October 17 will mark 60 years since prime minister Robert Menzies braved particularly windy conditions at Regatta Point to "inaugurate" Lake Burley Griffin. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Over the next month there are many festivities planned to celebrate our beloved lake's diamond jubilee, including Float Your Boat , a colourful regatta on October 20, and Lake Life, a knock-out new exhibition at the National Capital Authority Visitor Centre.
Heck, there's even a sunset season of "stories from the depths" cruises to be hosted by a certain akubra-clad columnist. In his speech, Menzies poignantly stated "but it's what is around the sheet of water that helps beset the beauty of the lake". And he's right.
This includes the lake's six islands including the three named islands of Spinnaker, Queen Elizabeth II (formerly Aspen, and home to the carillon), and the biggest of all - Springbank. While some of us have paddled around the 3.64-hectare isle and others have flown over it in a hot-air balloon, most Canberrans have never set foot on Springbank, let alone are aware of its special place in our city's history.
An aerial view of Springbank Island with Glenloch Interchange in the background. Can you guess what year? Pictu.