What to do in Canberra
Many Aussies regard Canberra as a boring
place, but you will find this is an undeserved reputation, there
are countless things to see and explore around Canberra;
Aboriginal Culture
After departing the city, this tour heads for
Namadgi National Park, passing through the southern suburbs
of Canberra and the village of Tharwa on the way to the Visitors
Centre for a brief stop. Continue into the park for a plesant
morning tea beside the Gudgenby River.
After morning tea, you will continue into the Namadgi National
Park to commence the walk to Yankee Hat. This is where you
will encounter mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, grazing and
at ease. As the group approaches Yankee Hat, you will see
ancient rockart and evidence of Aboriginal culture in the
area. Yankee Hat rock shelter was used by Ngunawal people
more than 700 years ago. More
info on this tour...
Annual events
Annual Canberra floriade, photo by Robyn
Floriade - Australia's Celebration
of Spring, is a 30-day floral extravaganza. The festival of
flowers and fun is complemented by entertainment and events
right throughout the nation's capital. Usually run end September/early
October.
Subaru Rally of Canberra -
annual rally event staged as a round of the FIA Asia Pacific
Rally Championship (APRC). The APRC attracts a world class
field of competitors and takes place throughout Asia and the
Pacific, usually held in April.
City tours
Parliament House
© Idol Moments
You can find your own way around Canberra
but the best way to get to know the place is on a tour with
a guide who has in-depth knowledge of the place;
This full day private tour will let you experience
the heritage and history of Australia's Capital city as well
as the flora and fauna of uniquely Australian wildlife. Combine
Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial with Koalas,
Kangaroos and Emus.
Optional Extra: In Depth Tour of Parliament House
This tour is suitable for people with a particular interest
in politics, architecture, art or landscape design. A specialist
guide will take you on an exclusive one to one tour of Parliament
House. Idol Moments will also try to fit into this tour, 'Question
Time', when Parliament is sitting (between 2pm and 3pm). This
is a unique and lively debate that brings all our members
of Parliament into the Senate or House of Representatives
Chambers. This tour requires you to list your contact details
as secutiry is strict.
Enjoy Canberra's finest fresh produce set in a light picnic
lunch. After lunch, your tour will depart the city and on
the outskirts of Canberra you will find National Parks, nature
reserves, rural properties and Canberra's Deep Space Centre.
At the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Australian birds and animals
can be seen in their natural surroundings, from water birds
to Koalas and kangaroos. More
info on this daytour...
Australian National Library
© Canberra Tourism Events Corp
Shorter tours;
Canberra in two hours; If you are visiting
Canberra for a short time and would like to learn about the
history that lies within Canberra and its sights, this tour
will fit into your busy schedule. Idol Moments will guide
you around the city sights, the Parliamentry Triangle and
the unique embassy area, within two hours. You can also choose
to take the tour during the day or the evening, the choice
is yours, more
info on this tour...
Half day lookouts tour; visit the four major
lookouts in Canberra. Gain views over this well planned city,
including views of man-made Lake Burley Griffin and the impressive
Parliament House. This tour will help orientate you with Australia's
capitol and delight you with stunning views over this dynamic
city, more
info on this tour...
Half day wildlife tour; Wander amongst wallabies
and wombats on this half day small group tour to the Tidbinbilla
Nature Reserve. This is a nature photographer's dream. See
native birds and wildlife in their natural surroundings. Hear
the sounds of the Australian bush as you discover the nature
trails. Nestled in the mountains surrounding Canberra, more
info on this tour....
Australian Institute of Sports
Australia has competed in every Olympics held
since 1896. The best performance in the Olympics was when
they were held at home in Melbourne in 1956 where our athletes
managed to stop a total of 35 medals, including 13 gold ones,
from leaving the country. In contrast 20 years later in Montreal
they were pathetic winning only one silver medal and no gold
what so ever. This prompted the government to start an Institute
of Sport to better prepare our athletes for this sort of event
and it worked as the Aussies dragged twelve medals away from
the next 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and at the Sydney 2000
Olympics the Aussie athletes managed to keep 16 gold medals
in the country.
Now you can visit this institute where an elite athlete will escort you on a guided tour.
Test your sporting skills with the various interactive displays
and take time to browse through the AIS shop.
