Top Canberra Historical Tours

Explore beyond Sydney as you head to Australia’s capital, Canberra—without the hassle of planning or navigating—on this full-day tour. Learn how smart, future-focused design shaped Canberra into one of the world’s most modern and liveable cities. Take in sweeping views from Mount Ainslie, walk through Parliament House—an architectural landmark at the center of Australian democracy—and visit the Australian War Memorial for a powerful look at the nation’s history and commitment to peace. Enjoy lunch by the lake at the National Museum of Australia (own expense), then make the most of free time to explore the collections at your own pace.

Learn about a side of history that often gets overlooked when you join this women’s history walking tour with a local guide. Visit many well-known attractions–such as the National Archives, the High Court, and Old Parliament House–but listen to the lesser-known stories of the women behind Canberra, the Australian capital. Also visit a few sites you might otherwise miss, such as the Ladies Rose Garden.

Canberra: Power, Peace and Pathways isn’t a rush past monuments, it’s a thoughtful wander through the capital at its most human. This self-guided walk moves from iconic national institutions to quiet wetlands, from bold architecture to stories hidden underfoot. You’ll pass places where laws are debated, art lives outdoors, and history whispers instead of shouts. Expect powerful memorials, surprising detours, lakeside calm, and plenty of “wait, that happened here?” moments. Designed to be slow and reflective, this walk invites you to notice how power, memory, protest, and nature share the same ground. Canberra doesn’t demand attention, it earns it. Bring curiosity, comfy shoes, and a willingness to slow down.

Walk Canberra’s Culture, Power, and History on a route that’s calm, clever, and quietly iconic. Start on northbourne avenue canberra, head into braddon canberra, explore Lonsdale Street, bunda street canberra, and bunda street, then slip through tocumwal lane. Feel the buzz at Canberra City Centre and Civic Square, a true city on a hill moment. Discover stories at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, unwind at the australian national botanic gardens reviews favourite with gardens with sculptures vibes, pass Old Canberra House, enjoy a lake burley griffin walk around lake burley griffin canberra, continue along anzac parade through the anzac portal, and finish at the powerful australian war memorial—yes, the one from all those australian war memorial photos.

Go behind the scenes at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport), Australia’s premier elite sporting precinct and one of Canberra’s top attractions. Your guide takes you on a comprehensive 90-minute tour through the world-class facilities to see where Australia’s top athletes train. You can also test your own skills in the Sportex facility, an interactive sports zone with different physical tests for you to try.

Join this small group tour, max 20, and see the highlights of Australia’s capital city of Canberra. You’ll see the views from the top of Mount Ainslie, visit the NA Exhibition Center, visit the Parliament House, Australian War Museum and have the experience of seeing the Lost Post Ceremony. Your guide will take you from place to place and tell you all the history and significance of each stop.

This handy combo ticket makes visiting the National Museum of Australia both easier, and more enjoyable. Join an early afternoon guided highlights tour, where you'll learn more about the exhibits than you would touring alone. Admire the views over Lake Burley Griffin as you eat lunch and have a refreshing drink, and pick up an Aussie souvenir with a 10% discount gift shop voucher.

This full-day private tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through Canberra’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll start your day at Mount Ainslie Lookout, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Canberra’s national attractions, framed by picturesque mountain ranges. Next, you’ll visit the National Capital Exhibition to explore displays featuring the people, events, history, and design of this unique, modern, planned city. Afterward, you’ll head to Old Parliament House to learn about its rich history as the seat of Parliament from 1927 to 1988. You’ll then visit Parliament House to see where lawmakers gather to represent Australians and make decisions for the nation. Finally, you’ll visit the Australian War Memorial to pay your respects to those who have died or participated in wars involving Australia and learn about their sacrifices.

Make the most of your time in Canberra with a private two-hour walking tour. Instead of wandering aimlessly and not knowing what you’re looking at, your guide will take you to some of Canberra’s most historically and culturally significant spots, and tell you all about the city. Visit impressive, must-see institutions, including Parliament House, the National Library, and the National Gallery.

Explore Canberra’s historic and cultural highlights on this family-friendly private walking tour. Begin at the Australian War Memorial, a powerful tribute to the country’s military heritage, then stroll along Anzac Parade, lined with monuments honoring the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Take in serene views of Lake Burley Griffin, the city’s iconic water landmark. Continue to the National Gallery of Australia, home to an outstanding collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. As you walk through Canberra’s charming streets and green spaces, your guide will share captivating stories of the city’s architectural, cultural, and political history. Designed for families, this immersive experience combines education, fun, and discovery. Perfect for those who wish to experience Canberra’s heritage, architecture, and local culture while enjoying a memorable adventure with loved ones.

Experience the best of Canberra on this private full-day tour with a local guide. Start with panoramic views from Mount Ainslie Lookout, then explore the National Capital Exhibition to learn about the city’s design and cultural heritage. Visit the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House and immerse yourself in Australia’s political history. Continue to the iconic Australian Parliament House, a symbol of democracy and national culture, and admire its impressive architecture. End your tour at the Australian War Memorial, reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Australia’s military personnel. Throughout the day, enjoy seamless transportation, expert storytelling, and a deep dive into Canberra’s historical, architectural, and cultural highlights. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and first-time visitors seeking a heritage-rich experience.

Enhance your visit to the National Museum of Australia in Canberra with this small-group afternoon guided tour. Take a walk through the museum with one of its guides to learn more about the museum’s galleries and collections, including the stories behind them. The National Museum of Australia is a wheelchair-accessible venue.

Get to know Canberra on this app led Scavenger hunt, titled ART in Canberra, ACT. The program will give you a series of trivia and clues to solve while you explore some secret and unknown places in the city. You’ll learn about the culture and history of Canberra, and hopefully have a fantastic time doing it.

Canberra is a city with a lot of museums and cultural landmarks that showcase Australia’s history, but many parts of that history often get overlooked. Discover a fascinating side to the Australian capital’s past with a group walking tour that brings you into the history and tradecraft of espionage and covert operations, but specifically highlighting women’s stories of both sides of the fence, spying and being spied upon.