Witness the Wonder: Skywhales Take Flight Over Temora

Published on 15 April 2026

Temora Shire Council is proud to welcome the nationally celebrated Skywhales Across Australia to Temora on Saturday, 16th May, offering a unique and inspiring experience for the local community and visitors alike.

The spectacular Skywhale family—two monumental hot air balloon sculptures created by renowned artist Patricia Piccinini—will begin inflating from 5:30am at Temora Recreation Ground, set to take flight at just before 7:00am. This is a slow, reflective morning to pause, connect, and enjoy a sense of wonder. Coffee and bacon and egg rolls will be available to purchase, and guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs or picnic blankets, with additional seating available around the ground.

Skywhales Across Australia is a generative project that centres on care and community. As the Skywhales travel across the country, communities are invited to engage creatively and reflect on themes of nature, family, evolution, and wonder. The work brings together Skywhale and Skywhalepapa, transforming a single character into a shared story—one that speaks to connection, care, and the relationships that shape our lives. As dawn breaks and the figures slowly come to life, audiences experience a simple yet uplifting narrative as the two forms rise into the sky together.

Following the morning launch, a series of special events with Patricia Piccinini will take place across Temora:

• 11:00am – Children’s book reading of Every Heart Sings at Temora Town Library
• 1:00pm – Artist talk at Temora Town Hall Theatre

Mayor Rick Firman OAM, said the event is a special opportunity for the community to come together.

"We are thrilled to welcome Skywhales Across Australia to Temora Shire. This is a truly unique cultural experience that brings people together and reflects the strength and spirit of our community.”

"Skywhales is all about connection—connection to each other, to creativity, and to the world around us. We hope people of all ages will come along, spend time together, and enjoy the experience."

This touring exhibition offers a rare opportunity for regional Australians to experience a world-class artistic installation within their own communities.

Skywhales Across Australia flights are dependent on weather conditions. Artist Piccinini noted this is one of the extraordinary elements of having the rare opportunity to witness the Skywhales in flight; ‘One of the best – and worst – things about this project is that we can only fly if nature allows us. We have to have the perfect conditions, it's one of the few situations in life when human beings can't force the world into giving us what we want. But when nature does allow it, it is all the more wonderful.’.

This is a free, family-friendly event, open and accessible to everyone in our community. While all events are free to attend, tickets will be required for the artist talk due to limited capacity. These tickets are free but capped to ensure a comfortable experience for attendees.

For tickets and the full program of events, please visit the Visit Temora website.

Skywhales Across Australia is a National Gallery Touring Event.

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Temora Shire Council Media Enquires

Corporate Communications Officer – Elise Hawthorn

E: communications@temora.nsw.gov.au

P: 6980 1127