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Tim leading a tour with a flashlight in hand

Step off the beaten track with these unique tours of Canberra

Updated 12 Aug 2024

Fancy exploring a new side of Canberra?

Discover the unknown on a ghost tour of Canberra’s heritage buildings, relax and uncover local flavours on a winery tour, immerse yourself in the capitals landscape on a photography tour, or learn new skills with a tour that starts with axe throwing.

The ultimate destination for anyone looking to take the path less travelled and explore the unique perspectives the nation’s capital has to offer, Canberra boasts an array of delicious, eye-opening, fun-inducing and mystery-provoking tours.

Whether you are looking to unwind and soak up the ambience or explore the more eerie side of the city, you are certain to uncover many unforgettable experiences that you will cherish for a long time to come. Bursting with rich culture, breathtaking vistas and delightful flavours, you might just be surprised. 

Canberra. There’s more than they’re telling us.

Explore Canberra's most haunted venues

Named after the mysterious creature he is rumoured to have spotted in the mountains, Tim the Yowie Man has dedicated the last fifteen years to investigating strange phenomena and paranormal activity in Australia.

Join this cryptonaturalist on an evening tour uncovering the spooky and unexpected stories behind some of Canberra’s cultural attractions and historical sites, including theMuseum of Australian Democracy, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, the Australian National University, and Lanyon Homestead.

A bottle of Big River Distillery Gin and a cocktail served on a table.

Eat and drink your way through the region

The best things come in threes and this adventure into the capital’s favourite flavours is no exception. Indulge in wine, gin, and chocolate with the Vin & Gin Tour - highlighting some of Canberra's finest tipples along the way.

Visit three local cellar doors and enjoy lunch before having dessert with a regional chocolatier, and add a cheeky drink at a gin distillery just for good measure. Including lunch and all tasting fees, this small group day tour runs Friday to Sunday.

A woman walking across a hill overlooking Lake Burley Griffin and the National Arboretum.

See Canberra through a camera

See Canberra through the lens of your camera with Capture Canberra Photography Tours. Master light capturing techniques as you soak up the capital’s stunning landscapes or get creative as you try to see Canberra in a way that has never been done before.

The tour guide offers tips and tricks throughout the tour and provides advice on the best vantage points, no matter your existing skill level. Design your own photo tour to tailor the session to your interests or work toward sharpening your skills.

A group of exploring the bush.

Learn about Ngunawal culture

Join Dhawura Tours on a journey through Ngunawal land, travel back in time to become a part of ‘The Dreaming' and learn about Aboriginal culture. Listen as local Ngunawal Traditional Custodians interpret sites of significance and connect with the diversity of landscapes, wildlife and natural bush in the Canberra region.

Customised tours are available or choose an interactive workshop to learn the art of traditional weaving, how to cook with bush tucker or the foundations of the Ngunawal language.

A person riding a commuter bike through a leafy park.

Discover the city by bike

Hop on two wheels for an inspired tour of the highlights of Canberra featuring intriguing stories, local know-how and all the best photo spots. Canberra is a city best experienced by bike and this half-day tour covers many of the capital’s historical, cultural and natural delights.

Ride along a mix of bike paths, quiet streets and roads at a relaxed pace. A guide, bike, helmet and small bike bag to carry gear are all included. The best bit? The route is mostly flat with some gentle inclines so riders of all abilities can enjoy the day.

A group of friends dining at Rizla, a restaurant in Braddon.

Taste the capital with walking food tours

Treat your taste buds to the best local fare with Eat Canberra Food Tours. Choose between a smorgasbord of options including exploring Braddon’s foodie precinct, finding the best local produce at the farmer’s market and indulging your sweet tooth. Rest assured, whichever tour you choose is guaranteed to have one delicious dish after another.

Race across aerial obstacle courses

Fly past forests of pine trees and challenge your friends to complete every obstacle course at Treetops Adventure Canberra. Boasting 90 aerial obstacles and 16 ziplines suspended between 2 to 15 metres above the ground, this  elevated playground offers adrenaline pumping action in addition to beautiful views of Majura Pines.

Courses vary in height, length, and difficulty with a wide variety of options for those aged three and up to enjoy.

Two woman paying their respects at the tomb of the unknown soldier under an impressive golden dome.

See behind-the-scenes of the Australian War Memorial

Located at the base of Mount Ainslie, the Australian War Memorial is a shrine, museum, and archive that  tells the stories of those who have served in war, conflict and operations. 

For access to the Australian War Memorial’s behind-the scenes-collection of memorabilia, letters, photographs, and diaries – many over a century old – book into ‘The Soul of the Nation’ experience. Join an expert guide for an engaging private tour of the Commemorative Courtyard, hear stories of service and sacrifice behind the over 103,000 names on the Australian Roll of Honour, and place a poppy of remembrance on the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

Two axes in front of wooden targets

Experience Canberra as the Vikings would have wanted

Axes and Ales – the ultimate combination. Learn the art of axe throwing with the crew at Axxe before challenging your mates to a ‘friendly’ competition. Once you’ve finished channelling your inner Viking, go behind the scenes at two of Canberra’s most popular breweries. Enjoy guided brewery tours, dig into a pub lunch and find your new favourite brew with craft beer tastings.

A golfer with two kangaroos

Get a hole in one on a group golf tour

What could be better than 18 holes of golf complete with carts, drinks, nibbles and a guide to help you negotiate the scenic course? Add a post-game meal at Poachers Pantry plus private transfers and you’ve got the perfect day with Classic Capital Golf Tours.

Analyse your shots over a two-course lunch featuring Poachers Pantry’s signature smoked meats before raising your glasses in honour of the winner with a bottle of vino from the on-site winery. The Gift of Golf Tour also includes a framed photo of your golfing group.

Tour of the National Botanical Gardens being conducted with a guide dog present.

Chat with the experts at Canberra’s attractions

A blue hot air balloon above parliament house.

See Canberra from above

Take to the skies to see Canberra from a completely new angle. Discover the thrill of a flight with AirCBR as you do a ‘lap of the lake’ or head out to the Brindabella Ranges. If you prefer a peaceful start to the day take in the sunrise with a hot air balloon flight from Balloon Aloft or Dawn Drifters.

A couple looking out over Canberra's suburbs and lakes.

Red Explorer Loop Bus

Hop on and off at key attractions with the Red Explorer Loop Bus. The bus departs from Canberra Museum and Gallery at regular times from Monday through to Saturday. There's no need to make a booking, turn up 10 minutes before a scheduled departure time and buy your ticket on the bus.

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