In the center of Canberra is a huge artificial lake - Burley Griffin. Its construction was completed in 1964 after a dam was built on the river Molongo River flowing between the city center and the Parliamentary triangle (government buildings). The length of the lake - 11 km, the widest part of it stretches for 1, 2 km away. Average depth - 4 meters, and the maximum - 18, not far from the dam Skrivner Dame. The dam was built to prevent flooding occurring here once every 5000 years.

The lake is named after Walter Burley Griffin, American architect, who developed the project of building in Canberra in the early 20th century. It really is located in the geographical center of the city and is its chief ornament. On its shores are built National Gallery, National Museum, National Library, The Australian National University and the Supreme Court and Parliament House is a five minute walk. The lake is surrounded by parks and gardens - a favorite vacation spot of the townspeople, especially during the hot months. Despite the fact that swim in the lake it is not accepted, it is used for many sports and fishing.

The park area around the lake covers an area of ​​3139 sq km. Some parks specifically designed as recreational areas, such as the Commonwealth Park, Weston Park, Kings Park and Greville park and gardens Lennox Gardens and Plaza Commonwealth. Commonwealth Park, located on the northern shore of the lake - one of the most popular among the residents of Canberra. It hosts annual Floriade flower festival, which is visited by about 300 thousand people. This is the biggest flower festival in Australia. Weston Park on the western shore of the lake is famous for its forests with coniferous trees.

Around the lake paved bike path, which is filled with fans on weekends cycling and rollerblading, running and just walk. On the shores of the lake are often arranged fireworks, such as the New Year, and in 1988 held a fireworks show "Skayfayer." In summer, the lake is used for numerous triathlons and akvatlonu.

In 1970, the lake was opened to James Cook Memorial, built in honor of the 200th anniversary of the maiden voyage of Captain along the east coast of Australia. At the grand opening of the memorial attended by Queen Elizabeth II. Sam Memorial consists of a fountain in the center of Lake Burley Griffin and the layout of the globe at Regatta Point. The fountain is powered by two pumps which emit up to 250 liters of water a second to a height of 147 meters. In some cases, a fountain illuminated by lights.