The story of this place
Mount Ainslie Lookout provides the most iconic panoramic view of Canberra, revealing Walter Burley Griffin's planned city design aligned on a single land axis. From the lookout, the Australian War Memorial is in the immediate foreground, Lake Burley Griffin stretches to the south, and Parliament House sits at the terminus of the axis — all aligned along Anzac Parade. Sunrise illuminates Parliament House from behind the photographer, while sunset silhouettes the city skyline. The view is particularly striking at blue hour when city lights reflect in the lake. The summit is accessible by a short 2-kilometre walk from the base or by car via Mount Ainslie Drive.