The best spots to watch Skyfire this weekend (and what to bring)

Thousands upon thousands of fireworks will explode in the Canberra night sky this Saturday night and boy, it’s been a long time coming.

Iconic Canberra event Skyfire has been sorely missed from Canberra calendars for four years but it’s back in 2024 and text messages are flying across Whatsapp as groups and families organise where to sit to take in the awe-inspiring view.

There are so many ways to experience Skyfire — including a few new ways that didn’t exist the last time the event lit up our skies — so we’ve developed a ‘how to’ guide below, no matter what type of experience you’re after. Skyfire's on this Saturday 16 March 2024, from around 8.15pm.

For those who want to make a night of it.

Book a spot at a restaurant or bar. Our colleagues at Riotact developed this comprehensive list of places to eat and drink during the event. Capitol Bar and Grill, at the QT, is introducing a Skyfire cocktail to its menu for the night, while Snapper & Co at Yarralumla Yacht Club has declared March ‘Mexican Month’. The views from new wine and espresso bar Margot, located on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, look phenomenal.

For those who want the easiest option ever.

Do what I do and head to the Australian-American Memorial (aka “the eagle” or the “bunny ears”) in front of Russell offices. You can pull straight into a carpark and crank your car radio to enjoy the show. And you get to drive off way ahead of the traffic. It’s great spot if you’ve got small kids as there’s a grassed area they can play in, but you won’t be able to see the fireworks exploding at lake level (which is a lot of them).

For those who want a phenomenal view from up high.

Head up one of our mountains. You’ll likely need to be there a couple of hours early, so take a picnic dinner to have before the major event starts at around 8.15pm. Options include Mount Ainslie, Mount Pleasant, Black Mountain, Red Hill and Dairy Farmers Hill behind the arboretum.

Views from the Australian War Memorial and Anzac Parade are meant to be pretty spectacular too.

For those who want lakeside without the crowds.

There are a few spots along the lake’s edge that offer great (but not perfect) views, with lots less people. Try Black Mountain Peninsula, the National Rose Gardens, Acton Beach or Bowen Park.

Sitting along the boardwalk at Kingston Foreshore is also a great option, and a super easy drive home for those who live in Queanbeyan or on the southside.

For those who want the ultimate experience.

Did you really do Skyfire if you didn’t head to Regatta Point, the Carillon, or Patrick White Lawns? It’s a hard slog to view Skyfire from one of these locations but these are the best spots in the house by far. Remember to be prepared, get there nice and early and accept that getting home will take a while due to traffic.

If you’re heading to one of these spots, here’s what to bring:

• Camping chairs.
• Picnic blankets.
• Jumpers.
• Something for the kids to do for several hours before the event (colouring-in, Uno).
• Glow sticks.
• Esky packed with dinner, snacks and drinks.
• Fully charged phone (you can listen to the radio live on your phone).
• Portable speaker.
• A garbage bag for rubbish.

Zango is absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring Skyfire 2024, helping to return an iconic event to our skies.