50m pool from pool deck
1 / 12

Commonwealth Place

4.7
·50 reviews·Parkes, Australia

Canberra's premier event hub on Lake Burley Griffin, offering iconic views, drone show spectacles, and easy access to national landmarks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Event evenings

Experience drone shows & festivals

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
50m pool from pool deck

Commonwealth Place

Best Time

Event evenings

Experience drone shows & festivals

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Canberra's premier event hub on Lake Burley Griffin, offering iconic views, drone show spectacles, and easy access to national landmarks.

4.7
(50 reviews)

"The perfect vantage point to view Canberra 'Flight' Drone Show with cafes and parking nearby."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Event Parking Strategy

Parking fills fast during events; arrive early or use public transport . Consider nearby streets if main lots are full.

🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot

Bring a picnic basket to enjoy on the spacious lawns overlooking Lake Burley Griffin.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Flight Drone Show Vantage Point

Flight Drone Show Vantage Point

Central lawn area

The prime spot to witness Canberra's mesmerizing 'Flight' drone shows, offering a clear, unobstructed view.

International Flag Display

International Flag Display

Central promenade

A striking display of international flags that looks particularly magical when illuminated at night.

The Tunnel View

The Tunnel View

Central tunnel structure

Offers a unique, framed perspective directly towards the War Memorial or Parliament House.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Event Hub & Scenic Views

Commonwealth Place is Canberra's premier event location, hosting spectacular drone shows and festivals. It offers stunning lake views and is a central point for exploring national attractions. Plan around major events for the best atmosphere, but be aware of potential crowds and parking challenges.

Parking & Accessibility

While parking is available, it can be challenging during major events like Floriade or drone shows.Reddit Consider public transport or arriving early. The area is generally accessible with public bathrooms and is a pleasant walk to many key Canberra landmarks.

Best Times

When
Event evenings
Why
Experience drone shows & festivals
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Enjoy peaceful lake strolls
Crowd
Low
When
March events
Why
Floriade & Balloon Festival
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@c.palmerofficial If your ex has you blocked use his phone to text them! If you’re looking for something to do in Vegas check out this bar Commonwealth, it’s one of the best places to party in dtlv. It’s open every Friday and Saturday night 10pm - 4am and offers some of the best nightlife in Las Vegas. This club has a rooftop bar that overlooks the entire street and is a great place to spend a nig...
@vegasman60
66.3K likes • 254.8K views

🚗 Event Parking Strategy

Parking fills fast during events; arrive early or use public transport.Reddit Consider nearby streets if main lots are full.

🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot

Bring a picnic basket to enjoy on the spacious lawns overlooking Lake Burley Griffin.

This is where our taxes go 🤑🥸🤡 #commonwealth #floodcontrol #corruption
@amaridigitals25
54.5K likes • 1.6M views
Since opening in 1993, Saanich Commonwealth Place has become one of Canada’s leading aquatic facilities, a lasting legacy of the 1994 Commonwealth Games. Designed as both a world-class competition venue and a community resource, the facility has fulfilled that vision for more than three decades. It has hosted many of the sport’s major moments, including the 1994 Commonwealth Games, the 2006 Pan P...
swimbc
119 likes • 3.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Attractions

Conveniently located near museums, galleries, and Parliament House for easy exploration.

✨ Nighttime Ambiance

The international flags and surrounding lights create a beautiful atmosphere after dark.

A full circle moment for this Paralympic champion 🙌 Nicholas Bennett grew up swimming at the Saanich Commonwealth Place pool where he just booked his ticket to Para swimming worlds as part of the Canadian swim trials in Victoria, BC. He didn't lower his world record in the men's SM14 200m IM this time, but it's definitely a goal for the swim star The final day of swim trial finals starts at 8:3...
cbc.sports
465 likes • 14.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Event Parking Strategy

Parking fills fast during events; arrive early or use public transport.Reddit Consider nearby streets if main lots are full.

🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot

Bring a picnic basket to enjoy on the spacious lawns overlooking Lake Burley Griffin.

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Attractions

Conveniently located near museums, galleries, and Parliament House for easy exploration.

✨ Nighttime Ambiance

The international flags and surrounding lights create a beautiful atmosphere after dark.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(50 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Commonwealth Place is highly praised as a prime location for major Canberra events, particularly drone shows, and offers beautiful lake views. Visitors appreciate its central location, proximity to other attractions, and the unique tunnel vistas. While parking can be challenging during peak times, the overall experience is considered enjoyable and scenic.

"The perfect vantage point to view Canberra “Flight” Drone Show. There are multiple accessible parking spots near the location. Lots of public bathroom all over. There’s cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area. Walking distance to Canberra’s tourist spots and landmarks (museum, library, galleries, etc.)"

Zahra Zafira

"Commonwealth Place is a place of many Canberra events like the Enlightened (1st-11th) March and Balloon festival (9th-17) of March, and it was a great place to catch the night Drone show!

The tunnel at Commonwealth place gives you a straight line view looking towards the War Memorial and standing at the other end of the tunnel looks straight at Parliament house...

Here at Commonwealth Place is the centre point of the international flag display that looks great at night!

It is a nice park that overlooks Lake Burley Griffith, and the grass area is a great place to kick back with the picnic basket if you have one or there us some eateries close by and there is loads of parking available near here, beautiful part of Canberra."

Matt Isles

"Great fun activities happen here from time to time."

