school excursions to canberra

On this educational school tour to Canberra, students develop an understanding of Australia’s origins, political history and layers of government with visits to Parliament House, the War Memorial and the Royal Australian Mint. Thousands of students discover our nation’s capital each year and come away with amazing memories and life-long impressions of Australia’s past and present.

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Learning areas, your adventure.

• Arrive in Canberra
• Meet your WorldStrides Canberra Logistics Coordinator Your Logistics Coordinator will greet you when you arrive in Canberra. They will be armed with all the details of your tour and available 24/7 to provide practical on-ground assistance and handle any queries or concerns on the spot.
• Electoral Education Centre visit Choose from a number of program areas depending on the area of interest, age or knowledge level. Choose from House of Representatives, Senate, Referendum and Eligible Elector. Watch a multimedia presentation exploring the history of Australian democracy and take part in hands-on activities to understand enrolment, voting and representation. Vote in a simulated election and count votes to achieve a result.
• MoAD (Museum of Australian Democracy) visit A dedicated volunteer will take you on a guided tour and share their knowledge of the beautiful architecture and stories of how passionate, innovative and controversial the road to democracy has been. Learn about the development and practice of democracy in Australia by exploring the results of past democratic decisions in an interactive exhibition trail and discover parliamentary procedure through role play in the historic chambers.
• Australian War Memorial visit Explore the Australian War Memorial's shrine, a world-class museum and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in the war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.
• The Australian Institute of Sport and Sportex guided visit Go behind the scenes and discover where Australia’s sporting champions are created and gain a unique insight into the life of elite athletes. Explore the facility and learn about Australia's rich sporting past and glimpse into the window of the future. Finish your tour at Sportex, an educational and engaging sports experience where you can try wheelchair basketball, virtual downhill skiing, rock climbing, football penalty shootouts and more.
• Royal Australian Mint guided visit Watch a short film about how coins are made, then discover some interesting facts about the history of coins in Australia, where you'll learn how coins are designed, before looking out into the factory to see where they are produced. At the end of the tour, you'll get the opportunity to make a legal commemorative $1 coin for the cost of $3 in the Mint Coin shop.
• Government House guided visit Discover what it means to be an Australian citizen, how governments work, and the special role of the Governor-General as you're guided through Government House and surrounding gardens
• National Capital Exhibition guided visit The National Capital Exhibition tells the story of Canberra, from pre-history through to the present day. Reflect on the reasons why Canberra became the federal site, interrogate the runners up entered in the international competition to design the city and consider whether the original design is still maintained in the current city. Complete an activity booklet, consider new designs for the city and explore the exhibition at the end of the program.
• National Museum of Australia visit Explore the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people. Get to know the real, the treasured, the surprising and the inspirational objects from Australian history.
• High Court of Australia guided visit Discover the history, role and function of the High Court and its architecture. View the Great Hall, which includes an educational display and video area, and often features exhibitions or performances by cultural organisations. Also see the three courtrooms, which are the focus of the building's activities.
• Evening Telstra Tower visit This 195 metre tower provides essential communications facilities for the national capital, including 360 degree night and day views of Canberra's region. Trace the history of Australian telecommunications at the Heritage Museum and see how the tower was created in the auditorium.
• Parliament House guided visit (PEO and Hospitality) Explore the chambers of Parliament (on non-sitting days), Marble Foyer, Great Hall (subject to availability), Members' Hall & Highlights of the Parliament House Art Collection. The PEO role-play gives hands-on experience of how our Parliament works to make Australia a better place to live. Take a half-hour break in the Queen’s Terrace Gallery with the opportunity to meet your member of Parliament (dependent on availability).
• National Gallery of Australia guided visit On this immersive tour, discover highlights from the NGA collection such as Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles, Monet's Waterlillies, Arthur Streeton’s Golden Summer, Eaglemont and the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the world. Tour guides will encourage critical and creative thinking as you analyse, respond to and appreciate art.
• Questacon: National Science and Technology Centre visit Free-fall down a six-metre slide, freeze your own shadow, experience an earthquake or challenge a robot to a game of air hockey. Questacon’s eight interactive exhibitions feature more than 200 hands-on experiences covering a range of science topics, from astronomy to zoology and everything in between.
• Depart Canberra Bid farewell to Canberra as you begin your journey home.

Canberra Logistics Coordinator

To ensure every group’s experience in Canberra is successful and unforgettable, we are introducing WorldStrides Canberra Logistics Coordinators. Your Logistics Coordinator will be armed with all the details of your tour and available 24/7 to provide practical on-ground assistance and handle any queries or concerns on the spot, giving you peace of mind knowing every detail is taken care of.

Your Logistics Coordinator is a local of Canberra and has a wealth of knowledge about the area from hotels and activities to history and culture, and will provide excellent service and support throughout your tour to the nation’s capital.

Discover Canberra

A trip to our nation’s capital is a rite of passage for all Australians. Canberra offers an extensive range of fun and educational activities for all learners.

Canberra travel rebate

The Australian Government understands the importance of a Canberra educational tour within the civics and citizenship curriculum. It encourages and supports Australian schools to partake by offering a financial rebate to all schools who visit Canberra in Years 4 to 12.

The PACER rebate ranges from $20 – $260 per student and is calculated based on the distance from your school to Canberra. Schools need to visit four key attractions including Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial to qualify.

We design tours that meet with the government regulations and can assist with your PACER application. Visit the  PACER website for more information or request a quote below to speak with a Program Specialist.

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Book an excursion

The National Capital Authority offers five onsite programs delivered over a variety of locations. Four of these programs are available online. All onsite programs are presented by our staff, however, supervision of students remains with teachers and carers. Programs are tailored to year level, deliver learning outcomes and are aligned to the Australian Curriculum (PACER approved programs). 

