Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra Travel Guide
Discover Canberra's heart: a stunning lake offering recreation, culture, and iconic sights.
Lake Burley Griffin, an artificial lake at the heart of Canberra, is a recreational hub and home to many of the capital's iconic landmarks. Created in 1963 by damming the Molonglo River, it's named after Walter Burley Griffin, the architect who designed Canberra.
A brief summary to Lake Burley Griffin
- Australian Capital Territory, AU
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lake Burley Griffin.
- Enjoy a picnic by the lake. Many parks around the shoreline offer free electric barbecue facilities and picnic tables.
- Walk or cycle the 'Bridge to Bridge' loop for a scenic tour of the central basin.
- Visit in March to witness the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, where hot air balloons float above the lake.
- Explore the lake by boat. Rent an electric picnic boat for a unique dining experience on the water.
- Take a cruise on the lake to see major attractions and learn about the city's history.
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Getting There
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Public Transport
From Canberra City Centre, take bus routes 2, 4, 5, 7, or 10 towards Lake Burley Griffin. Alight at the Regatta Point Commonwealth Avenue stop, which is an 8-minute walk to the lake's edge. A single fare costs $2 - $5. Alternatively, from Floriade, take a bus to City Interchange Plt 11, then transfer to bus 53 to Constables Cottage Lennox Crossing, costing $4 - $10.
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Walking
From the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG), walk south along London Circuit, then turn left onto Commonwealth Avenue. Cross the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, and you'll arrive at the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin. The walk is approximately 3.6km and takes about 45 minutes. Be sure to use the designated pedestrian pathways.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Canberra Airport, a taxi to Lake Burley Griffin takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately $25 - $30. Ride-share services like Uber or Ola are also available with similar fares. A taxi from Floriade to Lake Burley Griffin is a 4 minute ride costing $11-$14.
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Parking
If driving, ample parking is available around Lake Burley Griffin, including Acton District Park. Paid parking is enforced on weekdays and weekends until 5pm, with rates ranging from $4 for 1 hour to $32 for 7+ hours. Weekends and public holidays have a flat rate of $5. Free parking is available for motorbikes and vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit. Limited one-hour free parking is available at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre.
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