Lake Burley Griffin
Australian Capital Territory
Lake Burley Griffin is an artificial lake located at the geographic center of Canberra, Australia's capital. Created in 1963 by damming the Molonglo River, the lake was named after Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect who won the competition to design Canberra. Griffin's original design featured geometric motifs aligning with natural landmarks, including a central basin, east and west basins, and lakes, which divide the city. Although his plans were altered and delayed by economic and wartime factors, the lake was eventually completed and inaugurated in 1964. The lake stretches 11 kilometers in length and up to 1.2 kilometers wide, with an average depth of 4 meters and a maximum depth of about 18 meters near the Scrivener Dam. It serves as the centerpiece of the city, surrounded by important institutions such as the National Gallery, National Museum, National Library, Australian National University, and the High Court, with Parliament House nearby. The lake and its parklands are popular for recreational activities like rowing, fishing, and sailing, although swimming is uncommon. The Scrivener Dam regulates water flow and flood control, with additional water supplied from Googong Dam during droughts. The lake’s design integrates Canberra’s topography and landmarks, creating a harmonious urban and natural environment.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Lake Burley Griffin is during the warmer months when the surrounding parklands are vibrant and recreational activities such as rowing and sailing are popular. Visitors are encouraged to explore the lakeside parks and cultural institutions nearby. While swimming is uncommon, engaging in water sports or walking along the lake’s paths provides an enjoyable experience. It is advisable to check for any event schedules or access restrictions before visiting, especially during special occasions or maintenance periods.
Faits intéressants
- •Lake Burley Griffin was created by damming the Molonglo River, transforming a floodplain into a central ornamental lake.
- •The lake’s design aligns with notable Canberra landmarks, including Capital Hill, the Australian War Memorial, and Bimberi Peak.
- •The Scrivener Dam controlling the lake’s water is engineered to handle floods occurring once every 5,000 years.
- •Water levels in the lake can be supplemented by releases from the Googong Dam during droughts.
- •Walter Burley Griffin’s original lake design included multiple basins and lakes with varying water levels, though not all aspects were realized.
Histoire
The site for Canberra was recommended in 1909 by Charles Robert Scrivener, who identified the area's suitability for an ornamental lake.
In 1911, a design competition was held for the new capital, won by Walter Burley Griffin, whose plan prominently featured a geometrically designed lake system.
Although Griffin left the project in 1920 and his plans were initially altered, work on the lake resumed in the 1950s.
Excavation began in 1960, supported by Prime Minister Robert Menzies, and the lake was completed and filled by 1964, becoming a central feature of Canberra’s urban design.