The MV Southern Cross Government House Tours is one of Canberra’s most recommended tours. Photo: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Want to explore the capital of Australia? If so, there’s no better way than by taking a tour. Whether you’re a resident, an interstate visitor or overseas visitor, a well-run tour by a knowledgeable guide will make sure you hit the highlights. Tour guides can also introduce you to things you might never discover on your own.
Canberra offers a wide range of tours, including individual tours, group tours and specialised tours. Visit iconic national institutions, for example. You can also explore the bush capital, take a walking tour, visit Canberra’s many cultural institutions or indulge in the capital’s food and drink scene.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a tour, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great tour?
A great tour guide will take the stress away by organising all the details. All you do is show up and enjoy.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a tour.
- Variety. Most tour operators offer a range of tours for many types of interests. Check online to learn about general and specialised tours you might like. You can also ask about personalised tours.
- Size. You won’t want to get stuck on a tour with so many visitors you can’t hear your tour guide or see what you want to see. Ask about the maximum number of visitors on the tour before booking.
- Professional. Great tour guides are friendly, professional and experienced. The quality of your guide can make or break your tour experience so check qualifications and experience online. You can also check online reviews.
- Organised. Tour operators who take care of all the details are worth their weight in gold. You’ll want matters to be straightforward and simple.
- Personality. The best tour operators are passionate about what they do and make tours entertaining and informative. They’re also knowledgeable about sites on your tour, adding to your experience.
The best tours in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery’s unique collection celebrates Australian identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity through portraiture.
Diverse and informative tours are regularly operated by the Gallery. This includes tours for self-guided groups, booked tours run by gallery educators, and professional, group and professional development tours for teachers and educators. Live and interactive video tours are also available.
Self-guided group tours are designed for 10 or more friends or connections.
Booked guided tours typically run for 30 minutes and cover the National Portrait Gallery’s collection and temporary exhibitions. These tours are ideal for events or conferences.
Professional development programs can be tailored for community groups, educators and corporate teams. These educational programs suit educators, corporate teams and community groups wanting an outing or professional development opportunity with a difference.
‘Live Online’ enables participants to enjoy the Gallery’s collection from the comfort of a home or office. These free, interactive, virtual collection tools examine portraits in-depth.
The National Portrait Gallery is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except for Christmas Day. Bookings for tours are essential.
Pippa Smith wrote on Google, “There are numerous exhibitions in this massive building to suit almost all interests and tastes and one could easily spend hours here.”
National Dinosaur Museum
The National Dinosaur Museum is one of Canberra’s premier attractions. Discover one of the biggest permanent collections of interactive dinosaurs in Australia and get up close to skeletons and fossils. This world-class facility has diverse and exciting exhibits, outdoor displays and a Dinosaur Garden.
Educational and entertainment activities include a Junior Paleo Tour, Dinosaurs at Night Tour, dinosaur birthday parties and school group tours.
The National Dinosaur Museum is not just about dinosaurs. Exhibitions cover the history of life on this planet with fossils from 700-million-year-old marine fauna through to fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The museum’s shop with one of the large collection of crystals, minerals, fossils and gemstones in Australia. Also, a massive range of prehistoric and dinosaur-themed gifts.
Elena Lagunkova wrote on Google, “Great place for dinosaurs fans of any age. Nice collection of fossils with good information. Massive moving figures … incredible playground with dinosaurs.”
MV Southern Cross - Government House Cruises
MV Southern Cross – Government House Cruises is a truly unique experience to one of Australia’s most iconic locations. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Burley Griffin on a cruise to the historic Governor-General’s residence. Ticket price includes an exclusive, one-hour walking tour of the residence’s picturesque surroundings. Hosts will educate and enthral.
Tea and coffee available for purchase while on board. Fully licensed bar also available. For an additional amount, add an afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, pastries, slices or cakes and a glass of sparkling.
Children under 5 are free. MV Southern Cross – Government House Cruises departs from the Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla. Runs every Thursday from March to November. Bookings essential because of the exclusiveness of the garden tour.
Satesh Chand wrote on Google, “Loved being on this cruise for my wife's birthday. The captain and crew were welcoming, the food fabulous, and the service simply superb.”
Eat Canberra Food Tours
Eat Canberra Food Tours will take you on a foodie adventure and show you hot spots and hidden gems around town. These walking food tours include all food and drink at each venue that you visit and can be organised for all occasions including hens’ nights, Christmas and birthday parties, corporate events and more.
