Bowen Park

Bowen Park sits on Bowen Drive at Barton, by the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in central Canberra. A much-loved lakeside park, it's a lovely green space by the water — combining open lawns, mature trees, picnic areas and a foreshore setting with lovely lake views, the kind of peaceful, scenic spot that's a genuine favourite for getting outdoors near the heart of the city.

The appeal is that combination of beautiful lakeside green space and great amenity: room to walk, picnic, cycle and relax along the foreshore, with the lake right there and the city close by. It's a lovely spot for a stroll, a picnic, a ride along the lake or some time outdoors, capturing the relaxed, lakeside character that makes Canberra's central parklands so popular.

With a 4.5 rating from more than 600 reviews, it's clearly a well-loved spot. The park is free and open, but facilities and any events vary, so it's worth taking sun protection on a warm day and checking the surrounds before a special trip — though for a walk, a picnic or some time by the lake, you can generally just turn up and enjoy Bowen Park in central Canberra.