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Situated off Clunies Ross Street (near the Telstra Tower
turn off), 2.4 kms from the city centre. In these gardens
you will find a collection of over 6000 species of Australian
native plants from the rainforest, the desert, the mountains
and more in a series of specially created environments. 1-1½
hour tours can be booked for groups. Hudsons in the Gardens'
cafe is set among the lawns and duck ponds. Open daily 9am
- 5pm (8pm during summer). Call the Visitor Centre on 6250
9540 for more information on the Summer Concerts. More info
on their website.
Australian War Memorial
Canberra's War Memorial
Australia has never been invaded in its just over two centuries existence
but it has sent its soldiers overseas on numerous occasions. In the
first and second world wars to Europe, to Korea, and to Vietnam. This
memorial is to honour the scores of soldiers that have died in those
situations. More recently Australia has also sent soldiers to Timor,
the Solomon Islands and Iraq but these were fairly smooth operations
with minimal casualties. Located at the head of Anzac Parade, the memorial
contains galleries displaying relics, documents, photographs and art.
The Hall of Memory, where the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier
is located, is the centre of the formal commemorative area. You can
enjoy some lunch at The Outpost, the Australian War Memorial Kiosk,
on the lawns outside the memorial.
Ghost tour
Canberra
ghost tour |
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This is the history they don't put in
the guide books, this is a tour that shines a spotlight
into the hidden underbelly of the nation's capital. A
unique, one and a half hour experience visiting sites
of crimes, hauntings and murder in Australia's national
capital. Visit the darker side of Canberra's past. Hear
Tales Of:
The Canberra funeral parlor that was once a hot bed of
espionage activity
A poltergeist that regularly wreaks havoc in the War Memorial
Which Canberra church used to be a train station at Sydney's
Rookwood Necropolis (City of the Dead)?
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An Australian Prime Minister who haunts a popular Canberra
hotel
Why some security guards refuse to work at Old Parliament
House
The truth behind tunnels linking the Lodge and Parliament
House
AUD$10,000 piece of art buried deep beneath Commonwealth
Park
The diplomat who was turned into a pin cushion by blood
thirsty murderers
The hidden cave in Canberra's CBD
Missing coffins in Lake Burley Griffin
The embassy plagued by screams from the past
An old homestead that makes people's noses bleed
The hidden treasure yet to be discovered in Yarraluml…
plus much, much more…
Under the cover of darkness, tour participants will be
transported (vertically) around Canberra's locations of
mystery and intrigue in Elvira, the world's most haunted
hearse, a beautiful black 1967 air conditioned Cadillac!
So come and join us on Canberra's most unusual tour, and
your first ride in a hearse won't be your last! Wearing
of fancy dress or just plain black is encouraged!
More
info on this tour....
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Go bush!
Australia's Fauna - Emu
© Rachel C
Interested in a tour that combines Australia's Native flora
and fauna, with Aboriginal rock art? Then look no further,
as this is the tour for you. This tour will visit Tidbinbilla
Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park, allowing you to
encounter Australia's native wildlife which may include Platypus,
Kangaroos, Wallaroos, Wallabies, Emus, native birds, Water-fowl,
Lyrebirds, Echidnas and Wombats. More
info on this tour....
Visit the tranquil Japanese Garden at Cowra
© Go Bush Tours
Or head further out of the city on this tour
which includes a leisurely day of touring to enjoy the delights
of Cowra which is situated on the Lachlan River. Visit the
Japanese Gardens and Cultural centre, the World Peace Bell
and the site of the Cowra P.O.W breakout. This tour allows
you to enjoy the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of this bustling
town and learn the history of Cowra's involvement in WWII.
More
info on this tour....
Lake Walter Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin with Parliament House across the water.
In 1964, the Molonglo River was dammed to form
Lake Burley Griffin, the lake is named after the American architect
that designed the layout of Canberra. It will take you about an
hour to walk around this lake and you will find on the north side
of the lake the National Capital Exhibition Centre which has many
of Burley Griffin's original plans on display, together with a
model of the city as it is today - great to get your bearings.
Musea and galleries
Canberra's Oldest House and Building
© Idol Moments
If galleries and museums are your scene, then
this is the tour for you. This private tour will take you
to a selection of exclusive Australian contemporary galleries
and to view Indigenous collections at the National Gallery
of Australia or the National Museum of Australia. Take your
pick, the choice is yours!
