tiger, one of the many fan favourites. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
A beaming hot air balloon touches the water of Lake Burley Griffin where onlookers paddle out to get among the festivities. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
The magician's secrets: a pilot checks the inside of his hot air balloon prior to takeoff. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
A crowd looks on as a pilot ignites his burner to inflate his hot air balloon. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
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. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
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. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
So close you could almost touch them. A young onlooker takes in the magic of the the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
The lake, hills, cityscape and other Canberra landmarks become part of the Spectacular. Here, balloons frame the Black Mountain tower. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPAa
A large crowds look on as a hot air balloon readies to take flight behind them. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA
Even amongst the crowd, a quiet moment can be found. A couple takes in the scene as hot air balloons float through the sky. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
It isn't just colours, but also themes and designs, that inform the hot air balloons that take part in the Spectacular. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
Hot air balloons rise over Lake Burley Griffin during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.
Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
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