Of the three lake rides referred to in my ‘Cycle around Lake Burley Griffin – General’ review (which I recommend you read before this review as it provides some general details on cycling in the Australian Capital Territory and on cycle hire, in addition to a map showing the location of this ride) the West Basin one is the longest at 16kms, the most difficult and the most rewarding scenery-wise providing you with a delightful insight into why Canberra is called the bush capital.
When I say most difficult I mean there are a few short hills. Don’t let this put you off and if necessary (for most people it won’t be) get of the bike and walk the short distances involved. The ride itself can be easily accomplished in less than 1.5hrs but why rush it? If you want to stop into both the National Museum of Australia and the National Zoo and Aquarium and do them justice allow yourself a full day. If the thought of a picnic appeals to you, this is the best ride to take it on. There are numerous spots where you can sit down and enjoy it along this ride.
This route is popular but not as crowded as the Central Basin. Just keep to your left on the path as it is a favourite with fast moving men and women in lycra (on bicycles).
As the ride is a circular loop, in theory, it should not matter which direction you ride it. Out of habit I invariably go in an anticlockwise direction and start by the lakeside carpack at New Acton. The outline here is based on riding in this anticlockwise direction from here.
Leaving the carpark (and facing the lake) head right and you immediately have beautiful views across the lake on your left and great views to Black Mountain ahead and to your right. After a short distance take care to follow the signs for the lake ride (cross the road bridge) otherwise you will end up in the grounds of the Australian National University (thought there is some nice outdoor art work here if you have time for the detour – see my separate review). Very soon you will arrive at the National Museum of Australia which is well worth a stop (give yourself at least an hour, even two).
From the museum the ride is a bit up and down along the lake and the base of Black Mountain, through grasslands and eucalypts until to get to Scrivener Dam.
Passing through a small though interesting cork plantation there is a bit of a hill. Once you get to the top of this have a breather and enjoy the views down onto the lake towards the Governor General’s house and Scrivener Dam, which is now a fast downhill spin though you do need to watch out for the 90 degree bend on the path half way down. Having arrived at Scrivener Dam it is a short detour to the National Arboretum and/or you have the option of a visit to the National Zoo and Aquarium just before you cross the dam wall. It has been years since I have visited the zoo and while well laid out and the animals have lots of space and are well cared for I feel it it somewhat overpriced but, then again, zoo’s and aquariums are expensive to maintain. The aquarium is not worth visiting in its own right.
Moving on from Scrivener Dam you will see signs on the road beside which the bike path runs for the Government House Lookout. Government House is the residence of the Governor General – Her Majesty the Queen’s representative in Australia). Do cross the road for a look at the house, located a couple of hundred metres in the distance across nicely manicured lawns on which you might be lucky enough to spot a Kangaroo. Further along the ride you will pass by the main entrance of Government House, but you cannot see the house from there. Government House and grounds are only open to the public on a few days each year.
Continuing on, the path takes you through Westbourne Woods also home to the Royal Canberra Golf Club (private property). This area, containing 200 different species of conifers, exotic hardwoods and native Australian trees is lovely at any time of year but especially nice in autumn.
By now you will be about three quarters way through the ride and have earned the right to a coffee (or more). For this I recommend a stop at the Yarralumla Gallery & The Oaks Brasserie where you can enjoy your well earned beverage sitting under the trees. My favourite Canberra garden centre is located beside the café and is worth a quick look while you are here.
From this point it’s just a few kilometres pleasant ride, hugging the lake and passing the Canberra Yacht Club, Lennox Gardens (incorporating a pleasant Japanese garden and the Canberra Beijing Garden) and the Hyatt Hotel, back to the Commonwealth Bridge which you will need to cross (via bike path/footpath) to get back to Acton or let you continue on around the Central and/or East Basin of the lake in a clockwise direction. Continuing on under the Commonwealth Bridge will bring you into the Central Basin (anticlockwise).
For my next CANBERRA – NON LOCATION SPECIFIC review click HERE.
For other CANBERRA reviews click HERE.
The Rambling Wombat 
I seem to remember these from VT. Good that you’ve got some nice bicycle routes down there.
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