Wednesday 19 February 2014

Colourful Balloon Spectacular Welcomes Autumn in Canberra

The sky above the nation's capital will once again be full of colour as the iconic Canberra Balloon Spectacular returns this autumn to mark the event's 28th year.

From Saturday 8 March until Sunday 16 March, giant hot air balloons in an array of shapes and sizes will be launching from the lawns of Old Parliament House.

Pilots begin inflating balloons from 6am in front of the distinctive backdrop of Canberra's landmark buildings and attractions. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is the only event in the world where balloons can fly so close to a Parliament House and buildings of national significance.

Early risers will be also be treated to live entertainment each morning in addition to delicious hot breakfasts, with proceeds raised going back to the Canberra community.

After the Canberra Balloon Spectacular you can catch some impressive blockbuster exhibitions in their final weeks in the capital. Exclusively showing in Canberra at the National Portrait Gallery until 10 March is a photographic exhibition of Elvis Presley as a 21-year-old newly-signed RCA recording artist. Elvis at 21 features images taken by photojournalist Alfred Wertheimer who tagged along with the artist resulting in a candid look at Elvis before he exploded onto the international music scene and became one of the most exciting performers of his time.

The once-in-a-lifetime exhibition Mapping our world: Terra incognita to Australia draws on the world's great map collections to bring together spectacular maps, atlases, globes and scientific instruments at the National Library of Australia until 10 March. The National Gallery of Australia's exhibition Gold and the Incas: Lost World of Peru features more than 200 exceptional objects of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru on display until 21 April. At the National Museum of Australia you can see the cultural attraction's first ever exhibition of bark paintings at Old Masters: Australia's great bark artists until 20 July.

As well as a thriving arts scene, Canberra is home many memorable food and wine experiences. You'll find more than 30 boutique cellar doors within 35 minutes drive of the city, while bistro-style cafes and quality quick eats blend perfectly with stylish restaurants and sleek high-end dining experiences in Canberra. Explore the hot new dining precincts like Braddon, NewActon and the Kingston Foreshore.

For more information about what's on in Canberra and to book accommodation, go to www.visitcanberra.com.au or download the free iPad edition of the Canberra Region Visitor Guide from the App Store.

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