Canberrans are encouraged to take advantage of free travel on all Transport Canberra buses and light rail for their journey to and from Lake Burley Griffin, with more than 120,000 people expected at Skyfire this Saturday.
The fireworks spectacular, an AmplifyCBR hosted event, is returning for another year after resuming in 2024 post COVID-19.
Attendees are expected to set up right around Lake Burley Griffin from the afternoon with live performances, food trucks and activities finishing with a 20-minute firework display at 8.30 pm.
Executive Group Manager, Transport Canberra, Judith Sturman, said that it's important that Canberrans attending Skyfire 2025 rethink their routine and take advantage of free public transport across the network.
"Almost a third of Canberrans will be at Skyfire so I really encourage everyone to make the most of free travel from 5:00 pm onwards across Transport Canberra's bus and light rail network," Ms Sturman said.
"This will also include additional shuttle buses to support the bus network and service the Commonwealth Avenue bus stops at Regatta Point at the end of the event. Passengers simply tap on and off as usual to register their free travel for Skyfire night and help us collect patronage data.
"Please be aware there are several road closures to facilitate the event and parking around the lake is limited due to construction activities associated with light rail stage 2A.
"To avoid the stress, make sure you plan your journey and consider using one of the 22 Park and Ride facilities across the ACT which connect onto a Rapid bus or light rail service. If you live near the lake, you can simply get active and walk, ride or scoot to embrace the festivities."
Public transport arrangements:
- Free travel on all Transport Canberra bus and light rail services available from
5:00 pm until last service.
- Additional shuttle buses to support the bus network from 5:00 pm (with the last bus leaving City Interchange to Regatta Point in time for the fireworks display at 8.10 pm).
- Additional light rail services and increased frequency from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm.
Event road closure details:
From 8:00 am until 10:00 pm
- Parkes Way (Westbound) between Kings Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue.
- Wendouree Drive between Constitution Avenue and Kings Avenue.
From 2:00 pm until 10:00 pm
- Parkes Way (Eastbound) between Coranderrk Street and Kings Avenue.
From 3:00 pm until 10:00 pm
- Queen Elizabeth Terrace between Parkes Place West and Parkes Place East.
- Parkes Place West between Questacon car park and Queen Elizabeth Terrace.
- Parkes Place East between Queen Elizabeth Terrace and King Edward Terrace.
- King Edward Terrace between Parkes Place West and Parkes Place East.
From 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm
- Albert Street (both east and west).
From 8:25 pm until 9:00 pm
- Kings Avenue (Northbound) between King Edward Terrace and Parkes Place.
- Kings Avenue (Southbound) between Morshead Drive and Blackall Street.
From 8:25 pm until 11:00 pm
- Commonwealth Avenue (Northbound) between Kaye Street and Vernon Circle.
- Commonwealth Avenue (Southbound) between Vernon Circle and Queen Victoria Terrace.
Detailed information including a map of the closure precinct can be found on the NCA website.
Changes to bus services:
- The Rapid 2 will be diverted from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm due to road closures.
- The Rapid 6 will be diverted from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm due to road closures.
- Local service 57 will be diverted from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm due to road closures.
- Local service 58 will be diverted from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm due to road closures.
- Multiple bus stops will be closed within the Parliamentary Triangle.
Details and maps of impacted services and stops can be found here.
The best way to rethink your routine and plan your journey is with the MyWay+ app or through the online journey planner on the Transport Canberra website.
