Canberra in a Day: Mount Ainslie, Parliament House & War Memorial Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; involves short walks and standing at exhibits and viewpoints
Overview
Spend a day moving from the panoramic sweep of Mount Ainslie to the chambers of Parliament and the solemn galleries of the Australian War Memorial. This guided tour pairs civic design, political history and powerful memorials into a single, accessible itinerary.
Canberra in a Day: Mount Ainslie, Parliament House & War Memorial Tour
Select participants and date
On a clear Canberra morning the city opens like a plan on a table: broad boulevards, the pale ribbon of Lake Burley Griffin and a compact grid that reveals the logic of Walter Burley Griffin’s design. The tour begins with a short drive up to Mount Ainslie lookout where the skyline of the Parliamentary Triangle arranges itself beneath you—New Parliament House, the Old, the lake, and the tidy geometry of civic Canberra laid out like a civic map.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive ready for security
Parliament House requires bag checks and metal screening; bring photo ID and avoid large bags to speed entry.
Bring a refillable water bottle
The day includes short walks and indoor galleries—refill stations are available but water keeps you comfortable between stops.
Layer up for variable weather
Canberra mornings can be cool and afternoons warm; a lightweight jacket and sun protection are ideal.
Respect the Last Post ceremony
The Last Post is a formal commemoration—arrive quietly and stay for the full dedication out of respect.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern grey kangaroo
- Sulphur-crested cockatoo
History
Canberra was chosen as Australia’s capital in 1908 and was laid out by American architect Walter Burley Griffin; its planned axes align civic institutions with the lake and ridgelines.
Conservation
Canberra maintains a deliberate green belt and lake management program; visitors are asked to stay on paths, dispose of waste responsibly and avoid feeding wildlife.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Canberra
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy shoes are useful for short walks at lookouts and around museum galleries.
Light insulated jacket
Canberra can be cold in the morning and evening; a packable jacket keeps you comfortable.
winter specific
Refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated during the day is important; refill stations are available at major stops.
Camera or binoculars
Useful for panoramic city shots at Mount Ainslie and close-ups of architectural details.