What is Lake Burley Griffin?
Lake Burley Griffin is the artificial lake at the centre of Canberra, created in 1964 by damming the Molonglo River. It is named after Walter Burley Griffin, the city's American designer.
The lake was a central feature of the Griffins' plan for Canberra, but it took decades to build. Scrivener Dam was completed in 1963, and the lake filled in 1964, covering about 6.6 square kilometres.
Many national institutions line its shores, including the National Library, the National Gallery, the High Court, Questacon and the National Museum. Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridges cross the water.
Landmarks on the lake
The Captain James Cook Memorial Jet, opened in 1970, shoots water about 150 metres into the air. Nearby, a globe sculpture shows Cook's voyages. The National Carillon, a gift from the British Government, stands on Aspen Island and rings with 55 bells.
The lake is popular for rowing, sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. A walking and cycling path circles its central basin, a route of about five kilometres called the Bridge to Bridge loop.
The lake hosts events such as the Enlighten Festival and Skyfire fireworks. Blue-green algae sometimes closes it to swimming in summer.
Did You Know?
Walter Burley Griffin never saw the lake; he died in India in 1937, decades before it was filled.