Brighton Coach & Tours Canberra One Day Tour

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A Wednesday or Saturday coach day from Sydney to Canberra that takes in the capital's big sights in one go: a drive through the embassy and parliamentary districts, the Royal Australian Mint, Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin and the Australian War Memorial, with an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch included.

Days

About 12 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared coach tour, minimum 6

Start / finish

Sydney / Canberra / Sydney
Central Station or Furama Darling Harbour, around 7:30pm

Return

Central Station or Furama Darling Harbour, around 7:30pm

Transport

Air-conditioned coach from Sydney

Meals

All-you-can-eat international buffet lunch

Route

Map of Brighton Coach & Tours Canberra One Day Tour

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Included experiences

Parliament House — public areas after security screening
Royal Australian Mint — see coins being made
Embassy and parliamentary districts — guided drive with photo stops
Lake Burley Griffin — Captain Cook Memorial jet
Australian War Memorial — visit the grounds

Brighton Coach & Tours Canberra One Day Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: SYDNEY TO THE CAPITAL

Pick-up is around 6:45am at Central Station, then about 7am at the Furama in Darling Harbour. The coach runs south-west through the Southern Highlands and on to Canberra, about three and a half hours in all. Your driver-guide explains why the capital exists. When the colonies federated in 1901, neither Sydney nor Melbourne would let the other be capital, so the Constitution put the new city in New South Wales but at least 100 miles from Sydney. The site was chosen in 1908 and named Canberra in 1913.

LATE MORNING: THE PLANNED CITY AND THE MINT

You reach Canberra around 11am and start with a drive through a city designed on paper by the American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, who won the design competition in 1912. You pass the embassies, the National Library, the High Court and the National Gallery, with photo stops at viewpoints. At about 11:30am you visit the Royal Australian Mint, which has made Australia's everyday coins since it opened in 1965. From the gallery you look down on the factory floor, and you can mint a coin of your own for a small extra cost.

MIDDAY: BUFFET LUNCH AND PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Lunch at noon is an all-you-can-eat international buffet, with hot dishes, salads and desserts. At about 1:30pm you go through security into Parliament House, opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 9 May 1988. It is built into the top of Capital Hill, with lawns running over its roof, so in theory the people can walk above their politicians. The stainless steel flagpole on top stands 81 metres tall and flies a flag about the size of a double-decker bus. You see the building's public areas, where the Foyer is lined with columns of green-grey marble.

AFTERNOON: LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN AND THE WAR MEMORIAL

Around 2:30pm the tour moves to Lake Burley Griffin, made in the 1960s by damming the Molonglo River. The Captain Cook Memorial Jet throws water up to 147 metres into the air. Then it is on to the Australian War Memorial, which you see from its grounds at the top of Anzac Parade, the ceremonial avenue that lines up exactly with Parliament House across the lake. The Memorial opened in 1941, and the names of more than 100,000 Australians who died in war are on its Roll of Honour. The coach leaves about 4pm, back in Sydney around 7:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Central Station, Western Forecourt Coach Bay 8, around 6:45am, or the Furama Darling Harbour, 68 Harbour St, Haymarket, around 7am. Other CBD hotel pick-ups may be possible; your pick-up is confirmed when you book.
Departure time: Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Finishes: Central Station or the Furama, around 7:30pm.
Duration: About 12 hours, including about seven hours on the road.
Minimum age: All ages. Children aged 0 to 3 travel free but must be counted in the passenger numbers.
Fitness: Light to moderate walking, with no hills or long walks. It suits families and older travellers.
Please note: The tour needs at least 6 people to run; if it doesn't, you can move to another date or take a full refund. It runs in any weather, and the guide may change the order of stops.

What to bring

Photo ID or passport; it can be asked for at boarding and at government buildings
Comfortable walking shoes
Layers and a light waterproof jacket
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera
A small day pack only; bigger luggage needs approval before the day

What is included

Air-conditioned coach from Sydney to Canberra and return
Professional driver-guide
Bottled water and snacks
All-you-can-eat international buffet lunch

Not included

Commemorative coin at the Mint, if you want one
Entry to the inside of the Australian War Memorial (grounds only)
Personal expenses
Travel insurance

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.