The Important Stuff

  • The Precinct, Loxton
    Sunday 9 August | 5.30am - 7am

    Experience the magic of Patricia Piccinini’s monumental Skywhales as they awaken at sunrise above Loxton.

    Join the community at The Precinct for this unforgettable free event as Skywhale and Skywhalepapa slowly inflate and, weather permitting, take flight across the Riverland sky. Whether soaring freely or tethered on-site, the skywhales promise a breathtaking visual experience celebrating wonder, imagination and connection.

    Please note: balloon flights are weather dependent. In the event of unsuitable conditions, the launch may be tethered or postponed.

    Free registration is encouraged to help organisers provide important weather and event updates to attendees: Register here.

    What to expect:

    • Free community launch event at sunrise

    • Welcome to Country

    • Special performance of the Skywhales Song by local school choirs

    • Watch the skywhales inflate and come to life before take-off

    • Coffee and refreshments available from Little Miss Daisy

    • Free Bongo Bus shuttle service connecting visitors to the Arts on Terrace Street Party from 7am.
      Collection location: The Precinct Carpark bus zone

    • Join the interactive “Whale Trail” silent disco street parade linking both event sites

  • The Precinct, Loxton
    Sunday 9 August | From 6am

    Start your morning with glorious front-row views of the balloon launch as the sky comes alive at sunrise. With an early start, we’ve got breakfast covered so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience. 

    Your VIP Breakfast Ticket includes: 

    • Exclusive viewing of the hot air balloon launch

    • Full breakfast buffet featuring a selection of favourites from across our menu

    • Tea & coffee available throughout the morning

    • A relaxed balcony atmosphere with unbeatable views to start your day

    Sit back, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the perfect breakfast experience while watching the balloons take flight.

    Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-on-the-balcony-vip-tickets-1990453777831

  • East Terrace, Loxton
    Sunday 9 August | 8am – 1pm

    After the skywhales take to the skies, continue the celebration in Loxton’s vibrant village-style main street as East Terrace transforms into a creative hub bursting with colour, music and community spirit.

    With the street closed to traffic for the morning, visitors can wander through a lively program of hands-on workshops, live performances, local art and interactive experiences designed for all ages and abilities.

    Enjoy:

    • Live music throughout the day featuring Rhi Armfield, Bianca Feher and Smokehouse Boys

    • Five creative workshops and interactive activities inspired by imagination, creatures and the sky

    • A progressive arts gallery showcasing talented local artists throughout the main street

    • Main street traders offering special Sunday trading from 8am

    • Family-friendly creative experiences including clay creations, kite decorating, hot air balloon craft and more

    • Local food, coffee and hospitality offerings

    • Interactive installations, street activity and pop-up experiences

    • The Whale Trail silent disco parade connecting the launch and street party activations

Interactive Map

Explore the full Skywhales and Arts on Terrace experience through our interactive event map. Discover workshop locations, live music, activities, food, exhibitions and key event spaces happening across Loxton throughout the day.

Skywhales Across Australia

Wake before dawn and witness something truly extraordinary as Patricia Piccinini’s beloved Skywhales drift above the Riverland skyline for a magical sunrise experience in Loxton.

On Sunday 9 August, the skies above The Precinct at Loxton Oval will come alive as the monumental Skywhale and Skywhalepapa hot air balloon sculptures inflate and take flight at sunrise. Presented by the National Gallery of Australia, Skywhales Across Australia invites communities to pause, look up and experience a moment of wonder, imagination and connection.

Make a morning of it with a VIP Breakfast at The Precinct, where guests can enjoy exclusive front-row viewing of the balloon launch alongside a delicious breakfast buffet, tea and coffee, and relaxed balcony atmosphere overlooking the spectacle.

As the morning unfolds, the celebration continues just down the road with the Arts on Terrace Street Party on East Terrace from 8am to 1pm. Loxton’s village-style main street will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity, colour and community spirit, featuring interactive workshops, live music, exhibitions, installations, market stalls and hands-on activities for all ages.

Explore creative experiences inspired by the skywhales and the natural world, from clay creations and kite decorating to painting workshops, hot air balloon craft and whimsical creature-making sessions. Visitors can also follow the Whale Trail connecting the two event spaces, discover local artists through the August Arts Trail progressive gallery, and enjoy special Sunday trading, food and hospitality throughout the town centre.

Families can continue the fun at the Loxton Library, with skywhale-themed activities, colouring competitions, search-and-find challenges and interactive displays celebrating the iconic sculptures and their journey to Loxton.

Come for the skywhales, stay for a full day of creativity, conversation and community celebration — because in Loxton, the sky really is the limit.