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A charming, community-run street library built as a vibrant mosaic artwork by two local ceramic artists. Serving as a creative landmark along the busy suburban bike path, this grassroots initiative doubles as an active neighborhood gathering space. A public table and bench seating are set up directly opposite the library, offering a dedicated rest stop for walkers and cyclists tackling the hill climb. The immediate area frequently hosts casual pop-up community events, including neighborhood breakfasts, acoustic music gatherings, and weekend plant or fresh home-grown vegetable stalls.
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An expansive, eco-restored urban nature reserve stretching along the western arm of Ginninderra Creek immediately below the Lake Ginninderra spillway. It incorporates the tranquil Croke Place Wetlands—a series of man-made sediment ponds and reed beds designed to filter urban stormwater and provide a sanctuary for local frogs and waterbirds. Hardened dirt and gravel walking tracks wind through open native grasslands, ivy-covered tree glades, and hidden stepping-stone creek crossings. Highly popular for off-leash dog walking, rugged birdwatching, and quiet family walks away from the main lake loops. No public toilets on-site.
A scenic 7-kilometre paved walking and cycling loop that contours completely around the lake. The flat, easy-grade trail connects the Town Centre, Emu Bank dining strip, the University of Canberra, and various public parklands. It is highly frequented by birdwatchers, joggers, and cyclists.
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.
A sprawling 12-hectare lakeside park on the eastern foreshores of Lake Ginninderra. It features extensive open lawns, native forest ridges, a water garden with rapids, and a model boat jetty. The park is highly popular for families due to its large fitness trails and distinct playgrounds, including the iconic, newly refurbished "Snake House" climbing structure and a treehouse flying fox. Free public gas barbecues, picnic tables, and accessible toilets are available on-site.
Bells Naval Station
Commissioned in April 1939 on the absolute eve of the Second World War, this historic site—affectionately known to military telegraphists as "Bells"—was once the most powerful long-distance naval wireless base in the British Empire. Working alongside HMAS Harman, its high-powered transmitters broadcasted encrypted Morse code commands to Allied warships and submerged submarines across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. While its three legendary, 600-foot-tall steel aerial towers were dismantled when the facility decommissioned in 2005, the heavy concrete Transmitting Hall, mechanical generator rooms, and military guard houses are safely preserved on the Commonwealth Heritage List. The open perimeter doubles as a critical, untouched reservation for the endangered native Golden Sun Moth.