Commonwealth Park

Commonwealth Park sits on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in the heart of Canberra, a beautiful and expansive parkland at the centre of the national capital. With its lawns, gardens, lakeside paths and shaded spots, it's a much-loved green space — and famously the home of Floriade, Australia's biggest celebration of spring, each year.

The appeal is that combination of a lovely lakeside setting and versatile open space: room to walk, cycle, picnic and relax by the water, with views across the lake and easy access to the city's national attractions. Beyond Floriade, it hosts events throughout the year and is a natural focal point for enjoying the lake and the capital's central parklands.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 1,200 reviews, it's a much-loved spot. The park is free and open, but during Floriade and major events the layout, access and any ticketing change considerably, so it's worth checking what's on before a special visit — though for a stroll by the lake, a picnic or a cycle along the foreshore, you can generally just turn up and enjoy it.