The man-made Lake Burley Griffin is at the heart of Canberra. It is huge, at about 664 hectares, so its banks stretch through many suburbs of the city. I’ve written previous posts about the National Museum, Weston Park, Questacon and the Canberra Visitor Information Centre, which are all on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin. The lake is divided into two distinct halves by a narrow central peninsula called the Acton Peninsula. We made many trips over the bridge spanning Lake Burley Griffin during our visit and it’s hard to miss on any trip to Canberra.
Lake Burley Griffin is beautiful to look at, but it’s also a great spot for outdoor activities. You can rent paddle boats, kayaks, or even stand-up paddleboards to explore the lake at your own pace. And if you're feeling energetic, there are plenty of walking and cycling paths that wind their way around the lake's perimeter, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque scenery while getting some exercise. There are also several fitness stations located along the paths.
There are several companies in Canberra that offer scooter rentals, and many of them have pick-up and drop-off locations near Lake Burley Griffin. Scooters can be left on the paths around town as well, and we found some around the banks of the lake. Just check the rules in place around age of riders and wearing helmets if you do pick up one of the scooters. Prices for scooter rentals are generally quite affordable, and most companies offer helmets and other safety gear with the scooters to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
One of the major features of Lake Burley Griffin is the iconic Captain Cook Memorial Jet. It's a striking water fountain that shoots up into the air, located near the central basin. On a clear day, you can see the water gushing high above the lake. On a windy day – as we discovered – the water blows across the lake, all the way to the bridge. The fountain is located near the central basin of the lake, and it operates daily from 11am to 2pm, and then again from 4pm to 11pm. If you're lucky enough to catch the fountain at night, you'll be treated to a stunning light show that adds an extra touch of magic to the already-impressive display.
Another feature at Lake Burley Griffin is the National Carillon. There was a display about this in the Canberra Visitor Centre, so we had to go and take a closer look in person. The carillon is a musical instrument given to the people of Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Canberra. There aren’t many carillons in the world, so it’s definitely worth checking this one out. You can’t miss it, because it is 50 metres tall and the structure is made of concrete. The bell tower part houses 55 bronze bells which are played using a keyboard and pedalboard, similar to a piano or organ. There are some musicians who can play the instrument, so it’s worth checking whether there are any performances scheduled during your visit to Canberra. If not, you’ll still get to hear music from the Carillon – there are tunes coming from it all day. Whether that’s from automated playing of the bells or a recording, I’m not sure, but it’s a lovely effect and very enjoyable to listen to while near the lake.
The National Carillon is situated on Aspen Island, which is a small island located in the lake that can be reached via a small footbridge from the Acton Peninsula. Guided tours of the Carillon are available for anyone who wants to learn about the history and craftsmanship of the bells, which were cast in England and installed in 1970. The carillon also hosts regular concerts and recitals, showcasing the beautiful sounds of the bells in a variety of musical styles. You can see parts of the old carillon up-close in the Visitor Information Centre, which is also the place to enquire about tours.
I read that some people have even seen a platypus in Lake Burley Griffin. Most of the spots we visited had concrete edges, so I didn't think we would see one there, but we did take a good look around Weston Park, where there are reeds and a mud bank along the water's edge. Unfortunately, we didn't have any luck with our platypus-spotting at Lake Burley Griffin (though we did at Tidbinbilla). But keep your eyes peeled, just in case!
All in all, Lake Burley Griffin is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. It offers a peaceful retreat where you can appreciate nature, engage in recreational activities, explore cultural landmarks, or simply soak in the beauty of the surroundings. While you definitely can’t miss Lake Burley Griffin due to its centrality within Canberra, don’t just drive over the bridge – stop and enjoy the lake and all that it offers as an activity in itself!
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