Best places to watch Skyfire Canberra 2016

Skyfire 2016 will explode across the capital from 8.30pm - and chief pyrotechnic Fortunato Foti says it's going to be huge.

"We'll have a crew of 10 working over the next three or four days getting it all prepared," Mr Foti said.

"There's probably about 16 to 20 tonnes of equipment that goes into setting up the fireworks so there's a lot of work logistically that goes into the preparation and setting up for the fireworks, I think we use about 6000 metres of cable in total."

Plumes of colour will ignite from 11 platforms in the lake's central basin stretching nearly 500 metres, he said.

"There's in excess of 2000 aerial fireworks and between 10,000 and 15,000 comets and mines, all ground-based fireworks," Mr Foti said.

"There's nearly 3000 individual firing cues which have been choreographed to fit in with the music from Hit 104.7. There's a bit involved but hopefully it'll all go to plan."

Putting further strain on craning necks will be the incredible Royal Australian Navy 723 Squadron helicopter pairs display, a low flyover by the Snowy Hydro Southcare Rescue Helicopter and an RAAF F/A 18A Hornet Jet handling display

Back on the ground, Australian rockers Thirsty Merc and the Australia's Federation Guard Display promise to enthral revellers.

The fireworks kick off at 8.30pm but the entertainment will be pumping from Regatta Point from 5.30pm.

They key is to arrive early to secure your spot.

If the crowds and noise aren't your cup of tea though, there are a couple of other vantage where you can enjoy the show from, including Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain.

The views from the Australian War Memorial and Anzac Parade also promise to be spectacular, as do those from the National Library and even New Acton.

You can listen to the synchronised music either at Regatta Point or through your radio via 104.7.

If you're driving to Skyfire, be mindful that there are a couple of new road closures in place this year.

Parkes Way will be closed westbound between Kings Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue (with the exception of buses and emergency vehicles) from 6am to 9.45pm on Saturday.

Parkes Way will also be closed eastbound between Kings Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue between 2pm to 9.45pm.

Uber is also offering a $20 discount on first-time riders heading to Skyfire, using the promo code 'SKYFIRE'. For further details, head to the Uber Canberra website.

There will be extra ACTION bus services to Lake Burley Griffin on Skyfire night with free chartered return services to major bus stations afterwards, courtesy of the radio station.

These services will depart regularly from both the Regatta Point bus stops on Commonwealth Avenue and the Treasury Building car park in Langton Crescent from 8.45pm.

The 992 and 900 from Tuggeranong as well as the 994 from Gungahlin will take you directly to bus stops on Commonwealth Avenue at Regatta Point and Albert Hall. Normal fares apply

Residents from all other parts of Canberra can take a number of regular services into the City, Woden or Belconnen and transfer onto a Blue Rapid 900 to get to Skyfire.

The public are strongly advised to use the ACTION bus park and ride service due to the number of people expected to be in attendance.

Limited parking will be available at the Russell precinct and off Constitution Avenue including Anzac Park East and West, Reid CIT, Civic Pool and Capital Hill car parks. Parking is also available within the Parliamentary Zone.

A word of warning though if you're tempted to park in an 'unofficial' space - it is an offence to park on footpaths, grassed and landscaped areas and inspectors will be out in force.

Friday's showers should clear to a mostly sunny Saturday with a forecast high of 22 degrees. The temperature should dip down to a crisp 6 degrees though, so it might be wise to bring a jumper.