Where to Paddle

Kayaking on Lake Burley Griffin.

 

Central Basin.

Length: approx 6 km’s

Duration: 1- 1/2 hrs at a leisurely pace.

Difficulty: easy

 

Start at Lotus Bay near the yacht club. As you come out of the bay you get an excellent view of National Museum. Head East towards the central basin and paddle along the northern shore past the Captain Cook memorial jet. Up the hill on your left is the National Capital Exhibition and the flagpole donated by the Canadian people.

 

Continue paddling and you will pass Gallipolli Reach. This is situated at the end ANZAC parade. Pause for a rest and look right and you will enjoy excellent views of Commonwealth Place and through to old and new Parliament House. Continue on to Aspen Island and the Carillion. On a weekend pull up on the beach and walk across the bridge and enjoy a coffee at Maria’s coffee van.

 

From here you can paddle round the island and head across the lake towards the National Gallery. Or you can continue on to the Molonglo river and wetlands (see next description). Through the trees you can see the National Sculpture Garden.

 

Turn west and follow the shore passing the High Court and Commonwealth Place. Pause here and look across the lake for a magnificent vista of ANZAC Parade, the War Memorial and Mount Ainslie. Continue on past the International Flag display and the National Library. Pass under the bridge and head along the shore past the Hyatt hotel and back into Lotus Bay. Once you have finished take the short walk to the yacht club for a refreshing drink.

 

East Basin and Wetlands.

 

Length: approx 6km’s

Duration: 1- 1/2 hrs at a leisurely pace.

Difficulty: easy to moderate if combined with Central basin tour

 

Continuing on from the Carillion head east aunder King’s avenue beach. Follow the shore past the boathouse restaurant and ACT Hospice and into the Molonglo river. Paddling up the river you will often find bird life nesting in the trees on the right hand bend. Paddle only a short way up before turning around and heading back out to the lake. Follow the shore around heading towards Kingston past the new harbour and into the Wetlands. Here you will see plenty of swans, pelicans and other birds. Spend time in here before turning around and heading back out on the lake and head west under King’s Avenue bridge. See the end of above description.