A Guide to Lake Burley Griffin That’ll Help You Understand Why It’s One of Canberra’s Most Beloved Landmarks
Most places have that one striking feature that makes them stand out. For the French, it’s the Eiffel Tower; New Yorkers might say theirs is the Statue of Liberty, and the Japanese have Mount Fuji.
But for residents of Canberra, I have a strong feeling that most are gonna say Lake Burley Griffin. It’s the capital’s centrepiece and it’s integral to our history.
It’s also a big reason why so many of our attractions look stunning. Check our tourist destinations and I’m willing to bet that most of them look great in pictures because Lake Burley Griffin’s in the background.
It’s such a huge part of our lives that it definitely deserves its flowers. So I’ve written this guide to help locals and tourists alike better appreciate Canberra’s very own Lake Burley Griffin.
Where is Lake Burley Griffin?
Lake Burley Griffin is right in the middle of Canberra. It spans 11 kilometers, cutting across the Parliamentary Triangle. It is accessible from many of Canberra’s suburbs, including Acton, Campbell, Kingston, and Yarralumla.
How to Get to Lake Burley Griffin
Via Bus: There are a handful of bus stops near Lake Burley Griffin. You can take transport routes 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 to get there.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Call a taxi or find a car using your preferred ride-sharing app (ex. Uber). Tell your driver where your specific destination is around Lake Burley Griffin and they’ll take you there.
Via Private Car: Find the best route to Lake Burley Griffin by setting your GPS to a specific destination on its shores. There’s plenty of paid parking in the attractions around it, such as in the National Library, National Museum, and Yarralumla Bay District Park.
What to Do in Lake Burley Griffin
Enjoy the water
– Media credit: visitcanberra
Lake Burley Griffin is almost always a bustling hub of water activities. It gets particularly busy during the weekends when you might see people training for triathlons or other sporting events.
You don’t have to be an athlete to get in on the action though. There are plenty of ramps around the lake where you can rent a paddleboard or a kayak and enjoy the water.
If you prefer not to get wet, you can explore the lake in style instead. There are hour-long tours around the lake that’ll give you a brief history lesson on the nearby attractions.
These boats provide a great vantage point for landmarks like the Parliament House so make sure to take a lot of pictures while you’re here.
Meanwhile, those who’d rather take it slow can find a quiet spot on the lake and fish for dinner. Even though Lake Burley Griffin is manmade, it’s got a healthy amount of fish that’s safe to eat.
Have a nice picnic in one of the parks
– Media credit: galzone
Canberra is spoiled for choice when it comes to parks and a lot of them are located around the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
For example, Commonwealth Park is particularly easy to get to because of its proximity to the city center. Its vast grounds are a good choice for laying down a blanket and bringing a picnic basket.
Weston Park is ideal for the summer because of its refreshing family-friendly swimming areas. There are picnic benches nearby for when you get tired and need a snack to get your energy up.
Lennox Gardens has three areas with their own distinct atmospheres. It has an English garden, a Beijing Garden modeled after Qing dynasty architecture, and a Nara Peace Park with cherry blossom trees.
Lastly, Black Mountain Nature Reserve has a great scenic lookout with picnic tables, which you can reach by hiking. As you can see, each of these lakeshore sites comes with its own perks and you get to decide which one you want to experience.
Get some exercise in
– Media credit: lakeburleygriffin
Lake Burley Griffin has a variety of trails for all levels of athleticism. Some of them are beginner-friendly while others require training to fully complete.
Starting with the shortest trail, there’s the Central Loop, also known as the ‘bridge to bridge’ loop. Going around will only take around an hour and you’ll pass plenty of attractions.
Next up is the Eastern Loop, which will direct you through the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. This amps the difficulty a bit but is still very doable. The most challenging one would be the Western Loop, which spans 16 km and involves some hills.
There are several self-service stations where you can hire a bike to do one of these trails. You can also just walk or run along the paths since they’re well-maintained all year round.
What’s great is that most of the shores and the paths around Lake Burley Griffin are pet-friendly, so you can bring a furry friend along to run with you as long as they’re on a leash.
Get a lift from a hot air balloon
– Media credit: balloonaloftcanberra
One of the most unique ways to experience Lake Burley Griffin is by being on a hot air balloon. You and your group can see Canberra like you’ve never seen it before during an unforgettable hour-long ride.