Use the Book Canberra Excursions booking platform to book all onsite and online school and non-school groups (adult social groups). You will need to register and login.

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The National Capital Authority, in partnership with other Canberra cultural institutions, offers an online booking platform:  Book Canberra Excursions , allowing tour companies, schools and social groups to explore a range of programs seeing availability online in real time, making it easy to coordinate bookings and schedule itineraries. For a list of participating partners visit  National Capital Educational Tourism Project .

Education programs

National Capital Exhibition

The griffin mission: education program (available onsite and online).

• The National Capital Exhibition tells the story of Canberra, from pre-history through to present day
• Maximum of 90 students onsite from  one school only on weekdays  due to COVID-19 restrictions
• 45 minute program (1 teacher per 30 students required)
• Weekends: maximum 30 students per hour

Blundells Cottage

A cottage in the capital  (available onsite).

Visitors learn about the history of a cottage that has had the national capital grow around it. The site has been curated to create an immersive atmosphere, covering four families in different eras.

• COVID-19 restrictions apply

Home for History  (Available onsite and online)

Students explore the cottage and its surrounds, engaging with hands-on objects gaining an insight into how family life has changed over time. This program is designed for lower to mid-primary groups.

Educational Guided Walks

Anzac Parade

How we remember (available onsite and online).

Students unpack the symbolism of these memorials and how Australia has chosen to honour conflict, service and sacrifice. 

• Maximum 60 students onsite
• Visits four memorials
• 60 minute program (1 teacher per 30 students required)

Reconciliation Place

Our shared journey (available onsite and online).

This series of public artworks explore what Reconciliation means and why it is an important part of our past and future. Participants will explore public artworks and reflect on events, people and concepts that are a part of our shared journey.

• visits 10 artworks

Lake Burley Griffin

Park by the lake (available onsite).

Learn about the design vision for our National Capital, exploring concepts such as garden city design, town planning and sustainable living values. Situated at the cross-section of the iconic land and water axis students appreciate the Griffin design in real terms. .

COVID-19 Protocols for School Excursion

The National Capital Exhibition follows guidelines developed for the National Capital Education Tourism Project. We cannot accept school visits without the required paperwork.

How your visit has changed:

• Please do not bring school bags into the building.
• Only one school is booked into the exhibition space per hour. (maximum 90 students)
• It is recommended that all students and teachers sanitise hands upon arrival.
• It is recommended that students and teachers wear a mask whilst in the building.
• Usual entry remains the same but the exit is now via the lakeside of the building.
• ‘Hands on’ element to the program – equipment is cleaned regularly to ensure student and teacher safety.
• Covid-safe cleaning of all surfaces occurs between bookings.

Quality Tourism Accredited Business

As part of the National Capital Authority (NCA), the National Capital Exhibition complies with the high standards set by the Australian Tourism Industry Council in its management of NCA Attractions, visitors and staff and has therefore been recognised as an accredited tourism business.

NCAA Tourism 2019 Winner Tourism Visitor Education

The NCA is also the proud recipient of the Tourism Visitor Education category award at the 2019 Canberra Region Tourism Award s.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region.

We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

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• Best School Excursions in and around Canberra

We've listed the best school excursions in Canberra so you don't have to do the searching.  Offering a great variety of educational and fun activities for students including the many museums and galleries, gardens and parliamentary buildings Canberra can provide you with the perfect school excursion for your students.  If you still need some more ideas you can search www.schoolactivities.com.au

Best School Excursions in Canberra and Surrounds

Presented by a team of dynamic educators, the National Film and Sound Archive's onsite school excursions provide a unique and engaging learning experience for students.

At the National Zoo and Aquarium we have created hands-on learning opportunities, our school excursions offer enriching and interactive experiences that will inspire your students.

The National Dinosaur Museum offers school excursions that create an interactive insight into the earth’s long and dynamic history - your students will navigate through hundreds of millions of years of the planet’s history.

The Royal Australian Mint school excursions will teach your students how coins are made as they will discover some interesting facts about the history of coins in Australia.

Your students can listen for whispers from deep space at Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex and explore our Solar System and beyond while learning about the critical role that Australia plays in space exploration.

See one third of Australia's native plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens .  Experience the Gardens after dark with a Twilight Forest Adventure school excursion that your students will love.

Bringing the journey of Australian democracy to life the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House allows students enjoy a range of innovative exhibitions and tours that challenge and inspire.

Want to know more about democracy, government, voting and elections? Visit the National Electoral Education Centre our school excursions provide students with an opportunity to learn about electoral processes in an exciting and hands-on way.

Parliament House offers a dynamic school excursion experience . A school excursion to the working building of Parliament House offers students the chance to be a part of democracy in action.

Geoscience Education Centre is an ideal, school excursion providing a range of interactive activities highlighting geoscience as an interesting and relevant part of our lives.

National Portrait Gallery school excursions are led by gallery educators where students are encouraged explore and investiage questions of identify, social value and cultural development and more....

Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) offers a wide range of school excursions and educational programs with an emphasis on art and history.

School Excursions Australia combine knowledge and experience to assist teachers and team leaders to organise any and every aspect of your school excursion .

Other articles you might be interested in:

Best School Camps Canberra

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DISCOVER THE HOME OF THE AUSTRALIAN STORY

Book Canberra Excursions

Book excursions to australia’s national capital.

The Book Canberra Excursions system enables tour operators, schools and social groups to easily book into National Attractions prior to visiting Canberra and the surrounding region.

Using the system excursion itineraries are able to be quickly created and submitted for approval.

Almost all modern digital devices are able to be used to view, book and manage a group’s ability to experience various programs run by the National Attractions, including every stage of a trip’s lifecycle.

