Skywhale has made its first appearances in Hobart's skies, after wet and windy weather cancelled its planned weekend flights.


Centenary of Canberra executive director Jeremy Lasek said the internationally-recognisable balloon was slowing traffic.


"She's up now, attracting a lot of interest from passersby, people have been waiting for a chance to see her in the sky," he said.


"She is hovering above the Regatta Grounds close to the harbour and near a major road into the city - traffic is down to a crawl.


"From what I hear everyone's loving it – we expect social media to go mad over the next couple of hours."


Mr Lasek said it was hoped the conspicuous whale would make a number of other appearances in Hobart over the next few days, before appearing above Launceston on Sunday.


He said skywhale was invited to Tasmania by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), as part of their ten-day Dark Mofo festival celebrating winter in Hobart.


"We're even hoping for a night glow – inflated at night with the burners – it should be quite spectacular," Mr Lasek said.


All but one of the Tasmanian flights are paid for by Tasmania, Mr Lasek said.