THE Skywhale was a big hit in Launceston yesterday but don't expect to see her again anytime soon.
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Organisers estimated 1500 to 2000 people braved freezing conditions yesterday morning to witness the two-hour tethered flight of the 350-kilogram balloon at Royal Park.
The balloon's visit was a one-off and it is understood Launceston is unsuitable for ballooning as flights above 150 feet are apparently restricted due to airport flight paths.
Built at a cost of $170,000 in Britain to the design of Australian artist Patricia Piccinini, the balloon was one of two events brought to Launceston as part of Hobart's Dark Mofo festival that finished in Hobart yesterday. Melbourne-based Skywhale pilot Steve Ireland said yesterday's conditions were perfect for ballooning.
He said balloons were fairly fragile so could not fly in high winds, and a hot atmosphere produced unstable air, once again stopping flights.
Tourism Northern Tasmania marketing executive Sam Denmead, who helped about 50 people into the three-passenger capacity balloon basket for a ride, said the morning was a success and she expected more Dark Mofo spin-offs next year.
"We will work hard to bring as much North as we can," she said.
Launceston City Council tourism manager Eamonn Seddon said he hoped the Skywhale would be the catalyst for more Dark Mofo events.
