When there’s so much a city has to offer, a tour is going to be the best way to see the best of the best, guided by locals who know their stuff. Canberra has a rich history, and we think getting some guidance in exploring it is only natural.
Canberra isn’t necessarily known for its food and wine culture, but it’s quite unique amongst capital city scenes in that it privileges the local community above all. Taking a tour of some of Canberra’s best wineries, breweries, distilleries, pubs and restaurants will take the pressure off planning, with the top spots already chosen for you. The Capital Triple Threat tour is popular, and available on Saturdays from Dave’s Tours. This tour takes you to visit a local brewery, winery and distillery within one afternoon, tasting locally crafted food and drink all the while. For something foodie focused, Eat Canberra Food Tours range from checking out up-and-coming dining precincts, to shopping local produce at the farmer’s market.
For Canberra’s staple landmarks, there is a hop-on, hop-off service by the Red Explorer Loop Bus, departing from Canberra Museum and Gallery at regular intervals. This is great when you don’t have a lot of time, but we’d always recommend a more in-depth tour of one of the major landmarks if you choose to visit. Favourites include the Flora Explorer tour at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, where you’ll tour their 4300 plant species from an open-air bus, or The Soul of the Nation experience at the Australian War Memorial, where you’ll join an expert guide on an intimate, small-group tour that illuminates stories of those celebrated at the site.
Although you’ve probably seen most of Canberra’s natural landscape, there are several tours that provide exclusive perspectives of some of the beautiful nature found around the city. You can experience Lake Burley Griffin and the Brindabella Ranges via helicopter or hot air balloon for sweeping views you can’t get anywhere else. Cultural tours also offer an experience of Canberra’s natural landscape from a new perspective. Dhawura Tours see Ngunawal Traditional Custodians guide you through significant local sites, interpretation of the landscape, bush foods and cultural artefacts, for a day out that disconnects from the bustle of city life, returns to nature and sees you learn something new.