Top 5 Cafes with Views Over Lake Burley Griffin

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Posted 2015-05-31 by Sue W ⇒ follow

When our family first moved to Canberra, we loved exploring Lake Burley Griffin and all it has to offer. We have ridden around it, walked parts of it, fed the swans by it and enjoyed many coffees looking over it. Of course, being blessed with so many reserves and parks around Lake Burley Griffin you could easily take a flask of hot coffee, pull up a patch of grass and sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet at one of many locations.

If you like your coffee to have some froth and a sugar hit on the side however, then there are several coffee locations to choose from - all with stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin. Whether you feel like something casual after a bike ride with friends, or if you have family coming to town and you want to take them somewhere impressive, there is something on the Lake for everyone.

The National Museum - The Museum Café
If you enjoy combining your love of coffee with a love of Museums, then this café fits the bill nicely. Sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery, before spending a couple of hours looking around the Museum and all it has to offer. The Museum Café has two areas of outside seating which is the ideal location to view the Captain Cook Memorial jet, where the water jet shoots up 147m into the sky between 2-4pm daily. (Unfortunately, due to its location in Lake Burley Griffin, it often requires repair work, so it may not always be in operation).

With a large range of menu items to choose from as well as cakes, pastries and slices, you won't go hungry at this scenic coffee spot. See the Museum Café website for all the details.

The National Library - Bookplate Café
We have only recently discovered this Café, located just inside the front entrance of The National Library, with the outside seating area to the side facing the lake. A little bit upmarket, this licensed Café has a lot to offer for a special lunch with wine or just a cuppa and cake. The inside seating area is cosy, with spectacular floor to ceiling stained glass windows which invite you walk up to touch them. The outside has a large area for seating, with full sun streaming in to warm you up in the Winter months and large umbrellas for the Summer months. See the Bookplate Café website for all the details.

Looking straight across the lake is The Deck at Regatta Point café - the next scenic coffee spot on this list.

The Deck at Regatta Point
The Deck at Regatta Point is situated at the top of a small hill overlooking the lake with 180 degree views - often rated the best in Canberra. This café and function venue is also used for wedding receptions due to its expansive deck area and spectacular views. The outside deck area is a favourite amongst Canberrans and visitors alike, particularly during Floriade due its close proximity. Stay and enjoy a delicious meal from the extensive menu, or devour a tasty cake or dessert and take in the view. See The Deck at Regatta Point website for all the details.

Dom's Coffee Bar
Located right on the lake front, you can't get much closer to Lake Burley Griffin than here. Just look for the International Flag Display flying near to Questacon, and you will find Dom's a short distance away. This is the perfect location to take a brisk walk along the lake before enjoying your reward at this simple yet scenic outdoor coffee spot, within metres from the water. Selling coffees, gelatos, sandwiches and cakes, grab a bite to eat and watch the world go by from this popular kiosk. For a full review of Dom's, see here .

Weekend Coffee Caravan
This mysterious, yet popular coffee van is a nice little discovery each weekend, located just off the carpark at The National Carillon , at Lake Burley Griffin. On weekends mornings, the friendly barista unpacks metal outdoor furniture and arranges it on the grass by the lake for the enjoyment of their patrons. It is a busy spot - with bike riders, runners and walkers using it as a rest stop half way around the lake. It is also a handy location for families as they come and go from the popular Boundless playground nearby.

Serving coffee, cakes, ice creams, sausage rolls and pies (quite a lot for such a small caravan) this weekend caravan is a locals secret, the perfect place to sit with a coffee and enjoy the Carillons bells, which chime every 15 minutes.

There are also fine dining restaurants around the lake if you prefer a restaurant over a café, including The Boathouse By The Lake at Grevillea Park and Waters Edge restaurant, right on the lake under the International Flag Display.

There are also several scenic bars and restaurants on the Kingston Foreshore and The Southern Cross Club at Yarralumla also has a great location at the Yacht Club Restaurant with lake views. For a family friendly choice, why not grab some fish and chips at Snapper On The Lake and relax on the lakes foreshore.

There is a simple enjoyment from receiving a good cup of coffee, being with good company and enjoying a scenic view that starts the weekend off on the right note. Enjoy it all at the many different scenic locations around Lake Burley Griffin, this weekend.