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.
Queen Elizabeth II Island at a Glance#
Address: Queen Elizabeth II Island (formerly Aspen Island), Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Website: https://www.nca.gov.au
Hours: Open public park (24/7)
Admission: Free
About Queen Elizabeth II Island#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 13° - 27° | 20° | 69 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 13° - 27° | 20° | 55 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 11° - 24° | 18° | 54 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 7° - 20° | 14° | 53 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 16° | 10° | 47 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 2° - 12° | 5° | 41 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 0° - 12° | 4° | 50 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 2° - 13° | 5° | 51 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 4° - 16° | 10° | 62 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 19° | 13° | 66 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 9° - 22° | 16° | 72 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 12° - 26° | 19° | 51 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
