Canberra - Vantage Points to Snap Photographs for Hot Air Balloons

archieduh on 25/12/2022 - 23:57
Last edited 26/12/2022 - 10:44 by 1 other user

I am traveling to Canberra soon, and wanted to do some photography and was meaning to wake up early and capture some balloons..

Any suggestions on good vantage points. I have googled but most blogs only talk about the Festival in March which being a special event may not take place at the usual spots - just a guess. Then for e.g. suggested point is the Lake. That is too generic, any way to narrow down to an exact area like parking near x an y.
Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions.

I have narrowed down Mt. Ainslie for 1 day for more wide angle landscape shots but was hoping to get much closer for some shots and hence asking this question.

Travel

Comments

  • Benoffie on 26/12/2022 - 00:09
    +2

    Youll want to chat with the balloon companies in Pialligo. They'll tell you where theyre taking off, travel directions etc. If in the city itd be along Molonglo River, past Duntroon and over the lake (assuming taking off from Pialligo).

    During the festival the inflation zone is Patrick White lawns next to the NLA.

  • MS Paint on 26/12/2022 - 00:12
    +2

    Not sure if this happens in Canberra but quite often balloons depart at random points depending on the prevailing winds. This is an attempt to avoid controlled airspace and get as close as possible to a potential landing target.

    A vantage point one day could be disappointing the next.

  • elgrande on 26/12/2022 - 00:19
    +1

    Sounds like just a lot of hot air..

    • MS Paint on 26/12/2022 - 00:31

      The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.

  • Adredocto on 26/12/2022 - 04:37
    +3

    Try the arboretum. Its on top of a hill and gives a great view looking east to the city and balloons over the lake.
    Think some may even take off from there but not sure.

    You can always give them a call and see if they expect the same for 2023

  • archieduh on 26/12/2022 - 06:16

    Thanks all.

  • Mumbles on 26/12/2022 - 22:40
    +1

    Mt Ainslie is not so good as its the lookout that's closest to the airport. That means most flight plans will try to avoid the air space around the airport.

    Best location depends on what lenses you have. If you don't have long telephoto lenses then you'll want to start from where they launch, take photos then drive to a second destination.

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