Canberra’s central lake basin gives a short ride a proper sense of occasion. Cross between the two shores, stop to look back across the water and leave the longer lake loops for another visit. A picnic can make the five kilometres a whole morning.
VisitCanberra describes the central bridge-to-bridge loop as 5 km. Allow extra distance for parking access, gardens and stops away from the signed loop. Time is a planning allowance, not a measured ride time.
Follow the ride.
VisitCanberra describes the central bridge-to-bridge loop as 5 km. Allow extra distance for parking access, gardens and stops away from the signed loop.
- Start / Regatta Point
Join the central loop
From Regatta Point, use the cycle map to join the lakeside route towards Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. Follow the shared-path bridge connection rather than the traffic lanes.
- Across the basin / Commonwealth & Kings Avenue bridges
Ride the southern shore
Follow the central basin past Commonwealth Place towards Kings Avenue Bridge. Stop clear of the path before taking in the views.
- About 5 km / Back at Regatta Point
Cross back to the northern shore
Use the signed shared-path connection across Kings Avenue Bridge and follow the central loop back towards Regatta Point. Do not branch onto the longer eastern or western loops.
MAKE IT A SMALLER OUTING
Stay on the northern shore
Choose a short lakeside out-and-back from Regatta Point. Turn before the bridge connections if ramps or a full loop are more than the group wants.
Places to pause.
Start and finish
Regatta Point
The precinct has lake views and visitor information. Check building hours before making an indoor stop part of the outing.
Regatta Point: arrival and facilitiesSouthern side of the basin
Commonwealth Place
Make time to pause off the path and look back across the lake. Keep the riding route separate from any visit into nearby cultural buildings.
National Capital Authority: Commonwealth PlaceAlong the way
Bridge approaches, path junctions and busy event areas need patience. A short total distance does not remove the need for confident braking and pedestrian awareness.
These are bicycle outings. Scooter access and e-bike requirements need a separate check for the device and location.
A couple of useful answers.
Is this the whole lake?
No. This is the central basin between Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridges. The eastern and western loops are separate, longer outings.
Is one-hour parking enough?
Not for a relaxed two-hour outing. Check the signed limit of your actual space and choose parking that covers riding and breaks.