Skywhales Across Australia | Loxton | 9 Aug 2026
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.
The skies above The Precinct at Loxton Oval will come alive in August 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, puppet activities 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.
Event Highlights:
- Free community launch event at sunrise
- Welcome to Country
- 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
- Join the interactive Whale Trail silent disco street parade linking both event sites
FREE REGISTRATION:
Free registration is encouraged to help event orgnisers keep you informed with important weather updates and event information – REGISTER HERE
PLEASE NOTE: Balloon flights are weather dependent. If conditions are unsuitable, the Skywhales may remain tethered on-site or the launch may be postponed. Weather permitting, the giant hot air balloon sculptures will take flight above the Riverland skyline, creating an unforgettable spectacle unlike anything seen before in the region.
LOCATION:
The Precinct, Main Oval, Loxton
Skywhales Across Australia is a National Gallery Touring Event. Skywhales is the third instalment of The Balnaves Contemporary Series and is a Know My Name project.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Exhibiting Loxton Waikerie website or follow the District Council of Loxton Waikerie Facebook page for updates.
What: Skywhales Across Australia
When: Sunday 9 August 2026 | from 5.30am
Where: Main Oval, The Precinct, Loxton, South Australia
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Skywhales Across Australia
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