Grade: S-X
Distance: 18 km
Road Conditions: Mainly cycle paths, with some quiet roads.
Route:This ride proceeds in an anti-clockwise direction around the central and east basins of Lake Burley Griffin passing the Australian National Library, National Science and Technology Centre, High Court, National Gallery of Australia, Kingston Foreshores development, Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Duntroon, Dept of Defence, the Carillon, Blundell's Farmhouse and the National Capital Planning Exhibition.
Starting Point:Acton Ferry Terminal
Description:
Ride south along the cycle path and across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. After taking the exit ramp which is a sharp right turn down off the bridge on the other side, turn left and go under Commonwealth Avenue and ride eastwards along the path following the lake shore.
The first large building on the right of the cycle path, with its tall columns, is the Australian National Library. This can be approached and entered from the road at its far end. The foyer of this building, with impressively large stained glass windows, is particularly interesting. There are usually displays of general interest, a well stocked bookshop which also sells postcards as well as larger prints. A pleasant lunch or snack can be had in the restaurant on the ground floor. Guided tours are often conducted on week-ends.
Opposite the Library is the National Science and Technology Centre(Questacon) - a rather strange-looking building with a round "tank" on top. Unless you are prepared to spend several hours here, there's probably no point in paying the entrance fee. But if you have the time to spare it is well worth a visit.
Continue along the Lake shore, past Reconciliation Place (opened in 2002) to the High Court and National Gallery of Australia.
Both the High Court and National Gallery of Australia are open to the public on most days. The High Court has a surprisingly large foyer and a cafeteria with food at very reasonable prices. The National Gallery of Australia displays a range of works selected from the National Collection. There is currently (2002) no entrance fee, and even if you don't go inside the gallery, there is a sculpture garden in the courtyard beneath its northern face which is well worth a visit. After visiting the buildings, return to the lake shore, and follow the cycle path east and under Kings Avenue Bridge towards Bowen Park, where enthusiasts sail model sailing boats on weekends. The cycle path briefly joins Wentworth Avenue before swinging left into Mundaring Drive and past the old Kingston Power Station, the Bus Depot Markets (open weekends) and the huge Kingston Foreshores Development, which commenced in 2002. Further along the boat harbour can be seen with new and old lake cruisers moored or being repaired. Just before the road peters out, there is a dirt track off to the left which leads to a narrow partly paved path which winds across the Jerrabomberra Creek and through the wetlands, eventually emerging at the bird watching hides next to Dairy Road.
Turning left into Dairy Road a cycle path follows the road verge until it crosses the Molonglo River and turns west to follow the river bank, past a popular canoeing and barbeque area and the ceremonial entrance to Duntroon. The path continues along next to the river, which enters the lake at Grevillea Park close to the Boathouse restaurant. Eventually passing under the northern end of Kings Avenue Bridge, the path reaches Aspen Island and the Carillon.
The Carillon was donated by the British Government in 1963 to mark Canberra's 50th Jubilee, and is open for inspection at weekends and public holidays. Recitals are held on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. From the Carillon follow Wendouree Drive west to Blundell's Farmhouse. Robert Campbell of Duntroon built the farmhouse for his ploughman in 1858 and it has been restored and fitted with period furniture. It is open to the public every afternoon. After leaving the Farmhouse rejoin the cycle path and ride through Commonwealth Park. The water spout in the lake is the Captain Cook Memorial water jet, which operates for four hours a day and reaches a maximum height of 137 metres. The gazebo-shaped building at the top of a small rise to the right is the National Capital Planning Exhibition, which houses a permanent display of the history of the city and its projected future. Lunches, teas and refreshments are also available here. On rejoining the lake, the Acton Ferry Terminal is about 700 metres away via the lakeside road or bicycle path, which takes you under Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.