Canberra: Mt Ainslie, Parliament House & War Memorial Day Tour

Summary

Canberra’s stories from mount ainslie to the last post

You’ll stand above Canberra on Mount Ainslie, walk through both old and new Parliament Houses with a local guide, and pause for lunch at Queens Terrace Café. The day closes with time to reflect at the Australian War Memorial and its moving Last Post Ceremony—a moment that stays with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You know that quiet snap of eucalyptus leaves underfoot? That’s what I remember first, stepping out at Mount Ainslie lookout. The air was chilly but bright, and our guide—Peter, with his sun-creased smile—pointed out how Canberra’s streets line up like spokes on a wheel. He talked about Walter Burley Griffin’s vision, but honestly I was half-distracted by a flock of cockatoos screeching overhead. It smelled faintly of gum trees and damp earth. Someone in our group asked if you could see all the way to Parliament House from here (you can), and Peter laughed, “That’s the whole idea.”

We drove past Duntroon—Peter called it “the heart of Army life”—and then skirted Lake Burley Griffin where the water looked almost metallic in the late morning light. There was a quick stop at the Captain Cook Memorial (the fountain was going full tilt), and I tried to snap a photo but mostly caught my own reflection in the glass. Old Parliament House felt heavier somehow; walking those halls you get this sense of arguments and decisions still hanging in the air. At one point I tried to pronounce “Yarralumla” correctly—Li laughed when I butchered it—and we all ended up comparing worst attempts at Aussie place names over coffee at Queens Terrace Café.

The afternoon drifted by as we wound through embassy row—flags everywhere, some fluttering, some limp—and Peter pointed out The Lodge so casually you’d miss it if you blinked. But it was the Australian War Memorial that really got me. The galleries are quiet, almost hushed except for kids’ sneakers squeaking on polished floors. I wandered alone for a bit before meeting up for the Last Post Ceremony. There’s something about that bugle echoing under high ceilings—it just kind of sits with you after, even as you head back into regular city noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Canberra's key landmarks

• View city from Mount Ainslie lookout
• Drive through Royal Military College grounds
• See Lake Burley Griffin and Captain Cook Memorial
• Tour Old Parliament House museum
• Guided tour of New Parliament House
• Lunch at Queens Terrace Café
• Drive through Canberra’s diplomatic district
• Visit Australian War Memorial galleries
• Attend Last Post Ceremony at War Memorial

Top questions

How long is this Canberra day tour?

This is a full-day tour covering major Canberra highlights from morning until late afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, pickup is included from major hotels and motel chains in Canberra.

What are the main stops on this Canberra highlights tour?

The tour visits Mount Ainslie lookout, Old and New Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin area, embassy district, and Australian War Memorial.

Does the tour include entry fees?

All entry fees are included in your booking price.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

You’ll have a break for lunch at Queens Terrace Café inside Parliament House; food is available for purchase there.

Will there be a local guide throughout?

Yes, an expert local guide accompanies you for the entire day trip.

Is this Canberra day trip suitable for families or seniors?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and families with children or seniors are welcome.

What is special about the Last Post Ceremony?

The Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial honors fallen service members each day—it’s often described as very moving.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport with hotel pickup at major accommodations around Canberra, all entry fees covered throughout each stop, plus guided tours inside both Old and New Parliament House before finishing with time at the Australian War Memorial—including attendance at its Last Post Ceremony before heading back into town.