Canowindra International Balloon Challenge

See the magic and spectacle as one of the southern hemisphere’s biggest hot air balloon events takes to the sky over the beautiful Canowindra countryside in Central West NSW.

Kick off the week with the Welcome to Canowindra Street Party! Explore craft and food stalls and enter the Canowindra BBQ Masters Competition.

Balloon Week has something for everyone, whether you want to rock out to the Home Ground Sounds concert, dine with footy legends at the NRL Legends Dinner or relax at the open garden of historic homestead Noojea Lea.

The signature event is the Cabonne Community Glow and night markets, where you will enjoy local produce, wine, crafts and entertainment culminating in a night display as the balloons light up synchronised to music.

The action is at either end of the day, with balloons flying at sunrise and in the last hour before sunset over a 9-day period in April. This leaves plenty of time for exploring the incredible sights in the area and visiting the villages and towns in the area. Stop in at wineries and local food producers to get a real sense of how wonderful this area is.

Whilst in Canowindra, visit the Age of Fishes Museum (home of the State Fossil), wander down the historic main street or enjoy art galleries, wonderful coffee, cellar doors and quirky shopping.