Explore an Icon: Best Things to Do at Lake Burley Griffin

Have you ever wondered what makes Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin so iconic? Here's a quick history lesson for you! Designed by Walter Burley Griffin and officially opened in 1964 after years of planning changes and development, the lake became the centrepiece of the national capital and a key component of the National Triangle - a cultural institution without walls, home to some of the country's most important buildings, including Parliament House and the National Gallery of Australia.

Beyond this, Lake Burley Griffin was intended as a place for locals and visitors to gather and enjoy the great outdoors. To this day, the lake has remained a much-loved gathering spot in Canberra, with cafes, walking trails, water activities and an annual hot air balloon festival confirming its significance.

So, the next time you want to spend some time in, on or around the lake, our guide to the best things to do at Lake Burley Griffin is the perfect place to start!

Walter Cafe

Named after the visionary behind the lake, Walter Cafe offers unbeatable views, delicious brunch bites and expertly brewed coffee from one of the most popular meeting points around the lake - Regatta Point.

Start your day with a latte on the outdoor deck, watching the activity below, or stay warm indoors in the modern cafe, fueling for the day ahead with bacon and egg rolls, vanilla waffles, eggs benny or loaded omelettes.

Barrine Drive, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park

Margot

There's something special about a lakeside bar we can pop by for espresso in the AM and wine and cheese in the PM, and when it’s placed right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, it's even better.

At Margot, you can look forward to Wildflower Pastries with your morning coffee and gourmet toasties like pesto or a Croque Monsieur with bechamel and mozzarella. Enjoy your simple yet satisfying meal alfresco with stunning lake views your companion, or take it go and find a serene spot by the water a little further along.

West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes

peonee

Walk from the lake and through King Park, and within minutes you will find the elegant peonee, a premium dining destination with a menu offering fresh and contemporary Australian cuisine.

Small in size, it makes up for it with a delectable 5-course set menu that you won't see until after your meal (la carte is only available for lunch) that reflects the best in seasonally available produce, perfectly complemented by a beverage list utilising only Australian wine and spirits.

12 Pentland Street, Campbell

KOTO

The venue is a work of award-winning art, and the high-quality food matches the gorgeous space with flavour-packed dishes that go well beyond your standard sushi rolls at the Japanese restaurant KOTO.

Every aspect has been considered and meticulously designed, from the gravel landscaping to represent the nearby lake to the authentic Japanese dining experience highlighting the country's traditions.

1 King George Terrace, Parkes

Coffee and SUP

Early risers, this one is for you! Take to the water well before the city wakes with a slow glide on a stand-up paddleboard, one of our favourite ways to enjoy the still and serene lake at sunrise. SUPCBR is the leading provider, with lessons, guided tours and fitness classes available at the lake. Just remember to embrace your core and treat yourself to a coffee afterwards!

Sitchu tip: If you are keen to join a group of like-minded women and try your luck at scoring a brilliant vantage point of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular in March, follow She SUP to find out about their Canberra SUP trips.

Bridge-to-Bridge Walk 

Who says you can’t enjoy a nature walk in the middle of the city? There's no better way to soak up a sunny day than with this lovely, gentle 5km bridge-to-bridge (Commonwealth Avenue Bridge to Kings Avenue Bridge) walk around the lake. This walk is popular for those who want to get in a brisk walk during their lunch hour or those who like to indulge in a coffee midway - yes, please. 

The walk takes you past Canberra icons like the National Library, the National Carillon, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Sculpture Garden and more goodies.

Starting point: You can start anywhere along the lake's central basin between the two bridges.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Soar Above the Lake

Hot air balloons are practically synonymous with Canberra, so it probably comes as no surprise that the city offers plenty of opportunities to ride in one. If you’re eager enough to rise at the crack of dawn to soar over the city and see the lake from an unbeatable spot, this is a remarkable experience.

You will see Canberra’s landmarks and the surrounding valleys and mountains swathed in muted early-morning light and it's oh-so-dreamy! A few businesses run hot air balloon rides in Canberra including Balloon Aloft.

Sitchu tip: In March, the annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular sees the Canberra skyline crowded with hundreds of hot air balloons taking flight, and where better to watch the magic? You guessed it - Lake Burley Griffin!

Set Sail

There's no better way to see the lake than by sailing across its calm surface! Enjoy a laid-back day on the water with GoBoat’s electric picnic boats, perfect for a peaceful outing with friends or family, where you can skipper your boat with BYO drinks and nibbles for a memorable day out.

For something more likely to get the heart rate going, try Love Boat’s pedal boats, a fun way to take in Canberra’s landmarks at a slower pace. Paddle boat hire is available at Regatta Point, Commonwealth Place and the Kingston Foreshore. They also have self-drive boats available if you prefer to keep the physical activity at a minimum.

The Little Burley Market 

This little market takes place on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin and is as scenic as it is sweet. You can expect all kinds of gourmet goodies from flaky pastries to fresh oysters and kombucha on tap. You'll also be able to pick up locally-made gifts including jewellery, pottery and bits for bubs. Best of all, they're doggo-friendly! 

Every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm

Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place, Canberra 

Visit the National Institutions

Canberra is home to Australia's most impressive galleries and sites, including the Australian War Memorial and the National Library of Australia, and our favourite is the National Gallery of Australia, right next to Lake Burley Griffin!

It is home to the iconic Pollock’s Blue Poles, pieces by Australian expressionist Tony Tuckson, Hockney, Picasso, Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly paintings, and the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Check out the sculpture garden while you’re there, with striking pieces silhouetted against the serene waters of the lake. 

Now that you have explored the best things to do at Lake Burley Griffin, it's time to treat yourself to a cocktail from one of Canberra's best bars or something sweet at the best dessert spots in town.