National Carillon (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is National Carillon?
What makes it 84% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can easily reach the island, enjoy free bell recitals, take a low-cost tower tour, and photograph lake views without needing extra facilities, making the venue very suitable.
Positives:
- Flat Walking Path: The paved loop around Aspen Island is easy on your feet and navigation.
- Central Location: Close to Kingston Foreshore for coffee and snacks after your visit.
Challenges:
- Limited On-Site Facilities: No cafes or restrooms on the island; bring water and plan bathroom stops before arrival.
- Exposure to Elements: Open lakeside setting can be windy and sunny; pack a hat and windbreaker.
What is National Carillon?
- A 50-metre-tall bell tower on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin
- A carillon comprising 55 bronze bells, each weighing between 7 kg and 6 tonnes, playable manually or automatically
- A British government gift marking Canberra’s 50th anniversary, framed by three slender concrete columns inlaid with quartz and opal
What is so special about National Carillon for solo trip?
- Explore Aspen Island via a self-guided lakeside walk.
- Catch free 15-minute chimes and weekly live recitals.
- Join a small-group tour to play historic bronze bells.
- Photograph the shining quartz façade at sunrise or sunset.
- Paddle around the tower on a solo kayak or SUP.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for a guided tour and lakeside walk without rushing
Solo-Friendly Activities in National Carillon
Self-Guided Lake Walk:
Follow the 2-hour Lake Burley Griffin loop to reach Aspen Island.
Tip: Start at dawn to enjoy calm waters and fewer crowds.
Free Chimes & Recitals:
Hear Westminster chimes every 15 minutes and live recitals on Sundays and Wednesdays at 12:30.
Tip: Check the schedule on the NCA website before you go.
Guided Tower Tour:
Join a 45-minute small-group tour to play the carillon clavier and touch the bronze bells.
Tip: Book online in advance; tours fill up quickly.
Photography & Listening Session:
Capture light on the quartz-clad columns while listening to the bell melodies.
Tip: Bring a small tripod and shoot from the footbridge at golden hour.
Kayak or SUP Hire:
Rent a single kayak or paddleboard to circle Aspen Island from the water.
Tip: Reserve at least one hour to paddle around the Carillon at your own pace.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to National Carillon
- Book Tours Early: Reserve your guided tour slot online at least a week in advance.
- Time for Recitals: Align your walk or tour to catch the 12:30 pm live bell performance.
- Best Photo Light: Shoot from the southern footbridge during golden hour for backlit quartz columns.
Reviews of National Carillon
Graeme Forbes
The carrillion was a gift from the UK government to Canberra and has bells from .5 kg to 7000kg They’re played for about an hour on Wednesday and Sunday Many people picnic in the nearby park to listen to the music It’s a beautiful place
David “Dingo” Bolin
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.
Vicki Wallis
Great tour. Such a shame the carillonist Thomas is losing his job due to ANU closing the school of music. Why is my question?
Evalyn Venture
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 ...
Zahra Zafira
A nice little island to enjoy an afternoon picnic or walk/jog around it. A good spot to view the sunset, because the sun sets across the lake, overlooking the Parkes area (National Library, Parliament House, National Gallery, etc.). The bell chimes every hour (I think), but it chimed every 15 mins towards sunset time (I’m not exactly sure but that’s what happened).
When is the best time to visit National Carillon (Canberra, Australia)?
Wear layers in winter to block lake breezes. In summer, visit early to avoid midday heat and strong sunlight.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Guided Tower Tour | AUD 17.19 |
| Kayak Hire (1 hour) | AUD 25 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 42.19 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of National Carillon
Address: Queen Elizabeth II Island, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
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About National Carillon
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 2 6272 290210 BEST nearby Activities
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