Artist's impression of Ngamawari.
We are building a more connected and lively lakefront at Acton.
This will create a new lakeside destination for the Canberra community and tourists to use and enjoy. It will showcase Lake Burley Griffin as the centrepiece that makes Canberra a beautiful place to visit and live.
The completion of the new boardwalk in 2022 marked both the new lake edge and commencement of the next phase of the project, a new public park called Ngamawari.
The lakeside park is being delivered in two phases with the first phase of construction completed in May 2025. The second phase will begin in early 2026 and realise the vision for the permanent park.
Ngunnawal community representatives have named the future public park at Acton Waterfront ‘Ngamawari’ (pronounced nar-mar-wa-ree).
The name – which means ‘cave place’ in Ngunnawal language - recognises the cultural importance of the limestone caves flooded during the creation of Lake Burley Griffin.
These landmarks played an important role for shelter and art along the Molonglo River.
Ngamawari will also feature design input from Ngunnawal creatives to further share First Nations culture and history with locals and visitors. This will include the creation of Ngunnawal artwork opportunities throughout the site.
Read our article on the naming of Ngamawari, or view the transcript of a speech delivered by Ngunnawal Elder Dr Caroline Hughes AM.
Download the Ngamawari sketch plan design report for more information on the park.
The lakeside park will be delivered in two phases, with the first phase of constructing an interim park of grassed areas and temporary lighting, as well as key infrastructure like stormwater and additional infill, completed in May 2025.
This phase delivered an interim park with grassed areas and temporary lighting, as well as key infrastructure like stormwater and additional infill.
Construction of the permanent park will begin in early 2026. Complex Co has been appointed to deliver the pork, that will include an adventure playground, artworks, extensive native gardens, toilets, two pavilions, and event spaces when complete.
Over the coming decade, a city neighbourhood connecting the city centre to the lake will be delivered immediately adjacent to Ngamawari.
This will be located on the area behind the park and feature a proposed mix of shops, businesses, cafes, recreational activities, and accommodation.
Planning and consultation for the proposed Acton Waterfront neighbourhood commenced in October 2022, with on a concept masterplan developed in 2023.
The creation of an estate development plan is currently underway.
Funding: $36 million
Completed: November 2022
Work to extend the Acton Waterfront boardwalk by 550 metres and infill approximately 30,000 square metres of Lake Burley Griffin was completed in 2022.
It involved laying 104 piles to form the boardwalk foundations, demolishing old assets such as the former jetty and boat shed sites, managing underground services and completion of a temporary toilet facility to replace existing amenities. Consistent with the National Capital Plan, this work paved the way for the next stage of the Acton Waterfront project – a new world-class park.
Henry Rolland Park and the first 150 metres of Acton Waterfront boardwalk were delivered in 2018.
This first stage of the Acton Waterfront project marked the beginning of our transformation of asphalt car parks into high-quality public spaces by the lake. The park features an outdoor gym, seating and tables, public BBQs, shade structures and green space.
Find out more about the projects on the City Renewal Authority website or on YourSay Conversations.
Active contracts for the development on the Acton Waterfront include:
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.