Lake Burley Griffin

Lake Burley Griffin is an artificial lake located in the center of Canberra, Australia.

Completed in 1963, the lake was designed by Walter Burley Griffin and is named after him. The lake is a centerpiece of Canberra's plan and is surrounded by parklands that are popular for recreational activities. While swimming is uncommon, the lake is used for rowing, fishing, and sailing.

Lake Burley Griffin was recommended as a site for Canberra in 1909 and a competition for the city's design was launched in 1911. The lake was designed with geometric motifs that align with natural landmarks in the area. It initially contained six islands, including Queen Elizabeth II Island, Springbank Island, and Spinnaker Island.

Construction of the lake began in 1958 and progress was fast, with hundreds of people working on the project. The lake was formally inaugurated in 1964. It has a length of 11 kilometers, an average depth of 4 meters, and a maximum depth of 18 meters near the Scrivener Dam. The lake contains 33 million cubic meters of water and its flow is regulated by the Scrivener Dam.

The surrounds of Lake Burley Griffin are popular recreational areas, with public parks, swimming areas, picnic tables, and bike paths. Fireworks displays are held over the lake on New Year's Eve. The lake has some environmental issues, such as shallow areas inhibiting aquatic plant growth and the presence of mosquitoes. Lake Burley Griffin is listed as a National Engineering Landmark and is home to numerous important institutions, including the National Gallery, National Museum, National Library, Australian National University, and the High Court. The lake