The system supports direct bookings at many National Attractions by displaying available program timeslots within selected date ranges; and includes easy-to-access information about curriculum-based programs and classroom resources.

If you are unable to visit Canberra you can still experience many educational experiences, by booking online programs made available by many attractions.

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COVIDSafe Vehicles

Click to request our covidsafe plan, school tours to canberra.

Educational Tours tailor-made for your next school trip to Canberra, our Nation’s Capital.

Whether your focus is on STEM, Civics and Citizenship, Arts or History, EDTS will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your tour is packed full of learning opportunities, educational content as well as some fun!

A Sample itinerary for a 5 Day tour includes:

Day 1:      Travel to Canberra.

Day 2:      Visit the National Capital Exhibition, High Court of Australia, National Museum of Australia and Electoral Education Centre.

Day 3:      Parliament House (including PEO session, guided tour and hospitality), Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. Night visit to Mt Ainslie.

Day 4:      Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre, Government House, and Australian Institute of Sport.

Day 5:      Travel back to school.

Optional Extra activities can include:

* National Gallery

* Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex

* Lake Cruise

* Rotary Peace Bell

* Geoscience Australia

* Diplomatic Embassies

* National Portrait Gallery

* National Library

* Royal Australian Mint

* National Dinosaur Museum 

* Mt Stromlo Observatory

* Rockclimbing

* Mini Golf

* Cockington Green 

* National Film & Sound Archive

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA/NT

Let us take you on a tailor-made tour of the Northern Territory, with expert advice from those that travel the Territory. 

With so many educational opportunities to offer, from Aboriginal culture and Immersion programs, to History and Geography, as well as spectacular scenery, the Northern Territory is the ideal destination for learning beyond the classroom. 

A sample itinerary for a 12 day tour includes:

Day 1:        Depart school and head to Renmark. Overnight camp.

Day 2:       Travel Renmark to Wilpena Pound and set up for two nights camp. 

Day 3:       Spend the day exploring the Flinders Ranges National Park and its scenic walking tracks.

Day 4:       Depart Flinders Ranges and travel via Port Augusta and Glendambo to Cadney Park.

Day 5:       Continue north to Alice Springs, the iconic outback town, rich in history and culture. Two nights camp.

Day 6:       Visit Alice Springs Desert Park, Simpsons Gap, the Alice Springs Reptile Park and School of the Air.  View the sunset over Anzac Hill.

Day 7:        Depart the Alice and head to Watarrka National Park to set up for one nights camp.

Day 8:        Early morning walk of Watarrka National Park including the Garden of Eden & the Lost City.  Afternoon travel to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park for two nights camp.   Evening visit to Sunset Strip.

Day 9:        Visit to Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, explore the base of Uluru & view caves and rock paintings.  Also explore Kata Tjuta and enjoy a short camel ride. 

Day 10:     Travel to the historic town of Coober Pedy, home of the Opal.  On arrival, enjoy a town tour and a visit to an underground home and mine. 

Day 11:      Continue south to Adelaide, the city of Churches, for our final night together.

Day 12:      Travel back to school with fantastic memories to share

* Immersion Program 

* Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre 

* Royal Flying Doctor Base 

* Guided Aboriginal walks

* Travel to Darwin including Daly Waters, Nitmiluk,

Kakadu National Park, and Litchfield National Park

* Telegraph Station 

* Standley Chasm

Tasmania is the perfect destination for any educational tour as it has so many highlights. 

From exploring our convict history at Port Arthur, to discovery amazing landscapes of its National Parks, to seeing old and new art at MONA, Tasmania has all the educational aspects as well as plenty of fun.

Day 1:      Overnight travel on the Spirit of Tasmania

Day 2:     Arrive Devonport and travel to Launceston to visit Cataract Gorge.  Head south via Ross for your overnight stay in Port Arthur. Enjoy a ghost tour at the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Day 3:     Learn about our convict history with a walking tour & harbour cruise at the Historic Site. Travel to Hobart for a city sights tour including a drive up Mt Wellington. Two night stay.

Day 4:     Head to Hastings Caves for a tour & a swim in the thermal pools. This is followed by a trip to Tahune to enjoy an exhilarating walk through the treetops.  Back to Hobart.

Day 5:      Visit Mt Field National Park for a walk to Russell Falls. Head to the airport for your flight back home.

* Isle of the Dead Landing cruise at Port Arthur Historic Site

* Seahorse World

* Huon Jet Boats

* Cataract Gorge Chairlift rides

* Freycinet National Park

* Mole Creek Caves

* Cradle Mountain 

* Disco river cruise

* Gordon River Cruise

* Hollybanks Treetops 

* Zoo Doo Wildlife Park 

* Coal River Farm

Feel like travelling closer to home, Victoria has plenty to offer! 

Try a tour to Ballarat, and visit the historic Sovereign Hill, or Phillip Island and see the famous fairy penguins.  Try a tour to Wilson's Promontory for some amazing scenery or head down to Warrnambool and explore the Shipwreck Coast. We can also organise a city trip in Melbourne for some history, art, politics and fun!  Just give us a call to discuss.

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School Excursions to

• Why Canberra?

Canberra Programs

Accommodation.

• Not from NSW?

“Canberra is home to the Australian story and therefore has a connection with all Australians that no other city in the country does. It is the custodian of our Nation’s cultural assets and scientific achievements.”

Civics and Citizenship

By visiting Canberra students build a deeper understanding of how we’re governed and our Australian identity, fostering a sense of national pride.

Participating in a wide range of programs in Canberra immerses students into Australia’s democratic heritage and traditions, its political and legal institutions and the shared values of freedom, tolerance, respect, responsibility and inclusion.

