
Commonwealth Place
Canberra's premier event hub on Lake Burley Griffin, offering iconic views, drone show spectacles, and easy access to national landmarks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience drone shows & festivals

Commonwealth Place
Best Time
Experience drone shows & festivals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Canberra's premier event hub on Lake Burley Griffin, offering iconic views, drone show spectacles, and easy access to national landmarks.
"The perfect vantage point to view Canberra 'Flight' Drone Show with cafes and parking nearby."

🚗 Event Parking Strategy
Parking fills fast during events; arrive early or use public transport . Consider nearby streets if main lots are full.
🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot
Bring a picnic basket to enjoy on the spacious lawns overlooking Lake Burley Griffin.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Flight Drone Show Vantage Point
Central lawn area
The prime spot to witness Canberra's mesmerizing 'Flight' drone shows, offering a clear, unobstructed view.

International Flag Display
Central promenade
A striking display of international flags that looks particularly magical when illuminated at night.

The Tunnel View
Central tunnel structure
Offers a unique, framed perspective directly towards the War Memorial or Parliament House.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event Hub & Scenic Views
Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Event Parking Strategy
Parking fills fast during events; arrive early or use public transport.
Consider nearby streets if main lots are full.🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot
Bring a picnic basket to enjoy on the spacious lawns overlooking Lake Burley Griffin.
🚶♀️ Walk to Attractions
Conveniently located near museums, galleries, and Parliament House for easy exploration.
✨ Nighttime Ambiance
The international flags and surrounding lights create a beautiful atmosphere after dark.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Event Parking Strategy
Parking fills fast during events; arrive early or use public transport.
Consider nearby streets if main lots are full.🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot
Bring a picnic basket to enjoy on the spacious lawns overlooking Lake Burley Griffin.
🚶♀️ Walk to Attractions
Conveniently located near museums, galleries, and Parliament House for easy exploration.
✨ Nighttime Ambiance
The international flags and surrounding lights create a beautiful atmosphere after dark.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Commonwealth Place is highly praised as a prime location for major Canberra events, particularly drone shows, and offers beautiful lake views. Visitors appreciate its central location, proximity to other attractions, and the unique tunnel vistas. While parking can be challenging during peak times, the overall experience is considered enjoyable and scenic.
"The perfect vantage point to view Canberra “Flight” Drone Show. There are multiple accessible parking spots near the location. Lots of public bathroom all over. There’s cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area. Walking distance to Canberra’s tourist spots and landmarks (museum, library, galleries, etc.)"
Zahra Zafira
"Commonwealth Place is a place of many Canberra events like the Enlightened (1st-11th) March and Balloon festival (9th-17) of March, and it was a great place to catch the night Drone show!
The tunnel at Commonwealth place gives you a straight line view looking towards the War Memorial and standing at the other end of the tunnel looks straight at Parliament house...
Here at Commonwealth Place is the centre point of the international flag display that looks great at night!
It is a nice park that overlooks Lake Burley Griffith, and the grass area is a great place to kick back with the picnic basket if you have one or there us some eateries close by and there is loads of parking available near here, beautiful part of Canberra."
Matt Isles
"Great fun activities happen here from time to time."
Tony Prior
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Commonwealth Place is centrally located in Canberra. You can drive and find parking, though it gets busy during events.
Public transport is also a viable option, with buses serving the nearby areas. It's also a pleasant walk from many central Canberra attractions.Yes, there are multiple parking spots available, including accessible ones. However, during major events like drone shows or festivals, parking can become very limited and fill up quickly.
Absolutely! Public transport is a good alternative, especially during busy event times. Check local bus routes that service the Parliamentary Triangle area for convenient access.
The area is generally well-maintained with accessible parking and pathways, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Many reviews mention it's great for families with young children.
Walking is the best way to explore Commonwealth Place and its surroundings. It's a beautiful area for a stroll, and many of Canberra's key landmarks are within easy walking distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Commonwealth Place itself is a public space and generally free to enter. However, specific events held here, like the 'Flight' drone show or festivals, may require tickets. Check event listings for details.
As an outdoor public space, Commonwealth Place is accessible at all times. However, facilities like restrooms or nearby cafes will have their own operating hours.
No, there are no entry fees to access Commonwealth Place. It's a public park and event space. Any costs would be associated with specific ticketed events hosted there.
For specific events like drone shows or festivals, booking is usually done through the event organizer's website. Commonwealth Place itself doesn't handle event bookings.
During major events, expect increased crowds and security. Arrive early for the best viewing spots and be prepared for potential delays in parking and access.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning international flag display, especially at night. The tunnel offers unique framing shots of Parliament House or the War Memorial. The lake views are also picturesque.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful light for the lake and surrounding landscape. Nighttime is spectacular for the illuminated flags and drone shows.
Yes, absolutely! Many visitors capture the 'Flight' drone show. Be prepared for low light conditions and consider a tripod for sharper images if possible.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
A versatile lens is useful for landscapes and events. For night shots or drone shows, a tripod and a camera with good low-light performance are beneficial.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area, making it convenient to grab a bite before or after visiting. Many reviews mention eateries are close by.
Definitely! The grass areas overlooking Lake Burley Griffin are perfect for picnics. It's a popular spot for families and groups to relax with food.
Options range from casual cafes to more formal dining in the vicinity. You can find various cuisines to suit different tastes.
During major events, food vendors are often present, offering a variety of snacks and meals. This is common for festivals and shows held at Commonwealth Place.
Yes, reviews confirm there are multiple public bathrooms located throughout the Commonwealth Place area, which is convenient for visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Consider bringing a blanket or picnic mat for comfortable seating on the lawn. While parking is available, it can get crowded during events, so arriving early or using public transport might be less stressful with little ones.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Sightseers
Recommendation: Combine a visit to Commonwealth Place with a leisurely walk along the lake. Pack a picnic to enjoy the scenic surroundings, or grab a coffee from a nearby cafe. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere of Australia's capital.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Canberra's Events
Visitors often highlight the convenience of Commonwealth Place for viewing these events. The open, expansive grounds provide excellent sightlines, ensuring a memorable experience for attendees. The presence of ample public bathrooms and nearby eateries further enhances its appeal as an event destination. Planning your visit around these events can offer a truly immersive Canberra experience, but be prepared for higher visitor numbers and potential parking challenges.
Pro Tip: Check the official Canberra event calendar for upcoming happenings at Commonwealth Place to make the most of your visit. The international flag display is a constant feature that adds to the visual appeal, especially when lit up after dark.
Architectural Views and Iconic Vistas
Beyond the tunnel, the international flag display is a striking visual element. These flags, representing nations worldwide, create a vibrant and dynamic panorama, especially when illuminated at night. The entire area overlooks the serene Lake Burley Griffin, offering picturesque views that are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. The combination of these elements makes Commonwealth Place a visually engaging and historically significant location within Canberra's Parliamentary Triangle.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit