1 Day Canberra – Australia’s Capital City Icons By AAT Kings ( J11 )
Highlights
- Mt. Ainslie
- Australian War Memorial
- National Gallery of Australia
- Parliament House
Itinerary
En Route
You’re travelling to Canberra today — Australia’s capital city and home to a number of important landmarks and historic buildings. To ensure you get the most out of the day, your Driver Guide will provide expert commentary throughout the journey.
Mt. Ainslie
Before you get to Canberra you’ll have a morning break at Suttons Forest and then visit the summit of Mt. Ainslie in Canberra’s National Park. From here you can take in the view of this unique city and surrounding mountain ranges. A great spot to take a few photos.
Australian War Memorial
Your first stop in Canberra is the Australian War Memorial, where you’ll be greeted by a local guide to commence your tour. The memorial commemorates those who lost their lives in the wars of the Commonwealth of Australia. You’ll be deeply moved as you wander through the shrine and come to realise the enduring impact that war has had on our society. You may stay longer here if you would like to see more, but note, you will not visit the National Gallery of Australia. Your Driver Guide will return to collect you after the other guests have visited the Gallery.
Please note: Lunch can be purchased at cafes.
National Gallery of Australia
Visit the National Gallery of Australia with your local guide. Opened in 1982, it houses major works by Australian and international artists. Look out for Jackson Pollack’s Blue Poles, purchased amid much controversy in 1973 by the government for A$1,300,000. Please note at times this may alternate with a visit to the National Museum of Australia (subject to current exhibits).
Parliament House
Next you’ll take a guided tour of Australia’s Parliament House. Subject to sitting times, you may even get to witness the Houses of Parliament in session. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988, the building was designed to represent two boomerangs and boasts an 81 metre flagpole at its peak. During the tour you’ll visit many of its 4,700 rooms and learn more of its architecture, history, artwork and the Australian parliamentary democratic process.
The Lodge
After Parliament House you’ll take a look at the Prime Minister’s official residence, the Lodge. Built in the mid-1920s, the Lodge is a 40 room Georgian style mansion set on 18,000 square metres of majestic gardens. There’s many a story to be told of the Prime Ministers who have lived in the Lodge and your Driver Guide will share some of these stories with you along the way, as well as pointing out some of the foreign embassies.
National Library
You’ll also drive past the National Library, the origins of which go back to 1901, however the building that you see today was opened in 1968. Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, it is the largest reference library in Australia with up to 10V million materials on its bookshelves.
Lake Burley Griffin
As you drive around each of the key landmarks in Canberra you’ll see much of its centrepiece, the man-made Lake Burley Griffin. While many national institutions are located on its shores, the Lake and its beautiful parklands, walking tracks, cafes and restaurants, provide the ideal location for recreation.
Full Day Tour
Approximately 13.5 hours
Departs
Mon & Fri 7.15am, Sydney (pick-ups at selected hotels)
Returns
Sydney, 9.00pm approximately
Inclusions
- Admire views from Mt. Ainslie
- Reflect at Australian War Memorial
- Visit National Gallery of Australia OR National Museum of Australia
- Experience Parliament House
- View Lake Burley Griffin
- Marvel at the Carillon Bell Tower
- Experienced Driver Guides
- Comprehensive commentary
- Travel in an air-conditioned coach
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in the cooler months
Fitness requirement
Low level of fitness required.
Schedule
Times are approximate. Schedule may be rearranged on the day.
| 7.40am | Depart Sydney |
| 12.15pm | Mt. Ainslie Lookout |
| 12.45pm | Lunch |
| 1.30pm | Australian War Museum |
| 2.15pm | National Museum or National Gallery |
| 3.25pm | Parliament House |
| 6.05pm | Goulburn (meal break) |
| 9.00pm | Sydney |