In Canberra, there are so many amazing programs and experiences awaiting discovery by your students, the hardest part is narrowing down your choice of activities!

Wherever possible, we recommend you choose a facilitated program or guided tour at your choice of venues. The feedback we receive from teachers is that much clearer outcomes are achieved through participation in facilitated programs as opposed to self-guided activities. In Canberra, facilitated programs are available at many venues at minimal cost.

• Tours  – includes the Senate and House of Representatives chambers. Learn about the role and function of Australia’s Federal Parliament
• How elected Members of Parliament represent the people
• How the Government is formed
• How the Parliament makes laws for Australia
• How the Parliament scrutinises the Government and its decisions.
• Hospitality –  a half hour hospitality session with the opportunity to meet your Local Member of Parliament  (dependent on the Member’s availability)
• National Electoral Education Centre –  A fun and interactive way to learn about Australia’s Electoral system with a range of programs to suit various ages and interests. Using multimedia and hands-on activities students learn about the history of democracy and elections as well as the electoral process in Australia. Vote in a simulated election and then counting votes to achieve a result.
• Museum of Australian Democracy –  Engaging in programs around the stories and events that have shaped our Nation and our democracy, allowing students to experience Australian democracy and the power of their voices within it.
• Government House –  Gain further understanding of what it means to be an Australian citizen, how governments work, and the special role of the Governor-General who resides at Government House and carries out ceremonial, constitutional and community duties, as well as receiving official visitors.

Australian War Memorial –  Discover the Australian experience of war and how it shaped the nation, told through stories and objects in the galleries. Programs are aligned with the Australian Curriculum. For primary school students, we highly recommend Discovery Zone as a part of your visit. The school wreath laying ceremonies conducted at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier are the commemorative experience the Memorial has designed specifically for visiting school groups  (specific times only ). There’s also a range of facilitated programs available to choose from for students of all ages.

National Museum of Australia –  is where OUR stories live! A facilitated program is highly recommended – many to choose from. Aligning to the Australian curriculum in Humanities & Social Sciences the Museum offers programs in Australian History; Indigenous Culture and History; Historical skills. Students can investigate the museum through a self-guided tour, a facilitated program and various temporary exhibitions.

National Archives of Australia –  students can experience an educator-led program in the “Memory of a Nation” Gallery. The program covers a range of Australian history, for example – birthday ballots for conscription for the Vietnam War. View key documents of Federation which are not open to the general public, including the Australian Constitution, the Royal Commission of Assent and the Royal Proclamation of Inauguration Day.

National Film and sound Archives –  supporting curriculum through discussion, clips, activities and technology, explore Australia’s social, cultural and technological history through film and sound. Various facilitated programs available to suit all ages.

National Capital Exhibition –  Discover the people, events, history and our unique design of our capital city Canberra.

CSIRO –  An engaging exhibition focusing on creative and critical thinking. Students discover how innovations in science, technology, engineering and maths have influenced their lives.

Secondary students can try and solve a mysterious crime by experimenting, analysing data, OR draw on prior knowledge about DNA by comparing and analysing DNA profiles.

Questacon –  Students of all ages engage in over 200 exhibits throughout 8 themed galleries. Feel the adrenalin as you free fall down a 6.7metre slide, feel the force of an Earthquake, launch a hydrogen rocket and let lightening spark your imagination. See an interactive show combining humour with scientific concepts.

Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre –  Workshops tailored for year 7-12 students in the purpose built Maker Space area, offering creative, constructive, problem solving activities that use a range of tools and techniques . (Maximum group size applies per session)

Geoscience –  Discover the earth sciences through curriculum-linked, hands-on activities. Students can make their mark by adding a layer to the ‘visitor book’ sediment columns and record an earthquake using the in-house seismograph. Other themes may include minerals, rocks, fossil specimens, mapping and historic geological instrumentation.

Canberra Deep Space Communication –  A vital part of NASA’s Deep Space Network, sending and receiving data and commands from spacecraft studying the planets of our solar system and beyond. Guided tour and educational program available. Note, allow an hour to travel south of Canberra to this venue, and then an hour to return to Canberra after your visit (this limits the number of other activities that you can include in your Canberra itinerary).

Royal Australian Mint –  Learn how coins are made, see robots at work, and discover interesting facts about the history of coins in Australia. What coins did the First Fleet bring with them? How did the discovery of gold in Australia change our coinage system? Who decides what design goes on a coin? How is technology used at the Mint and what do the robots do? Find the answers to these questions and more during your visit to the Mint.

Australian Institute of Sport  Tour & Sportex  – during your tour you might spot some of Australia’s top athletes in training. Set amongst a collection of Australian Sporting memorabilia, challenge yourself in Sportex, participating in virtual and interactive sports such as wheelchair basketball, downhill skiing, football, bobsleigh & luge, football shootouts, rowing and more….

Sports Experience – play on the very fields and venues where Australia’s sporting champions train and compete. Swim at the AIS pool.

National Gallery of Australia –  The National Gallery houses the nation’s largest and most valuable art collections. Students are inspired through visual arts and design across many learning areas that align with the Australian Curriculum.

National Library of Australia –  The library is the world’s largest storehouse of knowledge about Australia and its people. Be led in a guided tour behind the scenes, see the old tube room, maps and newspaper stack, book-moving robots and giant compactus. Visit the Treasure’s Gallery and view Captain James Cook’s Endeavour Journal, early maps and atlases, books and objects. High school students can take a tour going online and underground discovering the history and the role of the library.

National Portrait Gallery –  Guided tours and facilitated programs are designed to be dynamic and participatory while engaging with the Gallery’s portraits. Cross-curricular programs give students an understanding and appreciation of the Australian People – their identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.

