Australian War Memorial walk – Photo supplied by Bidgee
Start/Finish | Category | Distance | Estimated Walking Time |
Australian War Memorial / Kingston Foreshore | History and Architecture, Tourism | 5.0 km | 1 hr 15 min* |
Summary
Starts at the Australian War Memorial before winding around the lake and ending at Kingston Foreshore.
Public transport
Catch a bus from civic to the Australian War Memorial.
Directions
Starting point – Australian War Memorial
This walk begins at the front of the Australian War Memorial located in the suburb of Campbell. The War Memorial opened in 1941 and includes an extensive national military museum. If you are planning on visiting the War Memorial before the walk give yourself plenty of time because it is a fantastic display and first time visitors could easily spend a whole day there.
From the War Memorial cross Fairbairn Ave and walk down Anzac Parade. Anzac Parade has arguably the best views of the capital. It is used for ceremonial occasions and is the site of many major military memorials. Head south along ANZAC parade and you will have views of both old and new Parliament House. ANZAC parade is named in honour of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC’s). Lined along ANZAC parade is a number of displays, each with its own foundation stone or plaque.
At the end of ANZAC Parade turn left and walk down Constitution Ave. At the next set of lights cross over Constitution Ave and walk down Wendouree Drive heading towards the lake. This pathway will take you under Parkes Way. At the end of Wendouree drive continue along the path that takes you down to Lake Burley Griffin. At the lake turn left and head in a south easterly direction around the lake.
The next attraction along this walk is the National Carillon. The Carillon is situated on Queen Elizabeth II Island and was a gift from the British Government to Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Canberra. The Carillon is in regular use and plays a tune every hour along with recitals on many days.
Hot Air Balloon with National Carillon below
Image: Hot air balloon over Lake Burley Griffin, photo supplied by Percita Dittmar
From the Carillon follow the path that takes you up to the Kings Ave Bridge. Walk across the bridge on the side closest to the Carillon. This will give you views across the lake and mountains. At the other side of the bridge take the path that goes down to the lake and then winds back under the bridge.
Finish – Kingston foreshore
Continue walking around the lake in a southeasterly direction. This path is very popular with locals and will take you to the Kingston foreshore where the walk ends.
Kingston foreshore is an urban renewal project that includes a blend of luxury residential apartments, offices, cafes and restaurants and historical buildings such as the Old Bus Depot Markets and Canberra Glassworks. You can see local artists at work at the Canberra Glassworks most days of the week. Nature lovers will also love the Jerrabomberra wetlands reserve located just a short walk southeast of Kingston Foreshore.
Australian War Memorial walk- GPX file
To access to the GPX file for this walk click on the download button below.
Information on GPX files and how to import them into Google maps on your phone can be found here.
Australian War Memorial walk – Map
Start – Australian War Memorial
- War Memorial
- Anzac Parade
- National Carillon
End – Kingston Foreshore