Lake Burley Griffin is around 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) long, with around 25 miles (40 kilometers) of shoreline. You can walk, jog, or cycle around its perimeter; take to the water on a kayak, pedal boat, or other vessel; or admire the chimes of the National Carillon.
Canberra is a well-planned city, and the views across the lake have been artfully aligned from various directions: admire the views across to Parliament House from the southern side of Lake Burley Griffin or to the Australian War Memorial and Mount Ainslie from the northern side. Many of Canberra’s top institutions are arranged around the lake, too, including the National Museum, National Gallery, National Library, and Questacon.
Canberra can reach incredibly high temperatures in summer; take plenty of water, sunblock, and a hat for outdoor activities.
The lake has a long perimeter, so rent a bike or join a Segway tour to explore its length.
On Sundays, check out the Old Bus Depot Markets on the southeastern corner of the lake.
Lake Burley Griffin can be enjoyed in all seasons and at all times of day. Many people like to watch the sunset from the lake, or if it's summer, take a stroll in the cooler morning or evening air. Canberra experiences very hot summers and colder-than-average winters (for Australia), so plan outdoor activities with this in mind.
Many first-time visitors to Canberra are surprised by the plume of water they see shooting from the center of Lake Burley Griffin. This isn’t a twister or storm cloud! It’s the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, a fountain that shoots water 500 feet (150 meters) into the air. During special occasions, it may be lit up with a different color. The best place to photograph it is the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point.