High Court of Australia –  A guided tour introduces students to the history, role and operation of the High Court and its building. Tours of the artworks and hands-on art activities are also available. Senior Legal studies students may like to view court proceedings in the Supreme and Magistrate’s Court located in the same building.

Australian National Botanical Gardens –  Hands on facilitated programs allow students to explore the deep connections between people, plants and animals. Australian Curriculum outcomes met in science, geography, sustainability, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Spy for nocturnal wildlife in a Twilight tour from Rainforest Gully to the Red Centre Garden.

  National Arboretum Canberra –  book a facilitated program or a self-guided visit and explore over 90 forests of endangered and symbolic trees from across Australia and around the world – Links to the science, sustainability and geography curriculum.

There are many other recreational and night time activities to create an engaging and exciting itinerary with a balance of learning and fun. Contact our friendly team to discuss your Canberra itinerary requirements and let us design an excursion that creates life-long memories and learning opportunities for your students.

Click here to

Visiting canberra in term 1 is less crowded, warmer and it maybe cheaper.

With fewer schools traveling to Canberra in Term 1, your group can move more easily around venues such as the Australian War Memorial or Questacon and experience more of the exhibitions.

During Term 1, some Canberra venues offer discounts and extras, ranging from a free memento to discounted programs (subject to dates of travel). At the time of quoting, we can advise which specials may apply to your preferred travel dates.

The Canberra Climate is much warmer in Term 1, allowing you to comfortably enjoy outdoor lunches, scenery and activities.

Booked accommodation properties vary based on availability for your dates of travel, your group size, students’ age group, your preferred accommodation style and location.

Many school groups are booking their Canberra excursion two and three years in advance to have more choice of preferred dates and accommodation.

Have you got your next excursion booked?  Contact us

Ready to go?

Are you planning to visit canberra from states and territories further afield we’re here to help you.

Let us plan, book, conduct and manage your entire East Coast excursion including flights, travel insurance and stop-overs en-route to/from Canberra.

A standard Canberra excursion can be completed in 5 days, including travelling days to and from your home state or territory *with either a day tour to the snow, or sightseeing in Sydney (*subject to travel times/distance).

We can also deliver a comprehensive East Coast itinerary that includes any of or all the following: Sydney, Blue Mountains, Bathurst or Mogo (for gold history), Canberra and the Snowy Mountains, Melbourne or Sovereign Hill. Itineraries are designed to suit your required inclusions.

Our Federal Government actively encourages school teachers to take their students to visit Australia’s National Capital, by providing a travel subsidy. The Parliament And Civics Education Rebate (PACER) is a sliding scale rebate based on schools’ travelling distance to Canberra, with rebate amounts ranging from $20 to $340 per eligible student (conditions apply).

Application must be made prior to travel and the applicable amount is rebated to the school after verified completion of your excursion. As a minimum requirement, your itinerary must include programs at Parliament House; Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and/or Electoral Education; and the Australian War Memorial and other National Civic Institutions where possible. We will construct your itinerary to meet the PACER rebate requirements and we supply PACER information and application forms with your Booked Itinerary Information Pack.

Click here to apply for the PACER rebate.

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School Excursions in Central Canberra

A trip to Canberra not only immerses students in practical learning, it is a rite of passage giving them memories that last the rest of their lives.

We will make sure your itinerary is time and cost efficient.  We will take all the guess work out of your schedule.  Just ask us how.

ACCOMMODATION

Canberra accommodation is vast and varied. We make sure your group is safe and secure and all your needs are met. 

We ONLY endorse safe, comfortable, affordable accommodation venues.  We have worked WITH suppliers to make sure your stay is student friendly and meets all risk assessment factors.

ATTRACTIONS

Civics & Citizenship, History, Art, Science and Fun!  It's all on offer in Canberra - Here a few - ask us for more!

Canberra is the quintessential destination for groups and schools.

The wide variety of museums and learning centres ensure that every aspect of an educational tour is met.  

The Australian Curriculum links perfectly with this destination and with our help planning your visit you will be amazed at the depth and variety of the activities that will immerse your students in to hands on and relevant learning opportunities. 

We have partnered with outstanding accommodation providers that cater specifically for school groups.  Making sure you receive the best value while providing safe, secure and appropriate school specific accommodation is what we do best.  The food is fresh, delicious and all dietary requirements will be catered for. Best of all teachers will have their own rooms and amenities.  We know how important it is to get a break when on tour. 

Being our capital and home to Parliament, Canberra allows you to experience first hand the exciting and intriguing would of politics, civics and citizenship and all that they mean to us being Australian.

Interactive tours and informative displays outlining our history and development are abound in attractions such as New and Old Parliament House, The National Museum, The Royal Australian Mint and the National Capital Exhibition. 

The National Art Gallery and National Portrait Gallery house a wide range of modern and historical art that help students deeply understand culture and beauty and are not to be missed. 

As well as all the learning there is so much fun to be had!  Questacon, CSIRO, Geoscience, Deep Space Centre are just a few of the amazing science and STEM resources that not only educate but are hands on and interactive.  

Team this with a huge array of other attractions and the fact that you are only a short trip from the beautiful Kosciusko National Park and the Australian ski fields and you have the perfect destination for any age level. 

Our itineraries are planned to perfection, there is nothing else for you to do buy travel and enjoy.   

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Reward you students to a trip to the snow!

For many Queenslanders, the snow may seem like a foreign concept. At Canberra School Trips we believe that’s all the more reason to add an unforgettable snow experience to your tour itinerary! Whether it’s a full day on the slopes, tobogganing in the fun zone or simply building a snowman with friends – we can organise an excursion to suit your interests.

A 3 hour drive from Canberra lies the Perisher and Thredbo Ski Resorts. With over 160 trails across the two resorts there is suitable terrain for all ability levels. Stop off at the impressive Snowy Hydro Center on the way to learn about one of the largest hydro engineering projects in the world.

