Bowen Park
A serene 6-hectare park on Lake Burley Griffin's East Basin, perfect for picnics, walks, and birdwatching with stunning Canberra views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Bowen Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 6-hectare park on Lake Burley Griffin's East Basin, perfect for picnics, walks, and birdwatching with stunning Canberra views.
"Absolutely stunning place for a picnic! Definitely has the best view in Canberra!"
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic! Plenty of open space and benches make it ideal for a relaxing meal.
☕ Cafe Convenience
There's a cafe on-site for meals and coffee, plus a mobile van on weekends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Burley Griffin Views
East Basin
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the lake and distant Canberra landscape. Perfect for picnics and quiet contemplation.
Picnic Paradise
Lakeside lawns
Sprawling green spaces and benches make it an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic lunch with family and friends.
Aquatic Bird Watching
Lake Burley Griffin
Spot swans, ducks, and a variety of other water birds in their natural habitat. A delight for nature lovers.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic! Plenty of open space and benches make it ideal for a relaxing meal.
☕ Cafe Convenience
There's a cafe on-site for meals and coffee, plus a mobile van on weekends.
🚶♀️ Lakeside Strolls
Great starting point for walks or rides around the lake towards Kingston.
🦢 Birdwatching Delight
Keep an eye out for swans, ducks, and other aquatic birds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic! Plenty of open space and benches make it ideal for a relaxing meal.
☕ Cafe Convenience
There's a cafe on-site for meals and coffee, plus a mobile van on weekends.
🚶♀️ Lakeside Strolls
Great starting point for walks or rides around the lake towards Kingston.
🦢 Birdwatching Delight
Keep an eye out for swans, ducks, and other aquatic birds.
🚲 Easy Access
Accessible by scooter, bike, or car. Parking is available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bowen Park is widely praised as a stunning and serene spot on Lake Burley Griffin, perfect for picnics and enjoying nature. Visitors love the beautiful views, peaceful ambiance, and the convenience of the on-site cafe. Some minor drawbacks include potential parking congestion during peak times and the general lack of shade in certain areas.
"Absolutely stunning place for a picnic! Able to get to on the scooters and even has a cafe there too! Definitely has the best view in Canberra! Don't miss out on visiting this gem!"
Yvette Hopper
"Bowen Park is a 6 hectare lakeside park on Lake Burley Griffin’s East Basin in Barton.
It is a quiet area, with space for picnics, fishing and walking. It offers a distant view of the Canberra landscape and aquatic birds. The park is also a perfect starting point for a walk or ride around the lake or Kingston.
Bowen Park is set at the end of Brisbane Avenue, which forms one of the main paths to access the Parliamentary zone."
Tops
"Great scenery and great ambience. Perfect for families, the young and the young at heart, There is plenty of open space and benches around for seating.
You see quite a few cyclists, electric scooter riders, joggers and poeple just walking and taking in the sights.
There is a cafe on site open everyday, and a mobile coffee van there on weekends
There is a dedicated parking area with more available in the surrounds.
In the warmer months you can go for a swim here and the water is also tested during the same period.
Swans, ducks and an array of birds are great to see
A great place to visit."
Emma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bowen Park is located at the end of Brisbane Avenue in Barton, forming a main access path to the Parliamentary zone. It's easily reachable by car, with dedicated parking available. You can also access it via bicycle or electric scooter, enjoying the scenic routes around Lake Burley Griffin.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking area at Bowen Park, with additional parking available in the surrounding areas. While generally plentiful, it can fill up during peak times.
Absolutely! Bowen Park is a popular spot for cyclists and scooter riders, offering scenic paths around Lake Burley Griffin. It's a great starting point for rides towards Kingston Foreshore.
While direct public transport to Bowen Park itself might be limited, you can take a bus to nearby areas in Barton or Kingston and enjoy a short walk or cycle to the park. Check ACT public transport schedules for routes serving the Parliamentary Triangle.
For a picnic, consider arriving on a weekday morning to enjoy the most peaceful atmosphere. If coming by car, aim to arrive earlier to secure a good parking spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bowen Park is a public park and entry is free. You can enjoy its amenities and natural beauty without any admission fees.
Bowen Park is open to the public at all times, as it is an outdoor park. The cafe on-site has its own operating hours.
