by Frank Pryor (
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Originally from Canberra, I moved to Melbourne for study. You might say that my life is much like this sentence - it began with a capital. Now, having spent a few years in Melbourne, I share my experiences of each city.
Lennox Gardens, located to the west of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, is one of the closest picnic parks to Parliament House and surrounding national institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery. The Gardens' enclosure of trees and lakeside placement offer picnic goers a uniquely serene experience for such an inner city location. Also of significance are beautiful views to Black Mountain, the National Museum of Australia and the neighbouring Canberra Yacht Club.
Where the Gardens meet Lake Burley-Griffin
The walking path
The Gardens have a long history of change. Originally, the area was home to 'Lennox Crossing', a bridge built by noteworthy Scottish-Australian bridge builder David Lennox. At the time the bridge was the primary means of crossing the Molonglo River. The remnants of the road remain on the northern bank of Lake Burley-Griffin, near the National Museum of Australia.
The perimeter of trees at the edge of the park
Benches down by the side of the lake at Lennox Gardens
Lennox Gardens was also part of the
original Royal Canberra Golf Course, most of which was consumed by Lake Burley-Griffin when the Lake was filled during the 1960's. It is only after this time that the Gardens began to take their current form. Further thereafter, the Canberra-Nara Peace Park was inserted into Lennox Gardens as recognition of
Canberra's relationship with its sister city of Nara, Japan.
Picnic facilities
Sign commemorating the Canberra-Nara connection
Lennox Gardens features a plethora of park benches and barbecue facilities, making it ideal for family gatherings and outdoor parties. Casual visitors would be advised to work their time at the Gardens into a Lake Burley-Griffin bike ride or walk through the southern side of the Parliamentary Triangle.
