Lake Burley Griffin
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Run Summary
There are many run options around the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, however it is easist to divide them into the three sections of East, Central and West Basin.
The largest, West Basin runs from Commonwealth Avenue Bridge through undulating grasslands and bushland.
Central Basin is the 'Formal' lake area at the base of the Parliamentary Triangle,formed between Kings Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue Bridges, and passes the National Gallery, High Court and National Library on the southern shores.
East Basin is the lesser known loop, winding through wetlands on dirt trails in one section, and joining up to bike paths on the northern shore. Until the Kingston Shores development is completed, East Basin includes a section alongside a the busy Canberra Avenue in the cafe suburb of Kingston. \\
West Basin Loop
A simple loop around West Basin across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is 16 kilometres. Options for extending this run include excursions into the penninsula parklands at Black Mountain Penninsula and Weston Park.
Basin Loop
Running between the "Two Bridges" of Commonwealth and Kings Avenue Bridge is the most popular lunchtime run for city joggers and may be started at any point. It is 5 kilometres.
East Basin Loop
Topography
This run is generally flat, with only a few rises to the ramps leading to the bridges at Commonwealth and Kings Avenue, and Scrivener Dam. Travelling clockwise, the section near the Govenor General's residence is a steady, gradual climb, as is that leaving Scrivener Dam to a lookout over the lake to the Govenor General's. Another small rise to the access road to Black Mountain Penninsula and at the University, known colloqually as 'Hospital Hill' (the Royal Canberra Hospital used to stand on acton penninsula where the National Museum is now colourfully placed).
Most of the run can be completed on sealed bike paths, although some areas do also offer the option of fine gravel paths, especially adjacent to the lake alongside the Central Basin on the northern (park) side.
Water Stations & Toilet Facilites
West Basin
Unfortunately, the closure of toilet facilities at Scrivener Dam and Lady Denman Drive means that there is no drinking water available on the western shores of the Lake between Weston Park and Black Mountain Penninsula.
Water and toilet facilites are available adjacent to the path at Black Mountain Penninsula; Acton Ferry Terminal; Lennox Gardens (opposite the Hyatt Hotel); and near the Canberra Yacht Club in Yarralumla Bay. Slight diversions of the path near the rowing sheds at Yarralumla and into Weston Park has more facilities.
Central and East Basin
There are so many tracks through Commonwealth and Kings Parks on the northern (War Memorial) side of the lake, that small diversions do provide an opportunity for drinks at many points.
Toilet facilites are adjacent to the Regatta Point Exhibition space; near Stage 88; next to the underpass of Parkes Way; and near the Carillion on Aspen Island.
On the East Basin section under Kings Avenue Bridge, there is a small toilets block 'hidden' next to the Lakeside restaurant "The Boathouse". Just before the path veers to the eastern side of the lake,there are drinking fountains, toilets and BBQ facilities opposite the entrance to the Australian Defence Force Academy. The stretch from here, through the wetlands and Kingston does not have water available at the moment. Water is available in the park area at Kingston, near Telopea Park.
Facilities
West Basin
- Acton Ferry: There is a Kiosk at Acton Ferry Terminal open during Summer selling drinks, and on weekends the "Mr Spokes" Bike Hire opposite has a small cafe.
Toilets and free 3 hour parking is available.
- Weston Park: Just off the Bike Path at Weston Park is a Cafe with tables outside under the trees. A further dirversion into the park leads to a childrens playground with excellent toilet facilities. There is ample parking.
- Black Mountain Penninsula: Playgrounds, a swimming beach and toilet facilities. Vehicle access is off Lady Denman Drive.
Central Basin
Commonwealth Park is the centre of this area, and is well served by toilet facilites. Free Short term (up to 4 hour) parking is available, although one needs to be careful around special events such as Floriade (Spring) or Canberra Day Celebrations (March).
During the day, 'The Deck' at Regatta Point offers good coffee, light snacks, and magnificant views over the lake.
East Basin
There are Toilet and Picnic facilities available opposite Duntroon, and a poorly marked toilet behind 'The Boathouse' Restaurant.