There is no entry fee for picnics or BBQs at Bowen Park. You are welcome to use the open spaces for these activities.
As an outdoor park, Bowen Park does not have specific visiting hour restrictions. However, it's advisable to be mindful of local noise ordinances if visiting late at night.
Bowen Park is a public space, and specific spots cannot be reserved. For large group gatherings, it's best to arrive early to secure a suitable area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Bowen Park is perfect for picnics, BBQs, leisurely walks, cycling, jogging, and birdwatching. You can also enjoy the scenic views of Lake Burley Griffin and the distant Canberra landscape.
Yes, there is a toilet block located in the car park area for visitors' convenience.
In warmer months, swimming is permitted at Bowen Park, and the water is tested during this period. Always check local advisories for water quality.
Yes, Bowen Park is great for families. It offers plenty of open space for children to play, and the calm lakeside environment is safe for supervised activities.
You can often see swans, ducks, and a variety of other aquatic birds at Bowen Park. It's a lovely spot for nature observation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an 'On Lake Cafe' located at Bowen Park that serves meals and coffee. A mobile coffee van is also present on weekends.
Bowen Park is a great spot for BBQs. There are open spaces available for you to set up your own BBQ, or you can enjoy a picnic.
Bowen Park is a good starting point for a walk to the Kingston Foreshore, which offers a variety of cafes and restaurants.
The cafe at Bowen Park offers meals and coffee. Specific menu details can be found by visiting the cafe directly or checking their online presence if available.
Absolutely! Bowen Park is an ideal location for picnics, so feel free to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy by the lake.
📸 📸 Photography
Bowen Park offers beautiful photo opportunities with its stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin, the distant Canberra landscape, and the aquatic birds. Sunset provides particularly picturesque lighting.
The golden hour around sunrise and sunset offers the most beautiful light for photography at Bowen Park, casting a warm glow over the lake and landscape.
While Bowen Park itself is more about natural scenery, the surrounding Lake Burley Griffin and the distant views of Canberra's landmarks provide excellent photographic subjects.
Drone usage is subject to CASA regulations and local park rules. It's advisable to check current regulations before flying a drone in the area.
Landscape photography, nature photography (especially of birds), and casual shots of picnics and people enjoying the park are popular at Bowen Park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents will appreciate the convenience of the on-site cafe for easy snacks and meals, as well as the public toilet facilities. The park's accessibility by car with available parking, or even by scooter for a bit of adventure, makes getting there with kids manageable. It's an ideal spot for a relaxed family day out, combining nature, open space, and simple pleasures.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Cyclists
Cyclists and scooter riders will find the park easily accessible and a pleasant place to stop and rest. You can easily connect to the popular Kingston Foreshore trail from here, making it a strategic point for longer excursions. The availability of parking also means you can drive to the park and then embark on your chosen activity.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Beyond the visual appeal, the tranquil atmosphere of the park allows for a peaceful appreciation of nature. It's a place to unwind, observe wildlife, and capture the serene beauty of Canberra's iconic lake. The combination of natural scenery and accessible amenities makes it a rewarding spot for a relaxed photographic outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bowen Park's Lakeside Charm
This park serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding areas. Whether you're planning a walk or a bike ride, Bowen Park provides a picturesque launchpad for journeys around the lake, connecting you to the popular Kingston Foreshore with its array of cafes and restaurants. The park's location at the end of Brisbane Avenue also places it conveniently near the Parliamentary zone.
Visitors often praise Bowen Park for its great scenery and ambiance, making it suitable for all ages. The ample open space and seating options ensure comfort for everyone. You'll frequently see cyclists, electric scooter riders, joggers, and people simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the lake.
Amenities and Activities at Bowen Park
Beyond dining, Bowen Park offers opportunities for recreation and relaxation. In warmer months, the lake is tested and suitable for swimming, providing a refreshing option on hot days. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with swans, ducks, and other water birds frequently spotted. Public amenities, including a toilet block in the car park, are also available for visitor comfort.
The park's accessibility is another key feature. It's easily reached by car, with dedicated parking, and is also a popular destination for cyclists and electric scooter users. This makes it a versatile spot for a quick lunch break, a family outing, or the start of a longer exploration of Canberra's iconic lake.
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