canberra dinner cruises on lake burley griffin

Your browser is a-n-c-i-e-n-t! Upgrade to a different browser or install Google Chrome Frame to experience this site.

MV Southern Cross

❊ location ❊, ❊ web links ❊, ❊ also see.. ❊.

✻ What's On ✻

✻ experiences ✻.

See our hire Terms and Conditions   for Electric Boats, link below

Electric boat hire terms and conditions, we highly recommend understanding our boat hire  t&cs prior to making your booking, also see our hire frequently asked questions below.

Quick Links

Experience Lake Burley Griffin at its best Advertising Feature

Cruising on Lake Burley Griffin is a beautiful way to discover something new and explore the sights of Canberra - all in a relaxed, hassle-free way. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquillity.

Jim Paterson is at the helm of Lake Burley Griffin Cruises and said their skippers have excellent knowledge of the Lake and will try to answer any questions.

"Sometimes, they get stumped by the questions, but there is always the know-all tour guide 'Google', which means the answer is usually at hand. The skippers don't have comprehensive memories, but they do their best.

During the cruise, you can see most of Canberra's most iconic and Instagram worthy attractions, and they are best viewed from the water.

You can expect to see Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Carillon, the National Museum of Australia and excellent views of the Canberra cityscape.

The cruises also passes by Springbank Island, which is steeped in rich history.

There are two boats; the larger of the two, The Gull, can take up to 30 passengers, whilst the Cygnet can carry up to ten.

The company launched over twenty years ago. They were the first to bring an electric vessel to the Lake, setting the trend for environmentally friendly and remarkably quiet cruising.

"Our first boat was electric because I believe in the future of electric propulsion," said Jim. "Going electric was a gamble, but it's proven to be a big winner."

Jump on board and discover why Lake Burley Griffin Cruises has been awarded Trip Advisor's coveted Travellers' Choice award for the last four years.

Don't forget your binoculars

Keep your eyes open for some of the Lake's inhabitants, the Rakali, previously known as Australia's 'water rat', but keep alert as they can move fast.

"The Rakali is quite an amazing and popular aquatic animal and is often mistaken for platypus," said Jim.

Celebrating 60 years

October marks the 60th Anniversary of filling the Lake. Lake Burley Griffin Cruises will be doing three to four sunset cruises featuring stories from Tim the Yowie Man to celebrate this milestone.

Tim will be sharing his stories of the secrets of Lake Burley Griffin. Hurry to book your spot as tickets are limited.

To find out more and book your cruise, visit lakecruises.com.au .

Lake Burley Griffin Cruises

Lake Burley Griffin Cruises invites guests to embark on an eco-friendly voyage aboard their cutting-edge EVs. Pioneering Electric Vessels since 2002, guests are welcomed to embrace the serene ambiance of Lake Burley Griffin aboard whisper-quiet boats. Exploring iconic sights while knowledgeable skippers divulge exclusive insights into Canberra's hidden gems forms the essence of these cruises.

The skippers boast extensive local expertise, with backgrounds spanning media careers. Their engaging and meticulously researched commentary stands as a highlight of the cruise. Recognized in Lonely Planet's 20th Edition Australian guide book, Lake Burley Griffin Cruises' tours have garnered TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence for 2017, 2018, and 2019, along with Travellers' Choice Awards for 2020 and 2021.

Departing from 4 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes—nestled near the Flags and adjacent to the Jetty Canberra—guests are invited to join the tours on the EL Cygnet and the Gull for an unforgettable experience. Check their website for cruise times or, the twitter feed for weather updates.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

“perfect introduction to canberra”.

The trip was a great introduction into the city The captain - I didn't catch his name as I was late (sorry about that!) - was engaging, friendly and informative and I would definitely recommend. It's...

“Well worth taking this river cruise”

We booked in for the 1hr cruise due to limited time but enjoyed it very much. The commentary was very interesting and the views from the river were didn't than from the shore line. Next time will...

“Highly informative and leisure Cruise”

Captain Chris was great fun to listen to whilst enjoying the laid back Crusie around the lake . The history and I fab out the key land marks was very worth while for our 1 hour Crusie. Highly...

• Pet Friendly - Enquire

One Hour Lake Cruises

Sunday morning tea cruise, accessibility.

