Lake Burley Griffin

Administration of Lake Burley Griffin (the Lake) is governed by the Australian Capital Territory National Land (Lakes) Ordinance 2022. The National Capital Authority (NCA) administers powerboats, moorings, major events, and various other matters associated with use of the Lake. For more information view the Lake Burley Griffin User Guide and Lake Burley Griffin Safety Guidelines.

The NCA protects the quality of the water and promotes use of the Lake.

The water body, jetties, and other Lake infrastructure are routinely cleaned and repaired to ensure safe use and function as well as the removal of floating and submerged objects and rubbish.

The environmental state of the Lake is monitored through physical, chemical, and biological testing of the Lake water. These parameters are measured across the Lake and analysed to identify any change and, if required, appropriate management responses are proposed. Bacterial and algal levels are monitored weekly, year-round. The water is analysed and reported on in accordance with the ACT Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality (ACT Health, 2014). The Lake Burley Griffin Water Quality Updates are available on the NCA website, www.theswimguide.org or through the free Swim Guide App.

Fish management

The native fish population in Lake Burley Griffin is enhanced through the regular seeding of fingerlings. Species such as Murray Cod and Golden Perch are released on an alternate basis to maintain a mixed recreational fishery. Read The Lake Burley Griffin Fish Survey 2023-24.

Aquatic plants control program

Part of the Lake maintenance includes monitoring the growth of submerged and emergent aquatic plants (macrophytes). Aquatic plants, though serving an important role in the Lake's ecology, can interfere with recreational activities. The NCA monitors and controls excessive plant growth in the Lake.

Lake Burley Griffin Bathymetry

A copy of the Lake Burley Griffin Bathymetric Survey completed in 2016 can be downloaded at this link.

Lake Burley Griffin is generally regarded as ornamental/recreational waters. The use of the lake is promoted in a sustainable manner protecting and enhancing its character and quality.

The NCA manages a comprehensive water quality program to monitor the environmental status of the lake and to advise the users regarding changes in the water quality conditions arising from floods, droughts, elevated bacterial, and algae conditions.

You can read more about this process and see the latest water quality results on our Water Quality page.

Lake Burley Griffin is Canberra's centrepiece and a significant number of national institutions and national public places are located on or near its shores.

The Lake and surrounding areas are used for a wide range of recreational activities. There are lovely parks for picnics and areas for swimming as well as walking tracks and cycling paths. The Lake is a busy waterway, supporting activities such as rowing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, dragon boating, fishing, model boating and stand-up paddle boarding. There are a number of clubs and associations organising activities on and around the Lake.

Around the Lake there are many services available including boat, kayak, paddle boat hire, Lake cruises and ferry services. There are also cafés and restaurants where you can relax and take in the view.

The NCA facilitates the Lake User Group (LUG) which meets quarterly. Formed in 2004, the LUG enables the communication of Lake matters, events and management issues to those user groups and individuals who may be affected. Many LUG attendees are membership-based organisations, peak sporting bodies and commercial operators.

Find out more on our Activities and Lake User Groups page.

The NCA administers the use of power boats on Lake Burley Griffin in accordance to the provision of the Australian Capital Territory National Land (Lakes) Ordinance 2022. These provisions also cover: moorings; anchoring; the restrictions on the use of power boats; lighting rules; rules of the water; and the navigation of a boat in a dangerous or careless manner or while intoxicated.

The NCA issues boat permits for powered boats used for private recreational use (e.g. fishing boats and RHIB’s). These vessels are allowable but must use auxiliary (electric) motors whilst on the Lake. Petrol motors do not have to be removed from boats but, except in the case of an emergency, they are not permitted to be used on the Lake. There is currently no charge for NCA issued boat permits.

Boat Permits

Non-powered craft such as sailing boats and canoes do not require a permit to be operated on the Lake.

The use of powered craft on Lake Burley Griffin (the Lake) is permitted under provisions of the Australian Capital Territory National Land (Lakes) Ordinance 2022.

Powered boats require a permit to be operated on the Lake. Permits are issued throughout the year and are renewed on an annual basis. Temporary permits are also available for short term use such as for events. Read more information about boat permits for Lake Burley Griffin.

Lake Burley Griffin (the Lake) is a popular venue for water sports, in particular, sailing, rowing, sail boarding and canoeing. With the increasing number of craft on the Lake, the NCA has recommendations for traffic flow whilst on the water.

The Lake Burley Griffin Boating Map can be downloaded from here. 

Lake Burley Griffin is the centrepiece of the National Capital. It holds special significance and values which are recognised in the following Heritage Management Plans:

Lake Burley Griffin and Adjacent Lands Heritage Management Plan

To guide the management of Lake Burley Griffin and Adjacent Lands the NCA has prepared a heritage management plan to identify, protect and manage the heritage values. The heritage management plan has been prepared in accordance with the heritage management principles and requirements for management plans set out in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

National Carillon and Queen Elizabeth II Island (formerly Aspen Island) Heritage Management Plan

The National Capital Authority (NCA) manages the Australian Government's continuing interest in the planning and development of Canberra as the Australian National Capital. The National Carillon and Queen Elizabeth II Island is included on the Commonwealth Heritage List and managed by the NCA.