Tony Prior

What People Like

Excellent event viewing
Scenic lake outlook
Iconic tunnel views

What People Dislike

Event parking congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Commonwealth Place is centrally located in Canberra. You can drive and find parking, though it gets busy during events.Reddit Public transport is also a viable option, with buses serving the nearby areas. It's also a pleasant walk from many central Canberra attractions.

Yes, there are multiple parking spots available, including accessible ones. However, during major events like drone shows or festivals, parking can become very limited and fill up quickly.Reddit

Absolutely! Public transport is a good alternative, especially during busy event times. Check local bus routes that service the Parliamentary Triangle area for convenient access.

The area is generally well-maintained with accessible parking and pathways, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Many reviews mention it's great for families with young children.Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore Commonwealth Place and its surroundings. It's a beautiful area for a stroll, and many of Canberra's key landmarks are within easy walking distance.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Commonwealth Place itself is a public space and generally free to enter. However, specific events held here, like the 'Flight' drone show or festivals, may require tickets. Check event listings for details.

As an outdoor public space, Commonwealth Place is accessible at all times. However, facilities like restrooms or nearby cafes will have their own operating hours.

No, there are no entry fees to access Commonwealth Place. It's a public park and event space. Any costs would be associated with specific ticketed events hosted there.

For specific events like drone shows or festivals, booking is usually done through the event organizer's website. Commonwealth Place itself doesn't handle event bookings.

During major events, expect increased crowds and security. Arrive early for the best viewing spots and be prepared for potential delays in parking and access.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning international flag display, especially at night. The tunnel offers unique framing shots of Parliament House or the War Memorial. The lake views are also picturesque.

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful light for the lake and surrounding landscape. Nighttime is spectacular for the illuminated flags and drone shows.

Yes, absolutely! Many visitors capture the 'Flight' drone show. Be prepared for low light conditions and consider a tripod for sharper images if possible.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.

A versatile lens is useful for landscapes and events. For night shots or drone shows, a tripod and a camera with good low-light performance are beneficial.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area, making it convenient to grab a bite before or after visiting. Many reviews mention eateries are close by.

Definitely! The grass areas overlooking Lake Burley Griffin are perfect for picnics. It's a popular spot for families and groups to relax with food.

Options range from casual cafes to more formal dining in the vicinity. You can find various cuisines to suit different tastes.

During major events, food vendors are often present, offering a variety of snacks and meals. This is common for festivals and shows held at Commonwealth Place.

Yes, reviews confirm there are multiple public bathrooms located throughout the Commonwealth Place area, which is convenient for visitors.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Commonwealth Place is a fantastic spot for families. The open grassy areas are perfect for kids to run around and play, especially with a picnic.Reddit The nearby cafes and ample public bathrooms make it convenient for families with young children. The 'Flight' Drone Show is a huge hit with kids, offering a magical evening experience they won't forget. The international flag display also adds a colorful and engaging element for younger visitors.

Tip: Consider bringing a blanket or picnic mat for comfortable seating on the lawn. While parking is available, it can get crowded during events, so arriving early or using public transport might be less stressful with little ones.

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers & Sightseers

For day-trippers exploring Canberra, Commonwealth Place is a must-visit due to its central location and iconic views. It serves as an excellent starting or ending point for exploring the Parliamentary Triangle. You can easily walk to major attractions like the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library of Australia, and Parliament House.Reddit The tunnel view offers a unique photographic opportunity, framing these key landmarks.

Recommendation: Combine a visit to Commonwealth Place with a leisurely walk along the lake. Pack a picnic to enjoy the scenic surroundings, or grab a coffee from a nearby cafe. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere of Australia's capital.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Canberra's Events

Commonwealth Place is renowned as Canberra's premier outdoor event venue. It's the go-to location for spectacular public gatherings, most notably the breathtaking 'Flight' Drone Show that illuminates the night sky.Reddit Beyond drone shows, it hosts vibrant festivals like the Enlightened Festival and the Balloon Festival, drawing large crowds and creating a lively atmosphere.Reddit Its central location on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin makes it an iconic backdrop for these celebrations.

Visitors often highlight the convenience of Commonwealth Place for viewing these events. The open, expansive grounds provide excellent sightlines, ensuring a memorable experience for attendees. The presence of ample public bathrooms and nearby eateries further enhances its appeal as an event destination. Planning your visit around these events can offer a truly immersive Canberra experience, but be prepared for higher visitor numbers and potential parking challenges.Reddit

Pro Tip: Check the official Canberra event calendar for upcoming happenings at Commonwealth Place to make the most of your visit. The international flag display is a constant feature that adds to the visual appeal, especially when lit up after dark.

Architectural Views and Iconic Vistas

Commonwealth Place offers unique architectural perspectives, particularly through its central tunnel. This structure provides a perfectly framed, direct line of sight to significant national landmarks. Looking one way, you see the majestic Australian War Memorial, while looking the other reveals the imposing Parliament House.Reddit This deliberate design element makes the space not just a park, but a curated viewing platform.

Beyond the tunnel, the international flag display is a striking visual element. These flags, representing nations worldwide, create a vibrant and dynamic panorama, especially when illuminated at night.Reddit The entire area overlooks the serene Lake Burley Griffin, offering picturesque views that are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. The combination of these elements makes Commonwealth Place a visually engaging and historically significant location within Canberra's Parliamentary Triangle.

You may also like

1 of 2