Canberra Tours

Discover Canberra by Bus.

Tours & Experiences

Canberra
Canberra Day Trip from Sydney
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(0 reviews)
Sightseeing
From$199.00
12 hours 30 minutes
Canberra
Canberra Highlights Tour
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(0 reviews)
Sightseeing
From$189.00
Canberra
Canberra Snow Play Package-Corin Forest
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(0 reviews)
Snow Tour
From$89.00
Murrumbateman
Canberra To Murrumbateman Wineries Full-Day Tour
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(0 reviews)
Wine Tour
From$259.00
9 Hours
Canberra
Canberra Wildlife: Kangaroos and Koala Experience Tour
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(0 reviews)
Sightseeing Wildlife
From$135.00
4 Hours
Canberra
Canberra: Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch
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(0 reviews)
Wine Tour
From$225.00
8 Hours
Canberra
Explore Canberra Day Tour from Sydney
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Historical Sightseeing
From$189.00
12 Hours
Canberra
Floriade Sydney to Canberra Tour
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Nature Sightseeing
From$1,184.00
3 Days

About Canberra

Canberra is Australia's capital city and a fascinating example of planned urban design, uniquely positioned as the nation's political and cultural heart. Established in 1913 as a purpose-built capital to resolve the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra sits in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), nestled between rolling hills and bushland about 300 kilometers southwest of Sydney.

The city was designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, whose vision created a garden city with wide boulevards, abundant parkland, and geometric patterns centered around the man-made Lake Burley Griffin. This deliberate planning gives Canberra a distinctive character quite different from Australia's other major cities - it's spacious, green, and remarkably well-organized.

As the seat of federal government, Canberra houses Parliament House (the iconic building with the flagpole visible from across the city), the High Court, and numerous government departments. But it's far more than just a political center. The city is home to world-class cultural institutions including the National Gallery of Australia, Australian War Memorial, National Museum of Australia, and the striking National Portrait Gallery.

With a population of around 460,000, Canberra has evolved from a "bush capital" into a sophisticated city known for its educated workforce, excellent restaurants, nearby wineries, and outdoor lifestyle. The surrounding region offers everything from snow skiing in winter to hiking in Namadgi National Park, while the city itself boasts beautiful autumn colors, spring floriade flower festival, and a surprisingly vibrant arts and food scene.

Despite jokes about it being boring or artificial, modern Canberra has developed its own distinct personality - a blend of political gravitas, cultural richness, and natural beauty that makes it uniquely Australian.

What to see in Canberra

Political & Historical Sites Parliament House is the crown jewel – take a free tour to see the chambers, Great Hall, and enjoy panoramic views from the roof. The Australian War Memorial combines a moving museum with the national shrine, featuring extensive WWI and WWII exhibitions. Old Parliament House offers insights into Australia’s political history and houses the Museum of Australian Democracy.

World-Class Museums & Galleries The National Gallery of Australia showcases everything from Indigenous art to international masters, including the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the world. The National Museum of Australia tells the nation’s story through innovative interactive displays. The National Portrait Gallery features compelling exhibitions of notable Australians throughout history.

Iconic Canberra Experiences Lake Burley Griffin forms the city’s centerpiece – walk or cycle around it, take a cruise, or visit the Captain Cook Memorial Jet. The Australian National Botanic Gardens showcase native plants from across the continent with excellent walking trails. Climb Mount Ainslie or Red Hill for spectacular city views, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Seasonal Highlights Visit during Floriade (September-October) when Commonwealth Park explodes with over one million flowers in spring. Autumn (March-May) offers stunning foliage around the lake and in the city’s many parks.

Beyond the City Center The National Zoo & Aquarium combines both experiences in one location. Take a day trip to nearby wineries in the cool-climate wine region, or explore Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve for native wildlife and bushwalking.

Unique Canberra Don’t miss the quirky National Carillon with its 55 bells, Questacon science center for hands-on fun, and the impressive Australian Institute of Sport for sports enthusiasts.

Most major attractions are free, making Canberra surprisingly budget-friendly for sightseeing.

Canberra Bus Services

Tourist-Specific Services

Explorer Loop Bus (Hop-On Hop-Off) The Explorer Loop Bus visits major attractions including the Australian War Memorial, Anzac Parade Memorials, Lake Burley Griffin, National Library, Questacon, National Gallery of Australia, High Court, National Portrait Gallery, Old and New Parliament Houses, and the National Museum. The bus departs from Canberra Museum & Gallery (CMAG) at 176 London Circuit in the City Centre at 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm. You can do a one-hour orientation loop or hop on and off all day.

Regular Public Transport

MyWay+ System Transport Canberra uses the MyWay+ ticketing system with several payment options including Mastercard or Visa contactless payment, MyWay+ cards, or in-app QR codes. For tourists, the easiest option is simply tapping your credit/debit card or using your phone’s digital wallet.

Fares & Benefits All fares include a free 90-minute transfer period, allowing you to connect to different bus or light rail services for free within 90 minutes. Everyone can travel for free on all bus and light rail services every Friday, making it an excellent day for sightseeing!

Airport Connection Route 3 buses travel from Canberra Airport to City Interchange in downtown Canberra approximately every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends.

Light Rail Light rail takes only 24 minutes from the city to Gungahlin, with stops in Dickson and Mitchell.

Use the Journey Planner tool at transport.act.gov.au or download the MyWay+ app to plan your trips and access real-time information!