Things to do Around Lake Burley Griffin
A short 12-minute drive from Pavilion on Northbourne, in the heart of Canberra, is the iconic Lake Burley Griffin. Enjoy an abundance of activities whether you’re on the lake, beside the lake or flying high above. With so much to do around Lake Burley Griffin, we’ve created a shortlist for you so you don’t miss out.
Cruise Lake Burley Griffin
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
If you love getting out on the water, then Lake Burley Griffin is the place to be. One of the best ways to see the city without all the roundabouts is a relaxing cruise with Lake Burley Griffin Cruises or MV Southern Cross Cruises. Be the master of your own boat, pack a picnic and take the whole family (including the pets) on a journey with GoBoat. To burn some energy, you can’t go past the iconic 2-seater paddle boats with Capital Paddle. Head to Regatta Point on the weekends and get paddling and explore your way around Lake Burley Griffin.
SUP and Swim
Photo Credit: HCreations Photography for VisitCanberra
If you don’t mind the possibility of falling in, give stand up paddleboarding (SUP), windsurfing, kayaking or sailing a try. Beat the heat and take the family to Canberra Aqua Park to splash, slip and slide around on a giant inflatable obstacle course. To cool down, there are a number of swimming coves to visit, but on the east side of Weston Park, you’ll find spots suitable for toddlers and pontoons to swim to. Waters are tested weekly in peak swimming seasons and posted online or at the beach.
Ride Around
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
There are many ways to make your way around the outside of Lake Burley Griffin on two wheels. For a more traditional way of getting around, hire a bike and cycle around Lake Burley Griffin. The Central Loop, (4.9km) passes the National Gallery of Australia Sculpture Garden, the National Portrait Gallery, the High Court of Australia, Questacon, Reconciliation Place, and the National Library of Australia. Ride the 16km Western Loop and stop by the National Arboretum of Canberra, the National Zoo and Aquarium and back to the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. The 9km East Loop covers the east side and will have you exploring the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve, Commonwealth Park and the Old Bus Depot Markets.
Where to Eat and Drink
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
You can’t go past a meal from the Atrium Restaurant & Bar, located onsite at Pavilion on Northbourne. But there is even more to the food scene in Canberra, and a lot of it is along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Along the shore is one of Canberra’s finest restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine, Waters Edge Restaurant. Located on the east side, the Kingston Foreshore area is alive with food and dining options. Stop by Local Press Cafe, The Dock, Walt & Burley Across the Lake is a meal to remember at The Boat House and a relaxing spot for a beverage at their seasonal pop up Armada Outdoor Bar. If you’re craving freshly cooked fish and chips, make a visit to Snapper & Co in Yarralumla.
Walk or Run Lake Burley Griffin
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Don’t forget the walking shoes! A local favourite to get the legs pumping is the Lake Burley Griffin Walk or the “bridge to bridge’. Discover landmarks and memorials, including the National Capital Exhibition, the Captain James Cook Memorial, the RG Menzies Statue, and Gallipoli Reach, along the 5km trail. If you’d like a shorter version, there is the RG Menzies Walk which runs for 2km along the northside of the lake between Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and Kings Park. Another option for walking around Lake Burley Griffin is The Australians of the Year Walk which has a plaque for every year since 1960 with each Australian of the Year displayed.
Up Above the Lake
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Rise early and get an epic birds-eye view of Lake Burley Griffin on board a hot air balloon. Float over the top and see the sights from afar. This is one of the most spectacular ways to plan further exploration of the lake.
No matter your interest, whether you want to be in the lake or by its shores, Lake Burley Griffin is perfect for everyone. While enjoying your stay at Pavilion on Northbourne, don’t miss your opportunity to visit and discover why it’s the heart of the city.
