This tour is designed around the Civics and Citizenship Educational Program with the added bonus of a fun day on the snowfields.
This itinerary includes national institutions that are part of the PACER Rebate Program requirements (highlighted below). We are happy to help you apply.
Depending on your arrival time today's program may include:
National Capital Exhibition - Regatta Point (allow 45 minutes)
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)
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre (allow 2 ½ - 3 hours)
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. (Evening sessions available at additional cost).
Following breakfast, today’s program may include:
National Gallery of Australia (allow 1 ½ hours)
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 (allow 45 minutes)
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.
Australian War Memorial (PACER) (allow 2 - 2 ½ hours)
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)
Mount Ainslie Lookout (allow 30 minutes)
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.
Following breakfast travel to Perisher in the Kosciuszko National Park for a day at the snow. Students will be provided with a parka and snow pants, snow boots, a toboggan and lunch whilst on mountain.
Following breakfast, today's program may include:
Australian Institute of Sport (allow 2 hours)
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.
Electoral Education Centre (PACER) (allow 1 ½ hours)
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 at Old Parliament House (PACER) (allow 1 ¼ hours)
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.
Parliament House Guided Tour (PACER) (allow 1 hour)
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 (allow 1 hour)
Parliament House is the focus of Australian democracy. The Educational programs explain the responsibilities and procedures of Australia’s Federal Parliament.
Parliament House Hospitality (allow ½ hour)
Embassies Drive Tour (allow 30 – 45 minutes)
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.
Following breakfast, today’s program may include:
National Museum of Australia (allow 2 ½ - 3 hours)
The 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)
This afternoon board your coach to the airport for your flight home.
