lookouts
There are some great vantage points on the hills around Canberra where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Burley Griffin, plus some incredible sunrises and sunsets. Be sure to take a camera with you.
On the northern side of the lake there is Black Mountain (with its iconic Telstra Tower), Mt Ainslie (at the end of Ainslie Avenue and looming above the Australian War Memorial), and Mt Pleasant (on the grounds of the Royal Military College, Duntroon).
At the lake's western end is Dairy Farmer's Hill Lookout at the National Arboretum, and to the south is Red Hill, with its restaurant and lookout.
On the northern side of the lake there is Black Mountain (with its iconic Telstra Tower), Mt Ainslie (at the end of Ainslie Avenue and looming above the Australian War Memorial), and Mt Pleasant (on the grounds of the Royal Military College, Duntroon).
At the lake's western end is Dairy Farmer's Hill Lookout at the National Arboretum, and to the south is Red Hill, with its restaurant and lookout.
islands
During major earthworks to excavate Lake Burley Griffin, at least 382,000 cubic metres of topsoil was removed to a depth of at least 2 metres to provide sufficient clearance for boat keels. Some of the soil was used to create six artificial islands. Three are unnamed and insignificant in size. Of the others, the largest is Springbank Island, which is located adjacent to the grounds of the Australian National University, in West Basin and probably 100 metres west of the pier at the west side of the National Museum. It's only accessible via water. There is a pier at the southern end of the island, which consists of a mix of open grassland for picnics and other recreational activities, surrounded by a perimeter of trees. There are also toilets and BBQ facilities available. The island covers approximately 3.5 hectares.
Spinnaker Island is smaller, and to the south. It has trees at the eastern end but is mainly a sparsely covered area some 200 metres x 75 metres, and home to a local breeding colony of up to 1000 seagulls. The gull population thrives in part because newly laid eggs are protected from predators like foxes and cats, who cannot access the island. Whilst a pleasant spot to sail or paddle around, it is best left undisturbed.
The other large island is Queen Elizabeth II Island in Central Basin . Formerly Aspen Island, it was renamed on 4 June 2022 in honour of the 70th Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is connected to the shore by footbridge and is the location of the National Carillon. It has picnic facilities and great views of the lake and surrounding hills.
Spinnaker Island is smaller, and to the south. It has trees at the eastern end but is mainly a sparsely covered area some 200 metres x 75 metres, and home to a local breeding colony of up to 1000 seagulls. The gull population thrives in part because newly laid eggs are protected from predators like foxes and cats, who cannot access the island. Whilst a pleasant spot to sail or paddle around, it is best left undisturbed.
The other large island is Queen Elizabeth II Island in Central Basin . Formerly Aspen Island, it was renamed on 4 June 2022 in honour of the 70th Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is connected to the shore by footbridge and is the location of the National Carillon. It has picnic facilities and great views of the lake and surrounding hills.