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Yerra Beach
Lake Ginninderra, Belconnen ACT

Yerra Beach is a long, curved sandy beach with two bays on the western foreshore of Lake Ginninderra. The designated swimming area is enclosed with a brightly coloured, floating rope that creates an area for swimming that is around 150 metres long and up to 60 metres wide. There is also a smaller toddler enclosure located on the beach in the most southerly bay.

Swimming at Lake Ginninderra

Above: Lake Ginninderra (Order this image)

There are two targets in the water for your swim. Firstly, a pontoon located around 50 metres offshore, with a small island another 20 metres further on.

The beach itself is shaded in parts in the afternoon, with extensive lawn areas under a mix of shady native and European trees behind the beach.

Lake Ginninderra captures urban stormwater, which can be of poor quality. As a result, the lake regularly suffers from algal blooms or high faecal bateria counts that can close the beach for swimming. Make sure you check the link below to the ACT goverment's water quality warnings for this site before you head there for a swim.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Lake Ginninderra, MacDermott Place, Belconnen, ACT, 10 km (approx. 20 min. drive) north-west of Canberra Central.
Latitude:-35.225963 Longitude:149.063537
Getting there: From the city centre, head west along Barry Drive / Belconnen Way then head north along Coulter Drive to Joynton Smith Drive. MacDermott Place is on the left just after you turn into Joynton Smith Drive. There is car parking within the foreshore area near the beach.

By public transport, bus 45 runs along Joynton Smith Drive, which you can pick up from the Westfield Belconnnen bus station. There is also a bike path that runs around the lake if you want to cycle there.
Facilities: Car park, toilets, barbecues (sheltered), picnic tables, playground, bike path, walking trails
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Cloudy to murky
Under foot: Sand
Maximum water depth: 1-2 metres
Suggested minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: Dogs must be on a lead.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water. No shade available in the water.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: To be confirmed
Managing authority: ACT Government
Nearby attractions: Enjoy a walk around the lake

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Water quality in the Canberra area can sometimes be unsuitable for swimming. For regular updates on whether the water quality at this site is suitable for swimming, see the website/app used by the ACT Government to notify swimmers of water quality alerts.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of Yerra Beach. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map

Comments:

Here is one enquiry I received about combining a row with a swim on the lake:

"I'm a rower and swimmer. Can you row on the lake?" - J.D., Michelago, NSW 24/2/2024

My response: Yes, rowing is allowed on Lake Ginninderra. The lake is used not only by swimmers but also by people using canoes, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, sailboats, and rowing boats.

If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below. I'm particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.

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