Grade: S-X
Distance: 6km for Lake circuit; 20 km for full ride via the Australian Institute of Sport.
Road Conditions: Bicycle paths and quiet roads.
Route: As well as a circuit of the U-shaped lake the full tour encompasses some interesting features and architectural curiosities of the Belconnen Town Centre and Bruce area, the University of Canberra, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and some eucalyptus bushland of the Canberra Nature Park,
Map: Canberra Cycleways Map and detailed route map.
Starting Point:Beside Lake Ginninderra in front of the Belconnen Mall shopping centre.
Description:
This ride sets off from the artificial lake in the heart of the Belconnen town area, and then extends to take in the interesting sites of Bruce, such as the campuses of the University of Canberra and the Australian Institute of Sport; it follows cycle paths almost throughout. Cyclists may extend the ride by following the Giralang, McKellar or Florey cycle paths away from the lake, as shown on the latest ACT Government Canberra Cycleways Map. Despite the suburban surroundings wildlife is common in the area. Many species of birds may be seen, as well as the occasional kangaroo and wallaby. Swimming is possible in the lake, and there are a number of barbeques and playgrounds around the shores.
Belconnen Mall -- This huge shopping centre has the dubious distinction of a multi storey car park with an uninterrupted view of the lake -- a real town-planning curiosity! Follow the lake shore eastward, and looking back on your right after crossing the little wooden bridge you will have an expansive view of the Cameron Offices -- one of Australia's largest office blocks. It makes an eerie sight if you return in the evening light.
The strange green-blue complex on the right in front of you is Ginninderra Secondary College. You will pass between this and a large park where there is a pleasant picnic area and swimming spot on the eastern shore of the lake. Car parking and barbecues are available.
Continuing eastward under Aikman Drive you are entering the University of Canberra campus. Formerly a College of Advanced Education, it received full university status in 1989. A gradual climb through the campus grounds brings you to a central courtyard. You can leave it on the other side of the brick Union building by a right and left dog-leg round the corner. The path then meanders southward across the campus grounds and crosses College St at some pedestrian lights near the entrance to Radford College. It then follows College Streetto Haydon Drive and turns right.
Further along Haydon Drive, turn left to cross it. The cycle way leads you through eucalyptus forest beside the Bruce campus of the Canberra Institute of Technology and then the Australian Institute of Sport. The first available left turn will bring you down to the Australian Institute of Sport campus where you can inspect the various complexes and maybe see some of our athletic stars in training. The swimming pool is open to the public at certain times. The campus contains some architecturally interesting buildings such as the Indoor Stadium with its externally suspended roof structure, and the Bruce Stadium , home of the Canberra Raiders rugby league team.
A cycle path can be rejoined for the return journey near the Indoor Stadium. Cross Leverrier St and head north close to Ginninderra Drive and then through the underpass under Ginninderra Drive.
Follow this path westward, across Haydon Drive at the lights, and adjacent to Ginninderra Drive until the path crosses the Lake Ginninderra bridge. After crossing the bridge take the exit ramp back under the bridge and head southward. Ginninderra Drive Bridge incorporates Canberra's first cycle path cloverleaf cross-over - a unique and impressive sight, well worth a look.
The section of path around this eastern arm of the Lake is tree lined, and a favourite spot for a variety of bird life. The peninsula projecting into the lake from the north is a good fishing spot.
Following the Lake foreshores then involves a sharp U-bend northward again which leads you to the path across Ginninderra Dam and then south back towards the town centre.
Ginninderra Creek Dam is a good place to watch yachts racing around the Lake.
The sheltered bay on the western side of the lake is a very popular swimming spot. There are toilets, picnic tables and a playground. A little further on to the south is a barbecue area.
