Event Rescheduled - Sunday 16 August
Due to forecast weather conditions, the Skywhales Across Australia sunrise launch in Loxton this Sunday is no longer safe to proceed.
The good news? Skywhale and Skywhalepapa will now take to the skies on Sunday 16 August, at the same time and location.
Arts on Terrace will still go ahead as planned on Sunday 9 August, with a full day of entertainment, workshops, exhibitions and family-friendly activities.
The Skywhales Across Australia Touring Event is subject to weather conditions and changes may occur. As artist Patricia Piccinini says, ‘For me, the place where I find wonder is in nature. The weather needs to be just right for the skywhales to fly, so when they do it is even more special.’
With celebrations now spread across two weekends, there's even more to experience in Loxton. Read on to discover what's happening over the next two weekends and start planning your visit.
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 16 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.
What to Expect
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The Precinct, Loxton
Sunday 16 August | 5.30am - 7amExperience 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
Watch the skywhales inflate and come to life before take-off
Coffee and refreshments
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The Precinct, Loxton
Sunday 16 August | From 6amStart 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 -
Loxton Library | 29 East Terrace
Children’s Storytime with Patricia Piccinini - 11am-12pm
Every Heart Sings by Patricia Piccinini follows the journey of the skywhale family and explores nature, family, evolution, care and wonder. Published by the National Gallery, it is Patricia Piccinini's first children's book. After the reading, join the Library in a special skywhales themed craft!
Most suited for ages 4-7 and their families
Cost: FREE
No bookings required.Artist Talk - 1pm - 2pm
Join Skywhale and Skywhalepapa artist, Patricia Piccini, and learn about her internationally renowned creative practice, the concerns and themes that inform her work and the story of the skywhales from their inception through to the national tour.
Most suited for ages 14+
Cost: FREE
No bookings required.
Arts on Terrace: Sky’s the Limit
There's still plenty to discover in Loxton this Sunday 9 August, with Arts on Terrace: Sky’s the Limit transforming East Terrace into a vibrant celebration of creativity, colour and community from 9am to 1pm.
Loxton’s village-style main street will come alive with a program of interactive workshops, live music, exhibitions, installations and hands-on activities designed for all ages and abilities.
Inspired by Skywhales and the natural world, visitors can enjoy creative experiences including clay creations, kite decorating, painting workshops, hot air balloon craft and whimsical creature-making sessions. The day will also feature:
Live music throughout the day featuring Rhi Armfield, Bianca Feher and Smokehouse Boys
Five creative workshops and interactive activities celebrating imagination, creatures and the sky
A progressive arts gallery showcasing talented local artists throughout the main street
Interactive installations, street activities and pop-up experiences
Family-friendly activities at the Loxton Library, including Skywhale-themed colouring competitions, search-and-find challenges and displays
Special Sunday trading from local retailers
Delicious food, coffee and hospitality offerings throughout the town centre
With East Terrace closed to traffic for the morning, visitors can wander, explore and immerse themselves in a creative hub celebrating local talent and community spirit.
Make a weekend of creativity in Loxton this Sunday, then return on Sunday 16 August to witness Patricia Piccinini’s spectacular Skywhales take to the Riverland skies (weather permitting). Together, these two weekends offer a unique celebration of art, imagination and community.
For booking links, please navigate the interactive map below.
Getting Here:
We are excited to announce that there are accessible options to reach the Riverland for this spectacular event.
Stateliner Premier Coach Services - offering an extended bus timetable, providing return trips from Adelaide to Loxton over the weekend.
SALA Jarvis Skoda Self-Guided Regional Tours - book a test drive of a Jarvis Skoda in Adelaide and drive it all the way to Loxton! More info here.