10+ places for a lakeside drink in Canberra
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From coffee to cocktails, this list will carry you from the morning long into the night.
There’s nothing quite like being by the water with a drink in hand. Whether you’re tacking the Bridge-to-Bridge in the morning or looking for a leisurely spot near Lake Ginninderra in the evening, here are 10+ places for a lakeside drink in Canberra.
Margot (Parkes)
A small espresso and wine bar on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, if you head here for a morning coffee, you can’t leave without one of their gourmet toasties or pastries. Then, as the day stretches into evening, you can enjoy hand-picked wines, cocktails, curated cheeses and pizza.
Offering a distinctly cosmopolitan Euro flavour in a remarkable setting, no matter if you go in the AM or PM, you’ll be sure to enjoy a satisfying drink.
West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | margot.bar
Walter Café (Parkes)
Water views, mid-century architecture, and a delicious menu to match: located on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, Walter Café is serving up contemporary Australian cuisine with a relaxed yet luxurious café vibe.
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast or refuel with a relaxed lunch – all with views of the lake.
Barrine Drive, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Parkes | waltercafe.com
The Jetty (Parkes)
This revamped waterfront bar and beer garden is open from noon til late every Wednesday to Sunday and is set to once again be a firm summer favourite.
Making the most of its position on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the venue has a relaxed atmosphere, live music from Friday to Sunday and a menu filled with delicious cocktails, Aperol Spritz, BentSpoke beers, Fricken Chicken, and artisan pizza from Hem & Co.
Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thejettycbr.com.au
Snapper & Co. (Yarralumla)
If you find yourself naturally craving fish and chips when by the water, you’re in luck. Snapper & Co. boasts glorious lake views, Container Bar, a gelato bar, a casual dining menu and plenty of room to move.
As well as Snapper & Co’s famed fresh fish and chips, the menu also boasts burgers, salads, tasting platters and more.
Southern Cross Yacht Club, Mariner Pl, Yarralumla | snapperandco.com.au
On-Lake Café (Barton)
Found in Bowen Park in Barton, this café is located right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, making it a popular spot for all-day dining.
Grab a seat outside to take in the views and settle in with one of their sensational, seasonal menu items as the world goes by. Pre-or post-walk optional.
Bowen Park, 6 Bowen Drove, Barton | facebook.com/onlakecafe.barton
The Dock (Kingston)
If you want to be right by the water but still catch that game, The Dock on the Kingston Foreshore is your answer.
With a covered outdoor area, multiple HD screens and a hearty pub menu, The Dock is the place to be for sports fans or just anyone who loves a casual al fresco tipple.
7/81 Giles St, Kingston| thedockkingston.com.au
Dockside Café (Kingston)
Have you been to Dockside yet? Serving up Instagrammable brunch favourites in pastel pink surroundings, it’s perfect for a catch-up post finishing the Bridge-to-Bridge.
And the best part? You can enjoy an ONA Coffee latte or a crafted cocktail. Cheers to that.
13/81 Giles Street, Kingston | docksidecoffeehouse.com.au
Walt and Burley (Kingston)
With stunning views across Lake Burley Griffin, Walt and Burley serves quality pub food. Ideal for a casual catch-up, make sure to go when the live music is playing and kick back with a cocktail or glass of wine in hand.
Open from 11 am seven days a week, what are you waiting for?
70/17 Eastlake Parade, Kingston | waltandburley.com.au
The Lighthouse (Belconnen)
Perhaps Belco’s answer to The Dock, The Lighthouse (fondly known as The Lighty) has a loyal following for good reason.
Looking over Lake Ginninderra, it’s had a bit of a spruce up by its new owners in recent years, while still boasting the basics which make it great: live music, delicious food, big screens and multiple beers on tap.
80 Emu Bank, Belconnen | lighthousepub.com.au
Kiln (Belconnen)
Nestled along the picturesque Ginninderra waterfront within the Belconnen Arts Centre, Kiln is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Serving coffee, Masala Chai and Mango Lassi in the morning, when the sun goes down, they turn their attention to primarily local fine wines and beers, including Nick O’Leary’s, Bentspoke, Capital Brewing.
118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au/kiln
Cartel (Belconnen)
Frozen margaritas on the foreshore of Lake Ginninderra? Say no more. Known for their fully loaded tacos, Cartel is open from 12 pm until late – perfect for a long and lazy lunch.
With both indoor and outdoor seating (ideal for soaking in the water views), settle in and watch the sunset with a marg in hand.
5/114 Emu Bank, Belconnen | carteltacos.au
Two Before Ten Greenway (Tuggeranong)
With high ceilings and north-east-facing windows located right on the edge of Lake Tuggeranong, a visit to Two Before Ten Greenway is a no-brainer.
Pop in and grab something to take away or settle in for a leisurely brunch or lunch. Best enjoyed with a coffee, of course.
Cynthea Teague Crescent, Greenway | twobeforeten.com.au
Mimi’s Pit Stop (Tuggeranong)
Have you seen this little coffee van on the east side of Lake Tuggeranong?
Only open on the weekend, here you can pick up coffee, tea, smoothies, shakes, and some healthy snacks, making it the ultimate pit stop in the South. They had us at homemade treats…it’s all about balance, right?
Mortimer Lewis Drive, Greenway | facebook.com/Mimispitstop