More info on this tour...
National Dinosaur Museum
You'll find this place on the corner of Gold
Creek Road & Barton Highway. This is the largest privately
owned collection of dinosaur material in the world and takes
you on an exciting journey into pre-history. There are full
size replica skeletons, dinosaur bones and skulls, including
the Muttaburrasaurus, the fair dinkum Aussie dinosaur. The
mueseum is opened daily 10am-5pm. Group tours can be booked
on 1800 356 000 or 02 6230 2655 or see their website
for more info.
National Gallery of Australia
You will find this gallery at Parkes Place,
3.1 kms from the city centre, open daily 10am-5pm. Admission
to the permanent collection is free. As well as housing the
national art collection of more than 100,000 works, the National
Gallery of Australia is home to an ever-changing series of
exhibitions.Half hour tours are conducted by voluntary guides
in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Ring 02 6240 6519 for
groupbookings or for more info on their website.
National Museum of Australia
Situated on Acton Peninsula, 5 kms from the
city centre,and opened 9am-5pm daily, the National Museum
of Australia uses the latest technology and interactive exhibitions.
General admission is free. Fees apply to guided tours (book
on 02 6208 5000 or 1800 026 132) and special exhibitions.
More info on their website.
National Zoo and Aquarium
Well worth a visit. Located at Scrivener Dam,
Lady Denman Drive, 6.6 kms from the city centre. Set in seven
hectares of landscaped bush, the park offers lots of amazing
animals, freshwater tanks with a Riverland walk-through tunnel,
BBQ sites, a coffee shop and free parking. Opened daily 9am-5pm.
Group tours of 3.5 hours can be booked on 02 6287 8400 or
see their website
for more info.
Nolan Gallery
Constable Fitzpatrick with Kate Kelly 1946
Buy this picture and others at Picturestore.com.au
You'll find the Nolan Gallery on Tharwa Drive,
next to Lanyon Homestead, in the grounds of historic Lanyon
Homestead on the Murrumbidgee River, 30km south of Canberra.
It houses a collection of paintings by Sir Sidney Nolan from
the 1940s and 1950s including some of his famous Ned Kelly
images and works on other Australian themes. There is also
a regular changing program of 20th century Australian art,
including contemporary work. Opening hours are Tues-Sun 10am-4pm
summer hours 10am-5pm. You can arrange guided tours on 02
6235 5688 or see their website
for more info
Sidney Nolan was born in Melbourne on 22 April
1917. He studied intermittently at the National Gallery Art
School, Melbourne, from 1934, and engraving and lithography
under S.W.Hayter at the Atelier 17, Paris in 1957.
During the Second World War, Nolan was conscripted into the
army and served at Dimboola in the Wimmera District of Victoria
1942-1945. In 1946 he began a series of paintings on the theme
of the bush ranger Ned Kelly, and later painted personal interpretations
of historical and legendary figures such as Eliza Fraser and
Burke and Wills, in which he expressed the feeling of the
country and the timelessness of the myths. Nolan also painted
a series of works portraying Central Australia.
From 1950 Nolan lived mainly in Britain and became Australia's
most internationally celebrated painter. He also designed
sets for ballet and opera and provided illustrations for books.
He died in London on 28 November 1992, aged 75.
Old Parliament Huse
Canberra’s original Parliament House,
opened in 1927 when the Federal Parliament moved from Melbourne
to the new national capital. Don’t miss the intriguing
sound and light presentation "Order! Order!" and
the National Portrait Gallery.
Parliament House
Parliament House in Canberra, home of the Australian government
Learn about Australia’s Parliament on a free
guided tour, departing every 30 minutes, a large percentage of
the building is open to the public between 9am and 5pm, and is
well worth the visit.
For more info (and things they may not tell you on this tour)
see our politicians page.
Or see our laws page to see some of
the results of the activities in this building.
Royal Australian Mint
Located in Denison Street, Deakin, 6.5 kms from the city
centre and opened Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat, Sun & public hols 10am-4pm.
