What it is
The lake was a central feature of Griffin's plan, separating the city centre from the Parliamentary Triangle, and is held back by Scrivener Dam in the west. Its shores are lined with parks, cycle paths and national institutions, and walking tracks link the Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridges in a popular loop.
The Captain James Cook Memorial Jet sends a column of water high into the air from the central basin, and the National Carillon, a bell tower given by the British government, stands on Aspen Island. The lake is used for rowing, sailing and kayaking.
Getting there by bus
On the western side of the central basin, route 53 stops at National Museum, Lennox Crossing, and at Old Canberra House and Constables Cottage near the Acton Peninsula.
On the northern shore, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Av, by Commonwealth Park, is served by many routes, including 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10, and on the southern shore routes 2 and 6 stop on King Edward Terrace near the national institutions.
