National Carillon Canberra
A striking modern tower on Lake Burley Griffin, gifted by the UK, featuring 55 bronze bells that play enchanting music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Hear the bells play music live
National Carillon Canberra
Best Time
Hear the bells play music live
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking modern tower on Lake Burley Griffin, gifted by the UK, featuring 55 bronze bells that play enchanting music.
"A fantastic feature of Canberra with great views and peaceful surroundings."
Check Recital Schedules
Recitals are the best time to hear the bells! Check the website for times and dates. :musical_score:
Book Tours Online
Tours are popular and often require online booking. No walk-ups accepted! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bell Recitals
National Carillon Tower
Experience classical music and movie soundtracks played live on 55 bronze bells. A truly unique auditory delight.
Tower Tours
National Carillon Tower
Go behind the scenes, meet the carillonists, and see the impressive keyboard and bells up close. Accessible via elevator.
Lakefront Picnics
Grounds surrounding the Carillon
Enjoy a relaxing picnic with beautiful views of the lake and Canberra's iconic landmarks. Perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Chimes
Picnic and Park Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
(from Visit Canberra) Going behind the chimes of the 57 bells at the National Carillon!
Check Recital Schedules
Recitals are the best time to hear the bells! Check the website for times and dates. :musical_score:
Book Tours Online
Tours are popular and often require online booking. No walk-ups accepted! :ticket:
Looking for places that "must visit" in Canberra
Picnic Paradise
Bring a blanket and snacks! The grounds are perfect for a relaxing picnic by the lake. :sandwich:
Sunset Spectacle
The view across the lake at sunset is stunning, with Parliament House and the National Library in sight. :city_sunset:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Recital Schedules
Recitals are the best time to hear the bells! Check the website for times and dates. :musical_score:
Book Tours Online
Tours are popular and often require online booking. No walk-ups accepted! :ticket:
Picnic Paradise
Bring a blanket and snacks! The grounds are perfect for a relaxing picnic by the lake. :sandwich:
Sunset Spectacle
The view across the lake at sunset is stunning, with Parliament House and the National Library in sight. :city_sunset:
Accessible Exploration
The tower is accessible via elevator, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the views. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Carillon Canberra for its beautiful lakeside setting, perfect for picnics and relaxation. The live bell recitals and informative tower tours are highly recommended, offering unique insights and stunning views. While generally well-loved, some reviews touch on concerns regarding the future of carillonist roles.
"Lovely place to come for a picnic. Stroll around, relax and listen to the bells play. Night time it is all lit up and is very impressive.
Sit down on a seat and watch the ducks, swans, or people paddling. Or even the rest of the world walk and run by. I personally just get lost in my thoughts while looking out over the lake enjoying a coffee."
David “Dingo” Bolin
"A fantastic feature of Canberra. There are recitals lasting an hour twice a week, where they play classical music and movie soundtracks on the 70 odd bells. Check their website for times and dates in case it changes. There are inexpensive hour long tours after each recital, where you can meet the carilionists, see the keyboard where they play, and the bells in the belfry. There are great views of the surrounding area from the top, and lots of grass and seating areas around the base. Book the tours online (no walk ups). You take an elevator to each level, so it is accessible for the mobility impaired. Free 2 hour parking adjacent. Recommended!"
Evalyn Venture
"Great tour. Such a shame the carillonist Thomas is losing his job due to ANU closing the school of music. Why is my question?"
Vicki Wallis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Carillon Canberra is located on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin. It's easily accessible by car, with free 2-hour parking available nearby. You can also reach it via walking or cycling paths around the lake. Public transport options might require a walk from the nearest bus stops.
Yes, there is free 2-hour parking adjacent to the National Carillon Canberra, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The National Carillon Canberra is situated on an island in Lake Burley Griffin, which is surrounded by scenic walking and cycling paths. It's a popular spot for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
While there isn't a direct bus stop right at the Carillon, you can take a bus to the city centre or nearby Parliament House and then enjoy a pleasant walk or cycle to the island. Check ACT public transport for routes and schedules.
Many visitors find the views from across the lake, particularly from the mainland side near the National Library, offer the most picturesque angles for photographing the National Carillon Canberra, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds and viewing the National Carillon Canberra from the outside is free. However, there are fees for specific tower tours and recitals, so it's best to check their official website for current pricing.
While general access to the grounds is free, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended for the tower tours, as walk-ups are often not available. Recital tickets may also need to be purchased.
The grounds of the National Carillon Canberra are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific opening times for the tower and any scheduled recitals or tours will vary, so consulting the official website is essential.
Yes, inexpensive hour-long tours are often offered after recitals. These tours allow you to meet the carillonists, see the playing keyboard, and view the bells. Booking online is usually required.
Yes, you can visit the grounds and admire the National Carillon Canberra from the outside at any time. However, to experience the music and go inside the tower, attending a recital and/or booking a tour is necessary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy picnics on the lawn, stroll around the island, watch the ducks and swans on the lake, and listen to the hourly bell chimes. Attending a recital or taking a tower tour offers a more in-depth experience.
The bells at the National Carillon Canberra chime on the hour. During sunset, some visitors have noted they chime more frequently, though this can vary.
Yes, the tower of the National Carillon Canberra is accessible via elevator, making it suitable for visitors with mobility impairments.
From the top of the National Carillon Canberra, you get fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding Canberra landscape, including Lake Burley Griffin and many of the city's key landmarks.
The grounds around the National Carillon Canberra are well-maintained, and while specific BBQ facilities might be limited, it's a popular spot for picnics. Visitors have noted the BBQs are clean and well-managed.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours, particularly sunrise and sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photographing the National Carillon Canberra. The reflections on the lake can be stunning.
Consider framing the Carillon with the lake in the foreground, or capturing its reflection. Views from the mainland, looking across the water towards Parliament House, also provide iconic shots.
Generally, photography during live recitals might be discouraged to avoid disturbing the performance. It's best to check with staff or organizers on site. However, photos of the tower itself are always welcome.
There are typically no major restrictions on personal photography at the National Carillon Canberra grounds. However, commercial or professional photography might require permits, so it's wise to inquire if you have specific needs.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both the full tower and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots including the lake. A tripod can help with low-light conditions during sunset. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the bell music might be a bit loud for very young children, the hourly chimes are usually a fun novelty. The accessibility via elevator means even families with strollers can easily explore the tower and enjoy the views. Consider packing some snacks and a frisbee for a complete family afternoon. :child:
🚶♀️ Couples & Day-Trippers
Attending a carillon recital together can be a unique and memorable experience. The tower tours offer a chance to discover something new about Canberra's history and architecture. It's an easily accessible attraction that offers both relaxation and a touch of culture, fitting perfectly into a day exploring the capital. :couplewithheart:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Music of the Carillon
These recitals are a highlight for many, featuring a mix of classical pieces and popular movie soundtracks. The unique sound of the carillon is a signature element of the Canberra soundscape. It's worth checking the official schedule to catch a performance, as the experience is truly special and offers a deeper appreciation for this magnificent instrument.
Sadly, there have been concerns raised about the future of carillonist positions due to funding changes, highlighting the importance of supporting these unique musical traditions.
A Lakeside Oasis for Relaxation
Many visitors find the area perfect for unwinding. You can sit by the water, watch the local birdlife like ducks and swans, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. The sunset views across the lake, with iconic buildings like Parliament House and the National Library silhouetted against the sky, are particularly breathtaking and a favorite for photographers.
The well-maintained grounds and seating areas make it easy to spend a pleasant afternoon here. It’s a place where you can escape the city bustle and connect with nature, all while being in close proximity to Canberra's national institutions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit