Those heading to Skyfire this Saturday 14 March are encouraged to leave the car at home and take advantage of free bus and light rail travel from 5 pm.
Skyfire, proudly hosted by AmplifyCBR, returns this weekend to illuminate the Canberra skyline with a spectacular firework display.
With live entertainment, food vendors, southside markets and an 8:30 pm fireworks finale, Lake Burley Griffin will once again be the focal point of the celebrations.
Jeremy Smith, Executive Group Manager Transport Canberra, said public transport remains the easiest way for Canberrans to enjoy Skyfire without the stress of traffic or parking.
"Skyfire is one of Canberra's most popular events, and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to enjoy the evening," Mr Smith said.
"By offering free travel across bus and light rail from 5 pm and boosting service across the network, we are helping the community travel safely while reducing congestion around the lake. Simply tap on and off as usual to register free travel."
Additional event bus services will operate from interchanges along with increased light rail frequency to help manage crowds.
There will be road closures and bus route diversions in place around the lake. If you are travelling from south of the lake, consider enjoying one of the many great vantage points closer to home such as, Queen Elizabeth Terrace and Kingston Foreshore.
With large crowds expected, early planning will help you enjoy a smoother journey. To ensure you reach the event before road closures limit access, please arrive to your nearest bus interchange no later than:
Belconnen: 7:40 pm
City: 8 pm
Woden: 7:45 pm
Tuggeranong: 7:30 pm
Due to construction works on Commonwealth Avenue bridge there will be no northbound bus stop. Following the event, all buses will depart from Commonwealth Avenue Southbound Regatta point bus stop at Albert Street. This means that northbound services will initially head south before turning around to continue on their normal routes.
The Regatta point bus stop will be divided into three bays. The first bay will be reserved for regular services (R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, R10, 56, 57 and 58). Second bay will be for shuttle buses to Woden and Tuggeranong, Third bay will be for City/light rail to Gungahlin and Belconnen. We ask the community to be patient as we embark these services.
Signage will be in place and Transport officers will be on the ground to provide support to attendees.
Public transport arrangements:
- Free travel on all Transport Canberra bus and light rail services from 5:00 pm until last service. Simply tap on and off as usual to register free travel.
- Additional event bus services providing access to and from the event from interchanges.
- Increased light rail frequency from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
- All buses departing from the event will leave from Albert Street south along Commonwealth Avenue Bridge before continuing on their normal route.
Event road closure details:
- Parkes Way westbound closed from 8 am and eastbound from 2 pm until 10 pm.
- Wendouree Drive: from Constitution Avenue to Kings Avenue from 6 am until 11 pm.
- Albert Street, Regatta Place, Barrine Drive and Regatta Point from 6 am until 11 pm.
- King Edward Terrace: from Parkes Place West to Parkes Place East from 6 am until 11 pm.
- Parkes Place West: from Questacon car park to Queen Elizabeth Terrace from 6 am until 11 pm.
- Parkes Place East: from Queen Elizabeth Terrace to King Edward Terrace from 6 am until 11 pm.
- Parkes Place West car park, Barrine Drive car park, Regatta Point car park and Rond Terrace car park from 6 am until 11 pm.
- King Edward Terrace will be closed from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm with diversions in place for R2, R6 and 56.
- 8:10 pm Commonwealth Avenue will be closed for general traffic, buses and emergency vehicles excepted.
- 8:25 pm no traffic will be allowed to travel on Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridge. No diversions will be in place and service will have to wait for the conclusion of the fireworks.
- 8:50 pm only buses and emergency service vehicles will be allowed to access Commonwealth Avenue bridge. All other road users will need to use Kings Avenue Bridge.
- 11 pm Commonwealth Avenue will re-open to the public.
Plan your trip with MyWay+ or the Journey Planner and travel early.