An absolute highlight of any Canberra school excursion!

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The best school holiday activities in Canberra this autumn

Updated 15 Apr 2024

Everything you need to keep the kids entertained these autumn school holidays.

You won’t have any trouble keeping the kids happy this autumn, as many of Canberra's iconic attractions host activities and programs exclusive to autumn school holiday period (29 Mar-12 Apr VIC, 15-26 Apr NSW, 13-28 Apr ACT) . Book in early to maximise family holiday fun.

Explore the great outdoors

Just 45-minutes from the city,  Corin Forest  has a scenic alpine slide that trails through the trees for over 1 kilometre, and is a must-do on your visit. Open 7 days a week during the ACT school holiday period (13–28 Apr).

While you’re in the area, take the family over to  Namadgi National Park , where you can explore the ancient and diverse landscape that the Ngunnawal People have been custodians of for tens of thousands of years. Namadgi National Park protects 106,095 hectares of alpine, sub-alpine and mountain bushland and makes up almost half of the ACT, making it the perfect landscape to enjoy beautiful walks and breathtaking picnic spots.

For your outdoor-loving teenagers, the Outward Bound Junior program offers 12-15 year-olds five full days of fun, challenge, and personal development in nature (15-19 Apr). More than just a school holiday program for teenagers, this program provides a fun and challenging environment where young adolescents are encouraged to explore their potential through adventure, all the while supported by expert instructors. 

Embark on an adventure through Majura Pines, just a 20-minute drive north east of Canberra’s CBD with Treetops Adventure Canberra (opening March 19, 2024). The park will feature eight rope courses suspended between 2-18 metres above the ground. Each course branches out from a central ‘Home Tree’ and there’ll be over 100 aerial challenges and over 19 ziplines in total. Total, aerial fun for the whole family!

See spectacular shows

The spectacular science shows at  Questacon  will have the whole family enthralled by experiments run by the Questacon Excited Particles theatre troupe. Access to these amazing shows is included with your paid admission to Questacon. Ignite your sense of adventure as you bounce from one gallery to the next, each one tackling science concepts in an engaging way. The Mini Q area, specifically designed for ages 0–6 helps the tiny tots in the family not miss out on the fun.

The whole family will laugh along to Dog Man: The Musical at the Canberra Theatre Centre . Based on the best-selling series by Dav Pilkey, this tail-wagging adventure is full of hilarity and heart. Fetch your tickets now before they’re all gone.

Walk alongside prehistoric life

Enjoy everything this delightful precinct has to offer with the  Gold Creek Adventure Ticket . The ticket gives you full-day access to  Cockington Green Gardens ,  Canberra Walk-In Aviary , Canberra Reptile Zoo , and the  National Dinosaur Museum .   

While you delight your fun-filled day, roam through the interactive  National Dinosaur Museum  and snap a pic with Sam the T-Rex. Your budding palaeontologist will love the hands-on experiences on offer. The museum is also home to one of the largest displays of crystals, fossils, minerals, and gemstones in Australia.

Encounter animals big and small

A day spent at the  National Zoo & Aquarium  is a day well spent with family and friends. With a wide variety of both native and exotic animals, as well as the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia, there is something that will surprise and delight the whole family. The Zoo also has an epic playground, known as AdventureLand, with 55 activities and various life-size fibreglass animal sculptures to capture memories of your visit.

During the school holidays, the zoo hosts  Zoocation , which offers a unique experience for primary aged children (running 9 am–4 pm on weekdays during the ACT school holidays, 13–28 Apr). Kids can get close to many of the zoo’s animals, playing loads of games, and learn something new along the way throughout a fun-filled day.

Or make your own way to a self-guided adventure through Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve , where wallabies, emus, koalas, and even the elusive platypus wander free. You can make the most of the reserve’s Nature Discovery Playground and the idyllic picnic spots, BBQ areas, and many beautiful views, to keep those wiggly little ones well-exercised.

Please note: the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre is closed until further notice; however, the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is open as per normal opening hours.

Get more bang for your buck

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Canberra Mega Pass, granting access to three iconic attractions that showcase some of the best of Canberra's offerings for the whole family.

Tour Australia’s premier elite sports precinct with an Olympian at the Australian Institute of Sport , encounter the animal kingdom up close and personal at the National Zoo & Aquarium , and unleash your curiosity at Questacon , with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays.

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See stories come alive

Get a snapshot of our nation at the  National Museum of Australia , which is home to more than 210,000 objects representing Australia’s history and cultural heritage.

Follow one of the National Museum of Australia’s family trails to discover the stories behind some of the amazing objects on show at the museum. Take your own pace on either of the two self-guided family trails (available for ages 2–5 and 5–8 years) and see what you can discover along the way.

Or hang with the smaller fam in the Museum’s Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre (ages birth to 6 years), where young minds can discover five stories from Australian History that encourage different types of play (open daily, costs apply). General entry to the museum is free.

Try a creative workshop

Uncover the inner workings of  Canberra Glassworks  with a hands-on workshop in one of the most exciting art facilities in Australia. With the help of an experienced artist, their School Holiday Program (17-28 April) will teach children how to cut coloured glass to create a two-dimensional masterpiece in a tile-making workshop or try their hand at designing and creating a sculpture in clay. During the school holidays, choose between blowing your own tumbler, fusing your own glass bowl, or crafting your own holiday tiles.

Or take your little wizard to Australia’s most magical store, Quizzic Alley – with the biggest range of official Harry Potter merchandise in of anywhere in the country – where the Potter-fans of the family can enjoy a wand making workshop during the ACT school holiday period.

