HomeArticles > Explore Canberra Differently: Unique Tours and Hidden Experiences
A man in a hot air balloon soaring across Canberra national attractions

Explore Canberra Differently: Unique Tours and Hidden Experiences

Updated 26 Feb 2026

Discover a different side of Canberra

Discover the unknown on a ghost tour of Canberra’s heritage buildings, eat and drink your way through the region on a winery or food tour, capture the capital’s stunning landscapes on a photography tour, or gain a deep understanding of Aboriginal culture with a tour led by local Ngunawal Traditional Custodians.

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.

A couple on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise

See Canberra from above

Start your day with a breathtaking aerial view of the capital. Drift gently over Lake Burley Griffin at sunrise with Balloon Aloft Canberra or Dawn Drifters, watching the city come alive in soft golden light. If you're after something a little more exhilarating, embark on a scenic flight with AirCBR and soar over the lake, the city, and the rugged Brindabella Ranges.

A person showing a bottle of gin to two participants on a tour group observing

Eat and drink your way through the region

Skip the planning and taste the best of Canberra with Dave’s Tours, visiting standout breweries, distilleries, wineries, pubs and restaurants. With small groups and behind‑the‑scenes access, you'll meet local makers and learn about their craft.

Not sure where to begin?
Try the Capital Triple Treat, featuring a winery, brewery and distillery, or opt for Capital 3 in 3, which showcases three top local breweries in just three hours.

A group of exploring the bush.

Learn about Ngunawal culture

Join Dhawura Tours for an immersive cultural experience led by Ngunawal Traditional Custodians. Walk through sites of deep historical and cultural significance while learning about Country, wildlife, and the natural landscape. Choose from short walks to half‑day or full‑day tours across the Canberra region.

Father and daughter cycling in front of a national attraction

Discover the city by bike

Experience Canberra's landmarks at a relaxed pace with Mulga Bicycle Tours. This half‑day tour follows bike paths, quiet streets and gentle inclines, making it ideal for cyclists of all levels. Along the way, your guide will highlight points of interest and the best spots to capture memorable photos.

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

Capture your memories of Canberra

Whether you're behind the lens for the first time or a long‑time photographer, Capture Canberra Photography Tours will help you discover the city’s most photogenic angles. Learn expert techniques, explore iconic viewpoints, and gain insider tips for framing Canberra’s landscapes and architecture. Prefer something more bespoke? Tailor a custom photo tour to focus on the subjects you love.

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

Savour the flavours of Canberra on a walking food tour

Food lovers can join Eat Canberra Food Tours for a delicious journey through the city’s culinary scene. Wander through Braddon’s buzzing eateries, sample seasonal produce at the farmers' market, or explore hidden gems. Each tour showcases Canberra’s diverse and ever‑evolving food culture.

A woman completing an aerial course attached with a harness

Race across aerial obstacle courses

Thrill‑seekers will love Treetops Adventure Canberra, home to 90 aerial challenges and 16 zip lines strung between 2 and 15 metres high. Set among the stunning Majura Pines forest, the courses cater to everyone, from toddlers aged three and up to seasoned adventurers.

A group is with a tour guide in a courtyard section of the Australian War Memorial.

See behind the scenes at the Australian War Memorial

Go deeper into the stories of service on The Soul of the Nation tour at the Australian War Memorial. Explore rare artefacts, letters, photos and diaries—some more than a century old—and hear the human stories behind the 103,000 names on the Roll of Honour. The tour concludes with the opportunity to lay a poppy at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

A golfer with two kangaroos

A golf tour with a twist

With Classic Capital Golf Tours, golfers can enjoy curated experiences combining the region’s best courses with premium food, wine and local attractions. The popular Bucket List Tours offer a fully planned golf getaway showcasing the best of the capital.

A tour group listening to an athlete

Chat with the experts at Canberra’s iconic attractions

For those who enjoy engaging with the experts, consider booking a guided tour at some of the city’s most renowned attractions. Discover the diversity and beauty of the living collection of native plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens on a Flora Explorer Bus Tour;  see athletes in training at the Australian Institute of Sport; take an in-depth tour exploring the design of Australian Parliament House; or join knowledgeable and passionate volunteers for a guided walking tour through the ever-changing forests at the National Arboretum Canberra.

Regular tours also run at the Museum of Australian Democracy, National Museum of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, and the National Portrait Gallery. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot.

Two passengers departing a bright red bus with a bus driver in the background

Explore at your own pace with the Explorer Loop Bus

If independent exploration is more your style, hop on the Explorer Loop Bus, a convenient hop‑on, hop‑off service connecting major attractions across the city. Departing regularly from the  Canberra Museum and Gallery, it runs Monday to Friday and lets you explore at your leisure.

Explore Canberra's most haunted venues

If you're drawn to the eerie side of history, join Tim the Yowie Man, a renowned cryptonaturalist, on a spine-tingling ghost tour.  For the last 15 years, Tim the Yowie Man has dedicated himself to investigating strange phenomena and paranormal activity across Australia.

On an evening tour, Tim will reveal strange and spooky stories behind some of Canberra’s most iconic cultural attractions and historical sites, including the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, the Australian National University, and Lanyon Homestead.

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