En Route

You’re travelling to Canberra today – Australia’s capital city and home to a number of important landmarks and historic buildings. To ensure you get the most out of the day, your Driver Guide will provide expert commentary throughout the journey.

Mt. Ainslie

Before you get to Canberra you’ll have a morning break at Suttons Forest and then visit the summit of Mt. Ainslie in Canberra’s National Park. From here you can take in the view of this unique city and surrounding mountain ranges. A great spot to take a few photos.

Australian War Memorial

Your first stop in Canberra is the Australian War Memorial, where you’ll be greeted by a local guide to commence your tour. The memorial commemorates those who lost their lives in the wars of the Commonwealth of Australia. You’ll be deeply moved as you wander through the shrine and come to realise the enduring impact that war has had on our society. You may stay longer here if you would like to see more, but note, you will not visit the National Gallery of Australia. Your Driver Guide will return to collect you after the other guests have visited the Gallery.

Please note: Lunch can be purchased at cafes.

National Gallery of Australia

Visit the National Gallery of Australia with your local guide. Opened in 1982, it houses major works by Australian and international artists. Look out for Jackson Pollack’s Blue Poles, purchased amid much controversy in 1973 by the government for A$1,300,000. Please note at times this may alternate with a visit to the National Museum of Australia (subject to current exhibits).

Parliament House

Next you’ll take a guided tour of Australia’s Parliament House. Subject to sitting times, you may even get to witness the Houses of Parliament in session. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988, the building was designed to represent two boomerangs and boasts an 81 metre flagpole at its peak. During the tour you’ll visit many of its 4,700 rooms and learn more of its architecture, history, artwork and the Australian parliamentary democratic process.

The Lodge

After Parliament House you’ll take a look at the Prime Minister’s official residence, the Lodge. Built in the mid-1920s, the Lodge is a 40 room Georgian style mansion set on 18,000 square metres of majestic gardens. There’s many a story to be told of the Prime Ministers who have lived in the Lodge and your Driver Guide will share some of these stories with you along the way, as well as pointing out some of the foreign embassies.

National Library

You’ll also drive past the National Library, the origins of which go back to 1901, however the building that you see today was opened in 1968. Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, it is the largest reference library in Australia with up to 10V million materials on its bookshelves.

Lake Burley Griffin

As you drive around each of the key landmarks in Canberra you’ll see much of its centrepiece, the man-made Lake Burley Griffin. While many national institutions are located on its shores, the Lake and its beautiful parklands, walking tracks, cafés and restaurants, provide the ideal location for recreation.

Carillon Bell Tower

In the heart of Lake Burley Griffin, on Aspen Island, you’ll see the Carillon Bell Tower. This stunning gift from the British Government to mark 50 years as the nation’s capital, stands 50 metres tall and is home to 55 bronze bells. The chiming of the bells can be heard across Lake Burley Griffin into the heart of Canberra city.

Please Note: This itinerary is valid for travel from 1 April 2017.