Australia Recommends 2024

Travel Inspiration

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

COVID-19 travel and entry advice

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © EventsACT

6 ways to enjoy Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin

The fun never ends at Canberra’s most popular aquatic attraction.

By Leah Dobihal

With its dazzling water and long stretches of tranquil shoreline, it’s no wonder that Lake Burley Griffin is often called the centrepiece of Canberra. In fact, for locals, it needs no other description than “The Lake.”

From aerial adventures to waterfront restaurants, here’s how to make the most of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin.

Explore by paddleboard

Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

Lake Burley Griffin is an aquatic playground, and the opportunities to get out on the water are endless. One of the best ways to enjoy the lake’s calm surface is by stand-up paddleboard. Beginners can join a group lesson with SupCbr . If you’re a little more confident, hire a SUP board and explore on your own.

Cycle the shoreline

Cyclists are spoiled in Canberra, and some of the best trails to ride are the ones looping around Lake Burley Griffin’s sparkling shore. Choose between several paths ranging from 5km (3mi) to 14km (8.7mi), or tackle the entire lake at about 30km (18.6mi). You’re sure to discover secluded gems along the way, like the traditional Chinese welcome gate in Lennox Gardens. Hire your bike from Canberra Cycle .

Marvel from a hot air balloon

Balloon Aloft, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia

Visit in March to witness the Canberra Balloon Spectacular , where dozens of hot air balloons float above the lake at sunrise.

Lake Burley Griffin is beautiful from every angle, so catch a view from the sky in a hot air balloon. With Balloon Aloft , you’ll take flight and float gently over the lake and city. Marvel at unrivalled views before descending to a champagne celebration at your landing site.

Set sail on a GoBoat

Go Boat, Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia

Lake Burley Griffin is perfect for picnics, but why not take it up a notch with a meal on the water?  GoBoat offers electric picnic boats that allow you to skipper your own vessel around the lake. GoBoats accommodate up to eight people, so gather your crew and picnic basket for a lunch you won’t soon forget.

Canberra's adventurous side

Walk from bridge to bridge

Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Lightbulb Studios for VisitCanberra

Make like a local and stroll one of the city’s most popular walks. The Bridge to Bridge walk connects Commonwealth Bridge to Kings Avenue Bridge, a distance of about five kilometres (three miles). You’ll pass several of Canberra’s historical and cultural attractions along the way, including Commonwealth Park and the Australian of the Year Walk, where chronological plaques showcase the name of every person to have won the prestigious 'Australian of the Year' award.

Drink and dine at waterfront venues

Armada Outdoor Bar at The Boat House, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © The Boat House

Lake Burley Griffin is more than a natural oasis – it’s also home to a trendy food and drink scene. From coffee in the morning to drinks in the evening, you’ll find several venues located right on the shores of the lake. Start the day at Local Press Café , stop for lunch at Walt & Burley and don’t miss dinner at The Boat House .

More articles like this

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

Celebrate your next party or event on a boat cruise in Canberra and see the incredible sights around Lake Burley Griffin on the Maid Marion.

The Maid Marion can carry up to 30 passengers and provides indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, a sound system, party lights, bathroom facilities and heating for the cooler nights.

A Lake Burley Griffin cruise on the Maid Marion is the perfect choice for a wide range of parties, functions and events including:

Hens/Bucks Parties

Birthday Parties

Christmas Parties

Corporate Events

Scenic Tours

School Excursions

Canberra Cruises and Parties will ensure your lake cruise will be an exceptional experience and a memory you will never forget.

Why our customers love us.

Our upcoming events

Ladies Night Cruise – Every Friday Night in September

September 6, 2024 – September 27, 2024 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm –

Dive into the ultimate entertainment experience with our new Ladies Night Cruise.

Cruise through the Decades

September 21, 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm –

Step aboard and join us on a nostalgic journey on our Social Fun Party Cruise for the over 40’s. Get ready to groove to tunes from the swinging 60s to the rocking 90s as we celebrate the music of the decades.

Gin Tasting Cruise – 18 October 2024

October 18, 2024 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm –

Back by popular demand, join us for an evening filled with fun and laughs, and the opportunity to indulge in the creations of Hold Fast Distillery. Delight your senses with a range of their most exceptional gins.