A 200m wide eagle, brought to life by 600 drones, will soar above Lake Burley Griffin in a first-of-its-kind spectacle during FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow & Night Markets on 25-27 January.

The choreographed visual experience showcases the latest in technology as the drones create mesmerising displays across the iconic backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin, blending art, technology and nature to tell stories capturing the soul of Australia.

Presented by the National Capital Authority (NCA), assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council, and crafted by AGB Creative, this free event invites locals and interstate visitors to a family-friendly celebration of community.

To help attendees make the most out of their experience, the NCA is encouraging people to plan ahead, particularly when it comes to getting to and from the event. Here are our top tips for navigating this extraordinary nighttime event.

Witness the trilogy

Each night, taking off from 8.30pm, an incredible trilogy of shows light up the skies above Lake Burley Griffin telling stories of Australia’s unique, natural beauty and history. Visitors are advised to arrive early and stay for all three shows to ensure they experience the whole spectacle.

• Welcome, Yumalundi | Part 1, 8.30pm
• Rejoice | Part 2, 9.30pm
• One and Many | Part 3, 10.30pm

With shows each hour, the first ‘Welcome, Yumalundi’ welcomes the audience to Ngunnawal Country and introduces them to the Maliyan, the Wedge Tail Eagle who guides the viewer throughout the night.

Taking off next is ‘Rejoice’, a visually spectacular representation of the beautiful flora and fauna that inhabit our great country. Concluding the trilogy is ‘One and Many’, a timeline of us and our history marked by our democratic milestones.

Stay in the know

The Drone SkyShow is highly weather-dependent. Considering recent heavy rains, if the skies are opening you will want to know right away. Sign up for the event via the Eventbrite page to receive notices directly to your inbox: bit.ly/Flight-DroneSkyShow-Event

Whether or not the drones lift off, the Markets will offer drinks, eats and wares in all weather conditions.

Soundtrack broadcast

Accompanying the drones is a unique soundtrack created especially for the event with narration and composed music. The soundtrack will be broadcast from Commonwealth Place for all those close.

Anyone who plans to join from an alternate location is encouraged to bring their own small portable speaker or headphones. The soundtrack can be accessed by scanning QR codes posted around the lake.

Pick your location

Some might say location is everything and when it comes to watching FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow, there are plenty of options. Visible from a variety of locations around the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin, you can choose the experience that is right for you.

If right in the middle of the action is where you want to be, set your course for the main hub at Commonwealth Place where you will have access to the Night Markets, live entertainment and delicious food vendor offerings.

A secondary event hub will operate from Regatta Point, complete with a smaller number of food vendors.

If a relaxing evening is more your speed, you can pack a picnic and join from an alternate location like Kings Park and tune into the soundtrack.

Plan your trip there and back!

There’s nothing worse than missing the fun because you’re stuck in traffic or driving around trying to find a park. Fortunately, the NCA has thought ahead to take the pressure off. Public transport is king when it comes to this event with some great options available to get you to the action and back home again.

Organisers strongly suggest catching a Transport Canberra bus to Langton Crescent and Regatta Point which are just a short stroll away from the event space. If you don’t want to travel the whole way on public transport, take advantage of one of the many park-and-ride facilities across Canberra. You can park your car for free and then hop on public transport the rest of the way. More details are available at the Transport Canberra website.

For those who choose to drive, parking in the area is limited, so consider parking further away and leaving ample time to make it to and from the event on foot. Questacon car park will be closed to the general public and reserved for cars displaying a valid Disabled Parking Permit.

You can also make your way to the event on an e-scooter. While Commonwealth Place is a no-ride zone, there will be designated parking throughout the area thanks to Beam and Neuron. Download the Beam and Neuron apps now from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Night Markets

As if a first-of-its-kind immersive SkyShow experience wasn’t enough entertainment for one night, there will be live performances, giftware, and food and drinks galore thanks to the Night Markets.

Hosted by the people who bring us The Little Burley and Haig Park Markets each week, the evening event presents more than 80 stores each night.

Whether you’re after dinner or a tasty treat, the Night Markets are offering a smorgasbord of options from street food to delectable desserts – there’s something for every taste bud. The multicultural stalls share the flavours of Italy, Malaysia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Japan and more. The desserts range from indulgent chocolate-coated strawberries and cannoli to fun glow-in-the-dark fairy floss, toffee apples and everything in between.

Unwind with a sip in the Drinks Garden with local distilleries, wineries and breweries offering their concoctions.

Local Canberra musicians will be serenading the crowd with a mixture of original and cover tracks, while the roving Samba dancers are sure to be a showstopper. Capturing the magic of the beloved Little Burley Markets craft corner, the set-up will be open on the evenings along with face painters and a magician stopping in.

An event celebrating community isn’t complete without the chance to support our local makers. Available for purchase across the evenings will be gourmet foods including locally sourced honey, artisan salami, hot sauces and pickles. Then for the home and body, choose from candles, jewellery, ceramics, beauty products and homewares.

Catch the action in FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow & Night Markets from various locations around Central Basin on 25-27 January from 5pm nightly; https://bit.ly/Flight-DroneSkyShow-Event