After so much wet weather, the sun came out for the National Capital Authority’s launch of the new look paddle boats on Lake Burley Griffin yesterday, 2 November. The iconic Canberra water vessels have been given a makeover, now sporting designs representing our region’s rich culture, history, and connection to country.
The refurbishment sees the paddle boats transformed into floating billboards for Canberra’s cultural institutions, offered on a first come, first served basis. The institutions were then able to design a skin that reflects who they are and what they bring to the table in Canberra.
Ten out twelve boats have been claimed by various institutions, while the remaining two feature designs by First Nations artists to represent Ngambri and Ngunnawal lands. They will be both launched with their own smoking ceremonies.
“It will become the thing to do and I think people will get their favourites. They will come down and they will say ‘I want to go in the National Museum boat or the National Capital one,” says Sally Barnes, Chief Executive of the National Capital Authority.
Ms Barnes said trying to pick a favourite was like choosing a favourite child – they are all so bright and welcoming – though she admits a fondness for the NCA’s design.
“I love the national triangle one not just because it is ours but because the triangle is where they all come together so it is that unifying one, and I would like to think the NCA is a bit of a unifying force in Canberra,” she said.
It is hoped the upgrades will not only invite people back out onto the lake as the weather warms up, but also encourage people through the doors of our cultural institutions that offer so much to the community.
Which one will you pick? Take the dog for the paddle on the National Library’s Great Book-Swapping Machine inspired design or ride a prism (or rainbow) of colour in the Questacon vessel. Discover the wonders of the lake in Visit Canberra’s “spotto” challenge, or experience the corals of the coastline with the National Museum.
While others were riding a wave of nostalgia from days spent paddle boating on the lake as a child, CW journalist Jessica Cordwell jumped aboard a paddle boat for the first time ever – the NFSA one to be exact. Adorned with the Archive’s kookaburra logo and striking colour palette which aims to evoke the movement and fluidity of sound and vision.
It is easy to understand why the boat hire operator suggests no shoes or ones you don’t mind getting wet, because lake water splashes its way into the footwell. Once aboard, one of the helpful staff pushes you into the open water, where you are met with the cool breeze of the lake. Cruise around central basin at your own speed, spot the icons around the shore, or race out to the Captain Cook Memorial Jet to see if you can out-paddle the spray.
CW quickly discovered that not only were the paddle boats slightly more legwork than expected, but they are also a great way to see Canberra in a new light.
Paddle Capital paddle boats are available for hire Saturdays and Sundays 9.30am-5.30pm, and seven days during school holidays, depending on the weather; capitalpaddle.com.au
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