1 March 2024

Canberra's best venues to celebrate in when Skyfire returns to Lake Burley Griffin

| Morgan Kenyon
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MV Southern Cross Yacht with fireworks in background

It’s been a while, but Skyfire is back on the Canberra calendar in 2024. Photo: Canberra Southern Cross Club.

After a five-year hiatus, Skyfire is (almost) back!

Canberra has been waiting (mostly) patiently since 2020’s cancellation of the massive event due to COVID-19 and for Regatta Point to light up the heart of the city once again.

AmplifyCBR general manager Craig Wagstaff confirmed in 2023 that more than 40,000 effects, 2500 shells and 25,000 shooting comets will be on display during what promises to be a “pyrotechnic bonanza”.

Rather than jostling with the crowds for the best lawn spot, here are just a few of the best venues in Canberra to sit back, relax and take in the view when Skyfire returns on 16 March.

QT Capitol Bar & Grill

QT Canberra offers ‘comfort with a capital C’ in the city, complemented by the Capitol Bar & Grill. Photo: QT Canberra.

Capitol Bar & Grill

Where: 1 London Circuit, Canberra City.

QT Canberra’s Capitol Bar & Grill boasts an intimate inner city setting, and a meat and wine program to die for. What better way to fuel your enthusiasm?

In honour of the annual event’s return, Capitol Bar & Grill will introduce its very own ‘Skyfire’ cocktail. Created with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur, passionfruit puree, cinnamon, honey and lime, and served with real flames! It’s an especially fiery ode to the 25,000 comets set to go off from lake central (available from 11 to 17 March only).

Jump online to make a reservation with QT Canberra.

Snapper & Co

Located at the Southern Cross Yacht Club, Snapper & Co is known for its casual, inviting atmosphere. Photo: Canberra Southern Cross Club.

Snapper & Co

Where: Southern Cross Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla.

Snapper & Co in Yarralumla is a prime choice for those looking for a more relaxed venue. Not only does it have an expansive menu with the freshest seafood and classic cocktails, but it also has pizzas for the whole family and just so happens to sport one of Canberra’s best lakeside views.

Even better, the restaurant has declared March is Mexican Month, so expect a range of tacos, quality tequila and plenty of photo opportunities with props inspired by the celebratory style of Mexico.

Secure your booking online.

Picture of people sitting at a table

Water’s Edge is an award-winning fine dining restaurant that offers stunning lakeside views in Parkes. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Water’s Edge

Where: Water’s Edge, 40 Parkes Place, Parkes.

With an Australian Good Food Guide hat two years in a row and no less than three TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice awards under its belt, Water’s Edge adds some wonder to fine dining.

This March, owner and executive chef Avtar Singh is putting a delicious focus on seafood for Skyfire alongside the usual high-class, modern Australian menu.

“We have a fantastic location for the fireworks,” he says.

“We can’t wait to celebrate with the rest of Canberra with beautiful oysters and quality local wines.”

Bookings are essential, so get in quick to avoid missing out.

Margot Bar's blue and white seating with umbrellas by Lake Burley Griffin

Margot only opened on 1 February, but visitors say it already feels like a lakeside staple. Photo: Lucy Ridge.

Margot

Where: Margot Wine & Espresso Bar, West Kiosk Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes.

A relatively new player in Canberra’s bar scene, Margot introduces a distinctly cosmopolitan euro flavour to the lakeside shores of Parkes.

Margot offers an intimate setting that focuses unabashedly on serving great drinks throughout the day and into the night. Also featuring wood-fired pizzas and a stunning local wine list, this location is not to be missed on Skyfire night.

Co-owner Nick Tyrell promises to keep some tables open for walk-ins. He says the team is excited for Skyfire and has “good vibes planned” for everyone coming to eat, drink and be merry while the fireworks are on display.

For more information, visit Margot.

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