Queen Elizabeth II Island
Island Artificial island in Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
Queen Elizabeth II Island (Aspen Island) sits in Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin and hosts the National Carillon; visitors walk the lake paths for carillon recitals, water views and easy access from central Canberra.
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Queen Elizabeth II Island is a small artificial island in the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. It is best known as the site of the National Carillon, a tower of tuned bells that is a local landmark.
The island’s main feature is the carillon and the surrounding lawns and lakefront paths. Access is by pedestrian bridges and the island is commonly visited for short walks, photography and to view the carillon tower from the lake shore.
The island was created as part of the Lake Burley Griffin scheme and later developed as the location for the carillon. Over time it has served primarily recreational and ceremonial purposes rather than residential or commercial use.
The island sits near the Commonwealth Avenue side of Lake Burley Griffin in central Canberra, within walking distance of Parliament House and other city attractions on the lakefront.
How to Get to Queen Elizabeth II Island #
Walkable from the Parliamentary Triangle and city centre via Commonwealth Avenue bridge and a short pedestrian spur. Public transport to nearby stops (bus routes around the lake) makes the island an easy half-hour outing from central Canberra.
Tips for Visiting Queen Elizabeth II Island #
- Walk the Commonwealth Avenue footbridge to reach the island - it's an easy 5-10 minute stroll from the Parliamentary Triangle.
- Listen for the National Carillon's quarter-hour chimes; concerts are scheduled occasionally so check the National Capital Authority calendar.
- Sunset provides the best light for Lake Burley Griffin and city skyline photographs.
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth II Island #
Spring and summer are the best times for outdoor visits and picnics; autumn is pleasant and less crowded.
Weather & Climate near Queen Elizabeth II Island #
Queen Elizabeth II Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (671 mm/year).
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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