DAY 1 SCHOOL – CANBERRA (D)

Your trip commences with an early morning departure from school, travelling by coach to Canberra. Dinner on arrival at your accommodation.

DAY 2 CANBERRA (B, L, D)

Following breakfast this morning, you will begin your exciting tour of the National Capital. Today’s program includes:

National Capital Exhibition Centre at Regatta Point
A great introduction to Australia’s Capital City. The history and development of Canberra is told with rare photos, original plans, clever and stunning laser show and audio-visual presentations. This is an excellent vantage point to view Lake Burley Griffin, the Captain Cook Water Jet and the various National Institutions on the lakefront. The exhibition answers everything you ever wanted to know about the National Capital. (self guided)

National Museum of Australia
The new National Museum is both educational and entertaining. Technology and imagination are combined to create an experience which explores “the things that have made us Australian”. Hands- on interactive exhibitions allow visitors to actually experience the stories of Australia (self guided).

Australian War Memorial (PACER)
The Australian War Memorial is Australia’s National Memorial to those who died in war. It contains an archive centre of research and galleries displaying relics, documents, photographs and art. The Hall of Memory, where the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier is located, is the centre of the formal commemorative areas of the Memorial (self guided).

Mt Ainslie Lookout
This provides a spectacular view of central Canberra and the Parliamentary Triangle. From this vantage point you can really appreciate the city’s distinctive layout with its lakes, parks and gardens. The backdrop of hills and mountains adds to the stunning vista before you.

DAY 3 CANBERRA (B, L, D)

Today’s program includes:

Electoral Education Centre (PACER)
The Electoral Education Centre runs topical classes on the federal electoral system for students from upper primary to tertiary level. The centre’s programs are designed to make students aware of the importance of elections and participation in parliamentary democracy.

Museum of Australian Democracy (PACER)
The temporary home of Australia’s Federal Parliament from 1927 – 1988, contains plenty to see. It is a unique venue, highly evocative of Australia’s political history and main characters.

Guided tour of Parliament House(PACER)
Guided Tours will provide an insight into the historical and architectural significance of Parliament House. When Parliament is in session, groups can observe proceedings from the sound-proofed galleries.

Parliament House Education Program
Parliament House is the focus of Australian democracy. The Educational programs explain the responsibilities and procedures of Australia’s Federal Parliament.

Parliament House Hospitality

Embassies Drive Tour
Seventy countries have diplomatic representation in Canberra and many of these missions reflect their country’s architectural style. The Indonesian and Papua New Guinea missions operate cultural centres which you can visit. Don’t miss the stunning Embassy of China which is built in traditional pagoda style.

DAY 4 CANBERRA (B, L, D)

Today’s program includes:

Australian Institute of Sport (guided tour)
Tour the home of past, present and future sporting champions with one of Australia’s elite athletes as your guide. The tour gives you a unique view of the world class facilities and an insight into the life of an elite athlete.

The National Gallery of Australia
A tour of the Gallery’s paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, drawings and decorative arts is arranged. Displays from the national collection of Aboriginal, Australian, Asian, African, early and modern American and European arts change regularly.

High Court of Australia
The High Court’s role as the pinnacle of the Australian judicial system is reflected in the building’s grand approaches, glass facade, towering hall and elegant courtrooms. Special note should be made of spectacular use of Australian timber in the court rooms. (guided tour)

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
This “hands-on” exhibit is entertaining as well as educational. A spiral walkway leads you to the various galleries of the Centre. Over 200 interactive exhibits deal with the mysteries of science by demonstrating their everyday applications. Amongst the fascinating exhibits is “Bodyworks” where you can learn about your own body for walking, talking, listening, cycling, throwing and balancing. You can experience an earthquake in the Centre’s living room, watch a lightning strike or make music on a harp without strings. The Environment Exhibition shows how individual Australians and visitors can make a difference to global environmental issues. (self guided)
(Evening sessions available at additional cost)

DAY 5 CANBERRA – SCHOOL (B,L)

Early breakfast before the return journey back to school.

OPTIONS:

Other Recommended Activities (additional costs may apply)

• Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
• Australian Institute of Sport (Sports Experience Program)
• Cockington Green Gardens
• CSIRO Discovery
• Telstra Tower
• Bike Hire around Lake Burley Griffin
• National Dinosaur Museum
• National Zoo and Aquarium
• National Film and Sound Archives
• National Arboretum Canberra
• National Botanic Gardens

Evening Activities (additional costs may apply)

• Evening Swim and Waterslide (CISAC)
• Australian Institute of Sport (Sports Experience Program)
• National Botanic Gardens Twilight Forest Adventure
• Q by Night
• Dinosaurs at Night
• Indoor rock climbing

Alternative Tour options (cost on application)

• 2 day program with return flights
• 4 day program with one-way flight and one-way coach
• 4 day program with return coach travel
• Return flights in conjunction with any itinerary