National Carillon
Queen Elizabeth II Island, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
ClosedToday 09:00 – 17:00 · by the venue's published hoursFull hours
Some links are affiliate links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our Spot Score or what we recommend.
Opens a Klook search for this name. It is not confirmed availability or a confirmed listing — check the result matches before you book.
A landmark bell tower on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, rated 4.6 across more than 700 reviews.
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- Monday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- ThursdayToday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Friday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 – 16:00
- Sunday
- 10:00 – 16:00
Why it's worth checking out
The National Carillon sits on Queen Elizabeth II Island (Aspen Island) on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, near the Parliamentary precinct. A striking landmark, this elegant tower houses a grand carillon — a musical instrument of many tuned bells — and is one of the capital's most distinctive sights, set in a beautiful lakeside location reached by a footbridge.
The appeal is that combination of a beautiful landmark, a lovely lakeside setting and the unique experience of hearing the carillon's bells: the tower is a graceful sight on the lake, the island and surrounds make for a lovely stroll, and the regular carillon recitals fill the air with music. It's a genuinely special and peaceful spot in the heart of the capital.
With a 4.6 rating from more than 700 reviews, it's a much-loved landmark. The island and surrounds are free and open, but carillon recital times, any tower access and events vary, so it's worth checking the recital schedule before a special trip — and taking sun protection on the exposed island — while enjoying the landmark, the lakeside setting and the bells of the National Carillon.
Spot Score
The Spot Score is our composite of five signals — two about the venue's standing with visitors and three about how complete and current this listing is. It is not a visitor rating and not a verdict on the food or the experience. The 4.6 from 712 reviews is Google's visitor rating, shown separately and never altered by us.
About the venue · from Google
- ReputationGoogle star rating, smoothed for review count
- 83
- PopularityHow many Google reviews it has
- 86
About this listing · our record
- Information qualityWebsite, menu and structured details on file
- 30
- Category fitHow well it matches its listed category
- 70
- FreshnessHow recently we last checked our sources
- 30
Last checked against sources 18 June 2026.
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Nearby venues
Little Bird
$$Little Bird is a Canberra cafe offering daily meals made with local, seasonal ingredients for dine-in or takeaway.
Lil mama’s
Cafes in Kingston, Canberra.
BEAN & TABLE
$$Cafes in Kingston, Canberra.
Early Edition
Cafes in Kingston, Canberra.
More tourist attractions in Canberra
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is a shrine and museum in Campbell dedicated to honouring military sacrifice. Located on Treloar Crescent in Canberra, it serves as a national focal point for remembrance.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Elevated viewing platform in Civic with 360-degree vistas across Canberra and the surrounding region, featuring informational plaques about landmarks.
Royal Australian Mint
Working mint that produces Australia's circulating coins, with guided tours exploring numismatic history, a café, and a gift shop.
Shepherds Lookout
Walks in Braddon, Canberra.