About National Carillon
The National Carillon is a 50-metre carillon tower on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin, Parkes, Canberra. Gifted by the British Government to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the naming of Canberra, it was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970. Housing 57 bells, it is a major musical and ceremonial landmark managed by the National Capital Authority and known for regular recitals and lake views.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a tall, modernist white tower on Aspen Island accessed via a pedestrian footbridge over Lake Burley Griffin. The exterior, surrounding lawns and lake foreshore are open for walking, photography and picnicking with views across the lake to the Parliamentary Triangle and Kings Park. Visitors can listen to live carillon recitals from the bells, view interpretive displays about the instrument, and enjoy the tranquil island park setting.
Key highlights
- 01
50-metre tower on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin
- 02
57 bronze bells covering four and a half octaves
- 03
Gift from the British Government to mark Canberra's 50th anniversary
- 04
Regular free live carillon recitals
- 05
Panoramic views of Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Triangle
- 06
Pedestrian footbridge access and landscaped island park