The Skywhales are elusive creatures. This makes every encounter with them extremely special, and highly dependent on the most ideal conditions. With heavy rains on the horizon this Saturday 30 November, they're taking shelter, but watch the skies for them on the rescheduled date on 22 February 2025.

Meet us at Seiffert Oval, corner of Faithful and Verner Streets, Goublurn to experience the magic of Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhale and Skywhalepapa, two hot air balloon sculptures towering at 7 storeys, as they come to life in the glow of sunrise.

Join the pre-dawn festivities at this once in a lifetime community event. Bring your blanket & thermos or enjoy a coffee and snack from onsite vendors, then sit back as the pair slowly rise from the ground and, if weather permits, take off across the skies of Goulburn.

Skywhales Across Australia is a National Gallery Touring Event, supported by the Australian Government through Visions of Australia and the National Collecting Institutions Touring Outreach Program. 

Skywhales is the third instalment of The Balnaves Contemporary Series and is a Know My Name project.

 Book your free ticket here

Image credit: Patricia Piccinini, Skywhalepapa, 2020 and Skywhale, 2013, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Maitland launch, photographer credit Leighsha Cox, © Patricia Piccinini.

 

Frequently asked questions:

Q) When can I arrive?

A) Entry is free, gates open at 5.00am. Please feel free to join the event at any time after gates open.

Q) What will I see?

A) The sculptures gradually inflate over 90 minutes, reaching their full height and taking off (weather permitting) at sunrise.

Q) When does the event finish?

A) The event will conclude at 7.00am.

Q) What should I bring?

A) It may be cold at sunrise, so dress warmly with waterproof sneakers or soft shoes only. Heels are not permitted on the sportsground. You may want to bring a torch, picnic rug and get close the action on the grass or take a seat in the grandstand. Camp/folding chairs are not permitted.

Q) Is food provided?

A) Bring a breakfast picnic and hot thermos or purchase something from a vendor on site.

Q) What happens if it rains/ storms?

A) Inclement weather may delay the flight to the following day, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery will notify all ticketed guests via email early on Friday 21 February. Make sure you book to keep in the loop!