Here you can see the Aussie money being made, displays of coins dating
back to the First Fleet and a coin shop where you can browse among a
wide range of collector coins and medallions. You can also mint your
own "C" mint marked $1 coin during your visit or have some
lunch at the Royal Australian Mint Cafeteria. Book guided group tours
on 1300 652 020 or for more info see their website.
Skiing and snow fun
Snowboarding
and skiing at Thredbo |
At Thredbo there is something for
everybody. From Friday Flats beginner runs through to
steep tree runs, board park and half-pipe. Thredbo also
guarantees snow, as it has the largest snow making facilities
in the southern hemisphere and boasts the highest lifted
point in Australia. The combination of long runs and lots
of vertical terrain, means less time traversing and more
time ripping up the slopes.
There are also plenty of challenging off piste runs filled
with natural hits and powder filled chutes. The more advanced
boarders will enjoy the 110 metre long half-pipe, in Thredbo's
extreme board park. So join us as we head to Thredbo for
the all round snow experience!
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Perisher Blue
Tear up the powder on the slopes of Perisher Blue. The
year 2005 marks Perisher's 10th birthday, so this year's
snow season looks to be action packed with plenty to do
in the village and on the slopes. Perisher Blue offers
an amazing natural experience surrounded by great Australian
scenery. Enjoy the largest skiable area in the southern
hemisphere, for all levels of skiing and boarding, from
beginner to the radical, thrill seeking skier or snowboarder.
More
info on a 3 day 3 night package....
More
info on a 6day 6 night package....
More info on a 2 day 2 night package.... |
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Snowy Mountains
Pondage at Khancoban
© Go Bush Tours
Many Australian's visit the Snowy Mountains
Region in Winter for the obvious reason of skiing down steep
slopes in the snow. However, this two day tour will give you
to opportunity to see the beauty that summer brings upon this
area, with the alpine flowers in bloom and the rivers flowing
with water, come and experience the magic of this region.
More
info on this tour...
Telstra Tower
Telstra Tower on the left, sitting high up Black Mountain.
In the foreground the Governor General's residence.
Sitting high up Black Mountain this tower provides
spectacular 360 degree views of Canberra and the surrounding
countryside. You can visit the exhibition room, snack bar,
coffee shop or revolving restaurant. itself.
Tidbinbilla
To see animals in the wild you don't have to
go too far from Canberra. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve on Paddys
River Road is a short and scenic drive south of Canberra.
Here kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and emus run wild. There
are a number of sightseeing tours available and in the summer
months there are spotlight tours after dark. Entry to Tidbinbilla
Nature Reserve is free and the reserve is opened 9am - 8pm
in summer and the visitor centre: Mon-Fri 9am - 4.30pm weekdays,
9am - 5.30pm weekends and public holidays. For more info phone
02 6205 1233 or see their website.
Wine tasting
Australian wines are becoming increasingly famous
and are produced all over the country, and Canberra is no
exception. You can visit the Kamberra Wine Tourism Complex,
Australia's newest urban winery and the centre of the region's
wine industry. Facilities include the Cellar Door, the Meeting
Place Bistro, the Federation Centre (VIP function rooms),
a Demonstration Winery and an amphitheatre.
Canberra's Vineyards
© Canberra Tourism Events Corp
Or combine your sighseeing with wine
tasting on this tour!
Begin this tour by driving through the unique
embassy area to one of the oldest gardens in Canberra. This
former farming property is now a city dwelling, with a garden
that hints to how life may have once been, over 150 years
ago. This tour will take you to the tranquil shores of Lake
Burley Griffin, a favorite spot for picnics and enjoying the
outdoors.
Other tour highlights include a walk through the sculptured
gardens of Parliamentary Triangle, a guided tour of Parilament
House, home of the Australian Federal Government and a visit
to the Australian War Memorial.
Following the Heart of the Nation tour, you will be whisked
away to a nearby grazing property that has diversified into
wine growing and curing meats (including Kangaroo and Emu)
and vegetables. Their award winning gourmet foods and wine,
services the top hotels and restaurants in Australia and their
rustic Smokehouse Kitchen, will provide you with mouth-watering
temptations and a most stunning lunch.
The Murrumbidgee River corridor produces some of Australia's best wines
and this tour will give you the opportunity to meet the wine-maker at
another nearby vineyard, before returning back to your hotel in Canberra.
More
info on this tour...
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