National Carillon | Canberra

Information

Landmark: National Carillon
City: Canberra
Country: Australia
Continent: Australia

National Carillon, Canberra, Australia, Australia

The National Carillon is a bell tower located on Aspen Island in Canberra, Australia's capital city.

It houses 53 bronze bells, cast in London, and is a prominent feature of the Canberra city plan.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a tall, slender tower constructed from steel and concrete, reaching a height of 76 meters. It features a distinctive open-lattice design, allowing visibility through the tower. The bells are housed within the upper section. The tower is painted white.

Location & Access Logistics

The National Carillon is situated on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin, approximately 2.5 kilometers east of the Canberra CBD. Access is via a pedestrian bridge from the mainland. Limited parking is available on the mainland near the bridge. Public transport options include ACTION bus routes that stop near the National Gallery of Australia, a short walk from the bridge.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The National Carillon was a gift from the British government to Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Canberra. Construction began in 1969 and it was officially opened in 1970. The carillon was designed by architect Richard Johnson.

Key Highlights & Activities

Carillon recitals are performed daily. Visitors can attend these free performances. The tower itself is not open for public ascent.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the mainland near the pedestrian bridge. Shade is limited around the immediate vicinity of the carillon on Aspen Island. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located on Aspen Island; options are available in the nearby Parliamentary Triangle.

Best Time to Visit

Carillon recitals are scheduled daily at 12:45 PM and 1:15 PM on weekdays, and at 2:45 PM and 5:45 PM on weekends and public holidays. Lighting for photography is generally good throughout the day, with softer light in the early morning and late afternoon.

Facts & Legends

The carillon's 53 bells range in weight from 6.5 kilograms to over 6 tonnes. The largest bell, the bourdon, weighs 6,400 kilograms. The carillon is played from a keyboard located in a room at the base of the tower.