Top 4 Lakes in the Australian Capital Territory
Best lakes in the Australian Capital Territory are primarily man-made bodies of water that serve as recreational hubs and scenic backdrops for the nation's capital. These lakes are integrated into the city's design, offering extensive shorelines and diverse ecosystems for waterbirds. They provide opportunities for various water-based activities and are surrounded by parklands and walking paths. The region's lakes are central to Canberra's outdoor leisure life.
Best lakes in the Australian Capital Territory
- The most popular lakes is Lake Burley…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Scrivener Dam
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Lake Burley Griffin Waterfront Promenade
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Lake Ginninderra
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Yarralumla Bay District Park
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Lennox Gardens
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West Lake
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Lake Tuggeranong
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Tuggeranong Town Park Beach
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Yerrabi Pond
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East Basin
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Yerrabi Pond is a beautiful artificial lake created for stormwater management that also supports birdlife and local ecosystems. The pond is surrounded by open green space and wetlands, and is a great balance of both natural habitat and recreational space. Its peaceful setting and expansive views make it a focal point for plenty of outdoor activities in this area.
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Scrivener Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Molonglo River, completed in 1963, and is responsible for creating Lake Burley Griffin as a recreational and ornamental body of water. Named after surveyor Charles Scrivener, the dam is about 33 metres high and 319 metres long, with hydraulically operated fish‑belly flap gates that precisely control the lake levels and provide flood management capability. The dam also carries a roadway and the walking/cycling path, and helps form the backdrop to one of Canberra’s key engineering landmarks.
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West Lake is the western section of Lake Burley Griffin and is the lake’s largest water expanse, popular for boating, sailing, rowing, and other recreational water activities. The tree‑lined foreshores and natural landscape also support water‑bird life and is a picturesque segment of the walking and cycling route along the lake.
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Yarralumla Bay District Park sits on the southern foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin, between Orana Bay and Blue Gum Point, with a sandy beach and designated areas for swimming, paddling, boating, and other water sports. The park includes shaded picnic areas right along the lake’s cycleway/walkway and has launching ramps, piers, and clubhouses for sailing and rowing activities. It is a popular spot for year-round lakeside walking and water‑based recreation.
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Lake Ginninderra is a beautiful artificial lake, created in 1974 by damming Ginninderra Creek. There are several parklands, walking and cycling paths, and popular recreation areas near the Belconnen Town Centre and the University of Canberra that surround the lake. Its open shoreline and wetlands attract a variety of waterbirds, making it a well-known spot for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the lakeside views.
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Lennox Gardens is a well-manicured lakeside park on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra’s Parliamentary Zone. The gardens include several international friendship spaces, notably the Beijing Garden and the nearby Canberra Peace Park, which celebrate Canberra’s sister-city relationships. With open lawns, ornamental plantings, and walking paths along the lake, it is a popular place for picnicking and enjoying the beautiful views across the water.
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The East Basin is part of Lake Burley Griffin, spanning from the Kings Avenue Bridge towards the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Dairy Flat. While walking or biking around East Basin, there are often rowers, windsurfers, dragon boaters, and stand-up paddleboarders on the water.
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Lake Tuggeranong is a beautiful artificial lake in Canberra’s Tuggeranong district, created in the 1980s as part of the suburb’s town centre development. There is a shared walking and cycling path that circles the lake, passing parks, wetlands, and recreation areas along the shoreline. The lake is a popular local spot ideal for walking, cycling, kayaking, and birdwatching.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in the Australian Capital Territory are best for recreation and water sports?
For a wide range of recreational activities, Lake Ginninderra and Lake Burley Griffin are excellent choices. Lake Ginninderra is popular for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and powered boating (under 10 knots). Lake Burley Griffin offers kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing, sailing, and electric boat hire. Yarralumla Bay District Park on Lake Burley Griffin is a designated area for swimming and other water sports.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the ACT?
Yes, many lakes in the ACT are very family-friendly. Lake Ginninderra features parklands like John Knight Memorial Park with playgrounds and BBQ facilities. Lake Tuggeranong is also highly family-friendly, offering dog parks, nature parks, playgrounds, and BBQ facilities, along with the Tuggeranong Skate Park nearby. Yarralumla Bay District Park on Lake Burley Griffin also has shaded picnic areas and a sandy beach suitable for families.
What kind of wildlife can I see around the ACT lakes?
The lakes in the ACT are home to a variety of water birds and diverse wildlife. Lake Burley Griffin is a habitat for various water birds, and Lake Ginninderra's open shoreline and wetlands attract a wide array of bird species. Lake Tuggeranong also boasts diverse wildlife, making all three excellent spots for birdwatching.
Can I swim in the lakes in the Australian Capital Territory?
Swimming is permitted in some ACT lakes, but it's always advisable to check current water quality reports before entering. Yarralumla Bay District Park on Lake Burley Griffin has designated areas for swimming. Lake Ginninderra also allows swimming, and it has five beaches along its shores, including Yerra Beach with a water pontoon. Lake Tuggeranong features three beaches.
Are there good cycling paths around the ACT lakes?
Absolutely. The ACT lakes offer extensive cycling paths. Lake Burley Griffin has a popular 40-kilometre shoreline path, including the bridge-to-bridge loop. Lake Ginninderra features a 7.2km circuit, and Lake Tuggeranong is encircled by a shared walking and cycling path. You can find more cycling options in the guide to Traffic-free bike rides in the Australian Capital Territory and Road Cycling Routes in the Australian Capital Territory.
What historical or cultural landmarks are near the ACT lakes?
Lake Burley Griffin is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the National Carillon, Parliament House, the National Museum of Australia, and the National Arboretum Canberra. The Scrivener Dam, which created Lake Burley Griffin, is also a key engineering landmark with historical significance.
Are there easy walking trails around the ACT lakes?
Yes, the lakes offer numerous easy walking trails. Lake Burley Griffin's extensive paths are perfect for strolls, and Lake Ginninderra has a 7.2km circuit. Lake Tuggeranong is encircled by shared walking paths that pass through parks and wetlands. For more options, check out the guide to Easy hikes in the Australian Capital Territory, which includes routes like the Lake Ginninderra circuit and Lake Tuggeranong Circuit.
Is fishing allowed in the ACT lakes?
Fishing is a popular activity in some ACT lakes. Lake Ginninderra is regularly stocked with native Murray Cod, and you can also find Golden Perch and Redfin there. Lake Tuggeranong is also a good spot for fishing.
Are the ACT lakes dog-friendly?
Many areas around the ACT lakes are dog-friendly. Lake Tuggeranong, for instance, offers dedicated dog parks. Always ensure your dog is on a leash where required and clean up after them to maintain the natural beauty of the areas.
What amenities and cafes are available near the ACT lakes?
You'll find various amenities and cafes around the lakes. Lake Burley Griffin is surrounded by the city, offering numerous dining options. Lake Tuggeranong has nearby cafes and BBQ facilities, making it convenient for visitors. Yarralumla Bay District Park on Lake Burley Griffin also provides shaded picnic areas.
Are there any accessible paths for wheelchairs around the ACT lakes?
Yes, several paths around the ACT lakes are wheelchair accessible. The Lake Burley Griffin Waterfront Promenade is noted for its accessibility, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenic views. Many of the shared walking and cycling paths around the major lakes are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for wheelchairs.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in the ACT?
The lakes in the ACT can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling. Summer is ideal for water-based activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Even in winter, the lakes provide serene landscapes for walks and birdwatching, with some areas like Lake Ginninderra remaining popular for lakeside activities.
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Still not found your perfect lake in the Australian Capital Territory? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