These balloons provide an aerial view of the city along with some fun facts from your tour guide about certain attractions. Lift-off happens at sunrise so it’s not too hot but you’ll still get good lighting for your pictures.
Once your hour is up, you, your group, and your pilots will be having some fantastic champagne to celebrate a successful flight.
Just take note that rides depend on the weather so you’ll have to check for updates confirming clear skies early in the morning.
Where to Eat near Lake Burley Griffin
Water’s Edge Canberra
– Media credit: watersedge_canberra
Address: 40 Parkes Pl E, Parkes
Phone: +61 2 6273 5066
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Monday to Tuesday – 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Located right on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, Water’s Edge Canberra offers one of the most in-demand fine dining experiences in the capital.
The restaurant serves an experimental blend of Modern European-Australian cuisine, making it all the more unique.
If it’s your first time dining here, we’d highly recommend getting their five-course degustation menu. Each dish is carefully crafted and exquisite, especially when paired with their amazing wines.
Guests can choose to enjoy this menu in an exclusive dining dome that sits right on the water. These domes offer the best vantage point of the Lake, particularly during sunset when the water starts reflecting the golden hues.
Just take note that their guest list does fill up quite fast so better try and book a dinner here weeks in advance.
The Tea Lounge – Hyatt Hotel Canberra
– Media credit: hyattcanberra
Address: 120 Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla
Phone: +61 2 6270 1234
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
No other place does high tea quite like the Hyatt does. With the building’s old-world charm and elegant decor, it’ll feel just like being transported into a more luxurious era.
Guests can indulge in a variety of sweet treats and savory items along with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. There’s a good selection to choose from, including finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and house-made cake.
Part of what makes the whole thing great is how lovely it is to look at. The assortment of colorful pastries is served and presented beautifully on a three-tier stand, making it a feast for the eyes.
It’s not surprising why plenty of people choose to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries here. The whole experience is guaranteed to be unique and memorable.
Margot Wine & Espresso Bar
– Media credit: margotbar.cbr
Address: West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Friday – 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Margot Wine & Espresso Bar is the perfect place for a morning pick-me-up during a stroll around LBG. Situated right in the middle of the Parliamentary Triangle, the alfresco seating has unmatched views of the lake and its surrounding national landmarks.
With their focus on beverages, their food selection is quite limited. However, their aromatic brew of coffee more than makes up for it.
At night, their wines steal the spotlight, especially when paired with one of their pizzas. The atmosphere is further elevated by the lights and the soft breeze from the lake, making it the perfect place to spend a warm summer night.
The place’s unique ambiance does lead to it becoming packed from time to time, but the friendly and efficient service ensures that no customer feels unseen.
Where to Stay near Lake Burley Griffin
Hotel Kurrajong
– Media credit: hotelkurrajong
Address: 8 National Circuit, Barton
Phone: +61 6234 4444
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Hotel Kurrajong has been in Canberra since 1926 and today, it still has its signature character and charm. Keen-eyed guests will be able to spot some of the hotel’s oldest decor, such as the pavilion’s black and white photos and the iconic lounge fireplace.
Over the years, the hotel has been fitted with modern amenities to ensure that guests can enjoy the ambiance while still having a luxurious stay. This includes a state-of-the-art fitness center and a landscaped courtyard with a lovely BBQ area.
One of its most unique offerings is Chifley’s Bar and Grill, named after the country’s 16th prime minister. Here, you can sample Ben Chifley’s beloved whiskey drink while seated at the same bar he used to be a frequent patron of.
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
– Media credit: forresthotel
Address: 30 National Circuit, Forrest
Phone: +61 2 6203 4300
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Staying at Forrest Hotel and Apartments feels like a shortcut to finding community right in the heart of Canberra. This friendly place offers a warm welcome to all of its guests, regardless of how long they’ll be staying in the capital.
Most of their accommodations come fully equipped, despite being very affordable. They usually have a full kitchen with cooking facilities, a refrigerator, ironing equipment, and a washer/dryer machine.
They’re also within walking distance of many boutique shops and cafes where you can shop for food and other supplies.
On the weekends, you can enjoy their pleasant communal area where plenty of folks socialize. You can participate in a tennis match, fire up a barbecue, or even just have a lovely walk around the garden.