Explore creativity through motion with Warehouse Circus’ School Holiday program (15-26 April) where kids of all ages can unleash their inner acrobat, clown, and performer. Enrol today and let your child discover the magic of the circus, where they can clip, twist, and turn!

Join in the fun at ANBG

Discover more about the diverse floral life in Australia at the  Australian National Botanic Gardens  over the school holidays.

Join  Storytime for stories, songs, rhymes and creative activities on the Crosbie Morrison Lawn, bringing to life the gardens’ beautiful, natural surroundings (10-11 am, first Friday of every month). Discover the amazing secrets of the plants that live in the Australian bush on a family-friendly tour on the magical Flora Explorer bus (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays at 11:30 and 1:30 pm). Bookings essential as numbers are limited. 

Then wander through the Rainforest Gully, visit the Red Centre Garden, and finish at the Paperbark Treehouse. 

Climb through acorns 

The award-winning  POD playground  at the  National Arboretum Canberra  will have kids climbing structures and testing out slides, swings, giant acorn cubbies, and music-making instruments.

Take a wander through the nearby Bonsai Collection which hosts a world-class display of some of the finest miniature trees and forests in the world.

Get your race on or try bouldering indoors

The tracks at  Power Kart Raceway  are sure to get your heart racing. Take the whole family to try racing the world class electric go-karts on a Formula One style indoor circuit. Also on site is an indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf course, synthetic ice skating rink, and an array of arcade machines, so everyone will find something to make them happy.

A short drive away you’ll find  BlocHaus within the Dairy Road precinct. This bouldering centre is perfect for kids to get a taste of rock climbing, with a section of the gym dedicated to families – with the walls shorter and padded mats below. There’s no need for ropes, partners, or gear for this all-day fun.

Catch some of Australia’s top athletes in action 

Go behind the scenes on a 90-minute tour of the  Australian Institute of Sport , Australia’s premier elite sports precinct. Discover where Australia’s sporting champions are created and gain insight into the life of their leading athletes. You might even catch some of Australia’s top athletes in training.

Included is a visit to Sportex, one of Australia's leading interactive sports exhibits, set amongst a first-class collection of sporting memorabilia. Try wheelchair basketball, virtual downhill skiing, rock climbing, football penalty shootouts and more. Great fun for all ages and athletic abilities.

Discover more family fun

Canberra’s ultimate treasure hunt, 10 cool things to do with the kids, top 10 things to do in canberra, museums and galleries, what's on in canberra this winter, keep in touch.

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Australia School Tours

School tours in Australia are the perfect opportunity to provide exposure while also adding a unique experience to your school’s education curriculum or sports and music programs. Whether you’re looking for excursions to Canberra, trips to Central Australia, or tours to Tropical Queensland, our Australian school tours will allow students to experience their nation in all its glory and broaden their horizon.

From the vast outback to tropical rainforest, winding rivers, snowy mountains and cosmopolitan cities, there’s such a great variety of landscapes and experiences on offer in Australia for students to further their studies in various subjects such as Geography, Biology and Aboriginal Studies.

With UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland , Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Central Australia or Kakadu National Park at the Top End, the biggest challenge will be narrowing down an itinerary.

If you are planning to visit Canberra, considering to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site or wondering what attractions cities such as Melbourne or Sydney have to offer, then please get in touch with us at Student Horizons today to begin planning an educational and unforgettable experience that will help lay the foundations of your students’ futures.

Popular Australian Education Tours

To learn about the world, it is imperative to know about the country you live in. To understand about your country’s history, culture and natural heritage sites – and to why your country has developed into what it is today. By connecting interstate and visiting cities and regions of your country, you can form a deeper understanding and be more proud of the nation you live in.

Australia has a huge amount of educational and cultural experiences, from deepening your knowledge of indigenous culture in Central and Northern Australia, visiting greatest wonders of the natural world on the brink of extinction, our World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef to forming a deep understanding of our countries democracy and political system, history and heritage, art, science, the environment and culture all at our Nations Capital, Canberra.

Sydney & Canberra School STEM Tours

Reef to rainforest, civics & citizenship school canberra trips, outback queensland, sydney & melbourne university tours, australia performing arts tours, popular australian sports tours.

Whether rugby, netball, football, cricket, hockey or basketball, sports tours Australia wide offer the opportunity to train and play against teams in some of Australia’s most beloved sports. Student Horizons can discuss and advise on suitable destinations for your school’s sporting needs. We have the resource capabilities and experience necessary to ensure that your sports travel tours in Australia consistently meet the high standards expected.

Tour some of Australia’s most famous stadiums, visit the stadiums that play host to the State of Origin and see where the infamous Blues vs. Maroons rivalries first started. Tour the MCG in Melbourne and stand on the pitch where one of Australia’s most beloved cricketers, Shane Warne battled the sun and took his 700th test wicket against England’s Andrew Strauss watched by a crowd of 90,000 strong. There are school sports tours suitable for all sporting curriculums Australia wide.

Queensland School Sports Tours

Melbourne school sports tours, sydney school sports tours, canberra school sports tours, perth school sports tours, australian school sports tournaments, popular australian music tours.

Australia is home to a budding and constantly evolving music scene. School music tours in Australia offer your students the opportunity to perform at some of Australia’s most iconic venues while gaining real-world experience performing away from home. Your school music tours in Australia will inspire them to continue their journey with music into adulthood. Get in touch with a tour development specialist today to create bespoke school music tours that can elevate your music program to new levels.

Australia School Music Tours

Aspire international youth music festival, australia school choral tours, get in touch for a free quote.

Planning school tours doesn’t need to be a daunting experience. Get in touch with us today to see how Student Horizon’s can simplify domestic Australia trips for your school and how education and sports travel tours can add value to your school programme, creating lasting memories for your students.

