Canberra: Women’s History Walking Tour & Local Stories

Summary

Walk Canberra’s icons hear women’s voices see history differently

You’ll walk through Canberra’s icons with a local guide who shares stories you won’t find in most books—from secret plaques at the Museum of Australian Democracy to quiet moments at Reconciliation Place and coffee breaks at Bookplate café. Expect laughter, new faces, and maybe even a postcard to remember it all by.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Canberra feeling like I was eavesdropping on history. Our guide—Sarah, who had this dry wit—met us outside the Museum of Australian Democracy. She handed out these little postcards (I still have mine somewhere) and led us through corridors where you could almost smell old paper and something faintly musty, like secrets. She pointed out a plaque about a woman I’d never heard of—apparently she rewrote parts of the constitution. “Most people miss her,” Sarah said, tapping it with her pen. I felt sort of embarrassed I’d missed her too.

We paused at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, and the mood shifted; Sarah lowered her voice as we stood under gum trees, smoke from someone’s nearby campfire drifting our way. She talked about the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, and honestly, it felt more real than anything I’d read in textbooks. At Reconciliation Place, she told us how women shaped not just policies but whole movements. Someone in our group asked if any of them were still alive—Sarah grinned and said, “A few are still stirring things up.”

The National Portrait Gallery was next—faces everywhere, but Sarah only stopped at certain ones. She told us which women had designed parts of Canberra itself. The High Court looked massive in the sunlight; we sat on its steps while she described a judge who’d dismissed a government (I had no idea that happened). My legs were getting tired by then, but we all perked up when she mentioned coffee at Bookplate inside the National Library. That café smelled like fresh bread and espresso—one of those small comforts that sticks with you.

By the time we reached Lake Burley Griffin, the wind picked up and made my eyes water a bit—not sure if it was just the breeze or something else. Sarah shared one last story about women who helped shape the city’s skyline. It wasn’t what I thought a history tour would be; it felt like being let in on something personal. I still think about that view across the lake sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Canberra's women's history sites

• Visit Museum of Australian Democracy
• Acknowledge Ngunnawal and Ngambri country at Aboriginal Tent Embassy
• Learn history at National Portrait Gallery
• Hear stories outside High Court of Australia
• Discover stories at Reconciliation Place
• Tour National Library of Australia and coffee break
• Hear secret history of Lake Burley Griffin

Top questions

How long is the Badass Women of Canberra walking tour?

The tour covers several central sites around Canberra; exact duration isn’t listed but includes multiple stops and a café break.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; they can ride in prams or strollers or sit on an adult’s lap.

What main attractions are included on this tour?

The itinerary includes Lake Burley Griffin, National Library of Australia, High Court of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, Museum of Australian Democracy, Aboriginal Tent Embassy, and Reconciliation Place.

Does the tour include any food or drinks?

You’ll stop for a break at Bookplate café inside the National Library; food or drinks aren’t explicitly included but there is time for coffee.

Who leads the Badass Women of Canberra tour?

The walking tour is led by passionate local guides with expertise in Canberra’s women’s history.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to the meeting point.

Do I get anything to take home from this tour?

You’ll receive a souvenir postcard as part of your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from passionate locals who know Canberra inside out, insider access to places like the Museum of Australian Democracy and National Library of Australia (with time for coffee at Bookplate café), stories shared outdoors at key monuments including Lake Burley Griffin and Reconciliation Place—and you’ll take home a souvenir postcard as a memento.