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Black Mountain Peninsula: Canberra's Lakeside Playground

4.6 (385)

A scenic lakeside park in Canberra offering recreation, relaxation, and stunning views of Black Mountain and Lake Burley Griffin.

Black Mountain Peninsula, nestled on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, is a popular recreational area offering picnic spots, BBQ facilities, walking trails, and water activities. It's a perfect destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to enjoy Canberra's scenic beauty.

A brief summary to Black Mountain Peninsula

  • Monday 7 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-10 pm
  • Friday 7 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early to secure a prime picnic spot, especially on weekends and during summer.
  • Check the water quality of Lake Burley Griffin before swimming.
  • Bring your own non-powered watercraft to enjoy paddling on the lake.
  • Take a walk along the shoreline path for scenic views and birdwatching opportunities.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the National Museum of Australia, walk west along the shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin. Follow the paved path for approximately 1.5km. The path leads directly to Black Mountain Peninsula. This is a scenic and leisurely walk with views of the lake and Black Mountain.

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, take a Transport Canberra bus towards Belconnen. Alight at the bus stop on Lady Denman Drive near the intersection with Garryowen Drive. From there, it's a short walk down Garryowen Drive to the peninsula. A single adult fare costs $3.32 during peak hours and $2.63 during off-peak.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Canberra Airport, a taxi or ride-share to Black Mountain Peninsula will take approximately 20-25 minutes. Expect to pay around $35-$45 for the trip. There are several taxi companies that service Canberra, including Canberra Elite Taxis and ACT Cabs. Ride-share services such as Uber are also readily available.

Discover more about Black Mountain Peninsula

Black Mountain Peninsula, a 22-hectare parkland on the northwestern side of Lake Burley Griffin, is a beloved Canberra destination for recreation and relaxation. The peninsula offers a diverse range of activities, from tranquil picnics to invigorating water sports. Historically, the area holds significance for the Ngunnawal people, who used the landscape for gatherings and resource collection for over 20,000 years. In the early days of Canberra's development, Walter Burley Griffin envisioned the hills surrounding the city as open spaces. Black Mountain Peninsula evolved into a waterside recreation area in the 1960s, with the introduction of deciduous trees and willows along the shoreline. Today, visitors can enjoy electric and gas BBQ facilities, picnic tables, and a playground that includes a wheelchair-accessible swing. A small boat ramp provides access for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. Walking trails meander along the lake's edge, offering scenic views of Black Mountain, Telstra Tower, and Parliament House. Lakeside fauna is abundant, with black swans, lapwings, ducks, and straw-necked ibises frequently seen. The peninsula is also adjacent to the Canberra Aqua Park, offering additional water-based fun during the summer months.
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