Australia Tours, Trips and Excursions for your school

School tours canberra.

The National Capital offers various exciting school education programs covering civics and citizenship, history, STEM, science, sport, art and politics. School tours to Canberra will allow students to visit a number of places of national interest and participate in educational programs that will enhance their learning.

Participating in interactive hands-on activities, role plays, and educational workshops will help students to develop a deeper understanding of how their nation is governed and learn more about their Australian Identity, history and heritage.

Sporting Tours Australia

Sport in Australia is part of our national heritage, millions tune in to watch Australians compete on an international level. From rugby, cricket, football, and swimming, Aussies love sport. When asking graduates what their best memory of school was, many will often relive memories of competing as part of their sporting team or going on a sports tour within Australia or abroad.

Sports travel tours can be tailor-made to your sporting programme and are available throughout Australia. School sports tours can foster sportsmanship and help develop skills both in and out of the classroom. Through healthy competition against teams of comparable caliber and training away from home, your sports team can hone their skills and develop new techniques that they can bring back to use in their local fixtures. Student Horizons can work with your sporting program to develop school sports trips worldwide that will build upon your team’s strengths and create lasting memories for your students.

Home of the Wallabys, the Soccoroos, and training ground for Olympic medalist swimmers. There’s no question that sport in Australia continues to be world-class. Sport is ingrained in Australians from an early age, with over two million people playing soccer and over three million swimming across Australian shores. Whether rugby, netball, cricket or swimming, sports tours Australia wide offer the opportunity to train and play against teams in some of Australia’s most beloved sports. Tailor your interstate sport tours with by touring some of Australia’s most famous stadiums. Visit the stadiums that play host to the State of Origin and see where the infamous Blues vs. Maroons rivalries first started. Tour the MCG in Melbourne and stand on the pitch where one of Australia’s most beloved cricketers, Shane Warne battled the sun and took his 700 th test wicket against England’s Andrew Strauss watched by a crowd of 90,000 strong. There are school sports tours suitable for all sporting curriculums Australia wide.

Sports Travel Tours – Tournaments

Test your team’s sporting skill against teams of comparable caliber with tournament sports travel tours. Working locally to support and sponsor secondary school tournaments in Australia and New Zealand and through our partners across the globe, Student Horizons can advise on suitable tournaments for your sporting team. As they adapt and test out the new strategies and skills gained, their competitive spirit will be in full force as they represent their school on the national stage.

Planning sports tours overseas doesn’t need to be a daunting experience. Get in touch with us today to see how Student Horizons can simplify school sports trips for your school and how sports travel tours can add value to your sporting programme, creating lasting memories for your students.

School Music Tours Australia

Australia is home to a budding and constantly evolving music scene. School music tours in Australia offer your students the opportunity to perform at some of Australia’s most iconic venues while gaining real-world experience performing away from home. Your school music tours in Australia will inspire them to continue their journey with music into adulthood. Get in touch with a tour development specialist today to create bespoke school music tours that can elevate your music programme to new levels.

The Student Horizons team provided excellent service pre-departure and were on hand to provide logistical support as the tour progressed. They offered flexibility when changes to the itinerary were required and were in regular communication with the different tour providers to ensure the tour ran smoothly… Student Horizons staff have always been accommodating and flexible and a pleasure to work with.

Interstate school trips are back but Canberra's school excursion industry has been hit hard by coronavirus

Canberra is normally the go-to destination for school trips, to the point that it's almost a rite of passage for students around Australia.

Key points:

• Canberra's reputation as a school excursion destination is slowly returning
• Visits by students are estimated to be down by more than 100,000
• This week students from South Australia were treated to some parliamentary sledging, and a meeting with the Governor-General

But the $130-million-a-year booster shot to the ACT's economy has mostly dried up, with coronavirus border closures keeping tens of thousands of students who were expected to visit this year at home.

In recent weeks, as the country has begun to recover from the pandemic, so too has domestic tourism, and pupils' pilgrimages to the capital.

Garry Watson, from the National Capital Educational Tourism Project, said things were getting better, but there was still a long way to go.

"In 2019 around 173,000 school children came to visit Canberra," he said.

"This year we will be lucky to get 20,000."

About 100,000 students were booked in to come to Canberra between July to November — but most of them cancelled.

"We might get another 20 schools before Christmas — maybe," Mr Watson said.

Accommodation businesses still have a long road to recovery ahead

YMCA Canberra has two venues often used to house visiting students, but as the pandemic hit, it was forced to close one, with the other operating at around 5 per cent capacity.

"It entirely wiped out our revenue and put us backwards quite significantly — we virtually had no revenue for the past six months," executive manger Adam Horner said.

"We have fixed costs that need to be covered regardless of the number of people through, and they are not covered at the moment."

This week, the YMCA welcomed students back for the first time since March, but business is not exactly booming.

"Business is starting to return, but very slowly," Mr Horner said.

"The groups are small and nowhere near close to the number or the size that we normally have. But it is a really good sign that we at least have the confidence back to at least see a few groups return."

JobKeeper payments have meant the YMCA has kept staff, but of the 50 on the books, just two have been working.

In the past week some of those on zero hours have been able to return.

A welcome treat for students in a difficult year

For interstate students who have been stuck at home, seeing some different sights makes for a very welcome change.

Redha Rikaby, a student from Playford College in South Australia, said he loved his visit to the capital.

"It has been really interesting learning about how Canberra was created," he said.

During their time, students visited the Parliament House, the National Gallery, the War Memorial and Government House, where they met Governor-General David Hurley.

"My favourite part of the trip was that went to Parliament House and watched the House of Representatives doing Question Time," student Sana Ahmadi said.

"It was really fun to see them getting all heated."

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