As Nella Powell writes in this Facebook review, “A really great afternoon chatting, sampling, tasting, learning, walking, laughing. So much information shared about food, sites and other restaurants of interest. (…) Locals and visitors will enjoy this foodie treat. Do it!”
Tim the Yowie Man Tours
If it’s the weird and the spooky you’re after, Tim the Yowie Man has you covered. Tim has carved a curious career for himself as a mystery investigator and crypto-naturalist and has dedicated the past fifteen years to travelling the length and breadth of Australia in search of haunted and unexplained happenings. With a wide range of Canberra-based tours, from the Old ANU by Torchlight tour or the Top Secret Tour of Old Parliament House, among many others all filled with spooky ghost tours and hidden histories, Tim the Yowie Man is here to show you a darker side of Canberra.
Facebook user Debbie Crane writes, “Every tour we have been on with Tim have been fun, engaging, interesting, educational, scary... absolutely enjoyable. Tim is awesome.”
Mulga Bicycle Tours
Safe and stress-free, Mulga Bicycle Tours offers fully supported cycling tours. This includes inspired and invigorating tours of Canberra’s history, culture and natural beauty. Jump in the saddle for a private guided bike tour, Capital Highlights Tour, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Tour, Capital Twilight Tour or tailored tours for up to 10. All cycling abilities welcome.
As Dee Cross wrote on Google, “I enjoyed the Mulga Floriade, Canberra and Nearby NSW Tour immensely. Highlights were many …”
Canberra Secrets Personalised Tours
Canberra Secrets Personalised Tours is a boutique tour business. It’s owned and operated by best-selling author Marg Wade. Marg provides a unique, high-quality, tailored tour experience of Canberra and surrounding region. Her tours expose the gems and secrets within the capital’s national icons and its lesser-known or hidden attractions.
Tours tap into the Canberra region’s very latest happenings and are a fabulous way to explore the capital’s cultural heart, heritage, natural wonders, and food and wine.
Marg is exceptionally knowledgeable about all things Canberra, having researched and written “Canberra Secrets”, now in its third edition. Marg has sold more than 11,000 copies of the book which promotes quirky and fun “behind-the-scenes” secrets of the nation’s capital.
On Google, Frank Douglas wrote, “Great professional tour guide for Canberra! I had a limited amount of time and three places I wanted to visit—Parliament, National War Memorial and National Art Gallery. Marg masterfully organized our plan so we could arrive at each site at the optimal time.”
Classic Capital Golf Tours
Whether you’re a beginner or a golfing pro, or you’re stumped for a gift idea for the golfing nut in your life, Classic Capital Golf Tours has you covered. This chauffeur driven day of championship golf, gourmet food and wine – all within 30 minutes of the CBD – takes away the worry of trying to organise a golfing day yourself and shows you how great Canberra golf courses can be.
David Cohen recently went on one of these tours, and left the following Google review, “I highly recommend Warren, at Classic Capital Golf Tours. (…) Warren was great at providing a multi-faceted experience, involving golf, meals, transport and training. (…) Thanks Warren, I really enjoyed the latest tour that you put together for me! DC.”
If you’re looking for information on tours around Canberra and where to eat and drink in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best wine tours, best day trips, best fine dining, and the best gift experiences Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with tours in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the tours listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when choosing a tour?
You’ll want a tour operator who provides quality, friendly and professional service. Choose one who handles all the details so you can just kick back and relax. Don’t forget to check online reviews.
What types of services can I expect from a tour?
Many types of tours are available. Some are general and some customised. Some tours deliver an end-to-end experience. This includes itinerary planning. It also includes effective communication before, during and after the tour. Many tour operators offer pick up and return, as well as all travel and guiding services.
How much do tours cost?
Some tours are free and others charge. Paying that bit extra might give you the best experience possible, while free tours may give you just the basics. The cost varies on many factors such as type of tour, location and length. Other factors influencing cost include the number of people on the tour and extras included (like meals). It’s best to check online for details or call the tour operator to talk about costs.
What’s the ideal size of a tour?
It’s important to think about the number of people on your tour. Smaller tours are great because you can always hear your tour guide and can enjoy a more personalised experience. With smaller groups, everyone gets a chance to ask questions too.
How long are tours?
The length of a tour depends on factors like the type of tour and location. Some are short and sharp while others much longer. Some last an hour and others are half day or even all day.
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