A beautiful 105-hectare artificial reservoir constructed in 1974 to serve as the scenic and ecological centrepiece of the northern suburbs. Fed by Ginninderra Creek, the lake is entirely encircled by a highly popular, paved 7-kilometre multi-use path favored by local joggers and cyclists. Its sprawling, leafy foreshores connect several primary visitor destinations, including the family-friendly playgrounds of John Knight Memorial Park, the off-leash enclosures of the Belconnen Dog Park on the Diddams Close peninsula, and the bustling lakeside commercial boardwalk along Emu Bank. The protected waters provide a critical urban habitat for abundant native Australian wildlife, making it a fantastic spot to watch black swans, pelicans, moorhens, and the shy rakali (native water rat). Highly recommended for sunset strolls, kayaking, and picnics.
A stunning, multi-disciplinary cultural hub housed in an award-winning glass-fronted building overlooking the lake. The centre features a constantly evolving, seasonal rotation of multiple gallery spaces showcasing contemporary visual arts, with a prominent focus on local regional and First Nations artists. The site features a 400-seat community theatre hosting live music, dance, and independent stage plays, alongside a design shop selling artisan crafts. The brilliant on-site café, kiln, features magnificent lakeside views.
Tue–Sun 10AM–4PM (closed Mon & public holidays)
A stunning waterfront café nestled inside the glass-fronted gallery building. It features expansive morning views across Lake Ginninderra, offering a relaxed environment for specialty coffee and fresh, modern breakfast staples. From Thursday to Saturday, it remains open into the evening for sunset drinks, grazing boards, and casual dinner plates paired with local wines and craft beers.
Sun–Wed 7AM–4PM, Thu–Sat 7AM–9PM·Mains $18–32
A highly sophisticated, non-profit retail space dedicated purely to local creative talent. It features an incredible rotating inventory of Australian artisan-made goods, including hand-forged custom culinary knives, blown-glass vessels, studio ceramics, hand-woven textiles, and bespoke jewelry. Crucially, the shop features a prominent collaborative showcase of stunning, authentic First Nations mixed-media artwork, prints, and gifts created by local Ngunnawal and regional Indigenous artists.
Tue–Sun 10AM–4PM (closed Mon)