If you’re heading to Canberra and love sports, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a behind-the-scenes look at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), where some of Australia’s most elite athletes train and push their limits. While we haven’t done it ourselves, reviews suggest it’s a solid experience that combines education, fun, and a bit of inspiration.
What makes this tour stand out? First, you’ll really appreciate the knowledgeable guides who bring the place to life, and second, the interactive Sportex zone offers a chance to try out some physical tests yourself. However, a potential hiccup is that some activities might be out of order during your visit, which can dampen the experience a bit. Still, for sports lovers or curious travelers, this tour suits those who want an authentic glimpse into the world of Australian athletics without breaking the bank.
The price point of $14 for approximately two hours makes this a quite affordable way to spend part of your day, especially given the chance to see top-tier facilities and maybe even spot some athletes training. It’s particularly appealing for families, sports fans, and anyone interested in understanding what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Key Points
- Insightful guides enhance understanding of the AIS and its athletes.
- Interactive activities offer engaging, hands-on fun for all ages.
- Access to world-class facilities gives a genuine look at elite training environments.
- Affordable price at just $14 makes it a good value.
- Potential activity outages during refurbishments could affect certain parts of the experience.
- Good for sports enthusiasts or visitors interested in Australia’s sporting achievements.
What Is The AIS Tour All About?
The Australian Institute of Sport Tour is essentially a peek behind the curtains of Australia’s premier sports training hub. Located on a sprawling 160-acre campus, the AIS is where many top athletes hone their skills, recover, and prepare for international competitions. The tour offers a chance to walk through some of these top-tier facilities while hearing stories from guides who are often current or former athletes themselves.
What really hits home for many visitors is the blend of education and entertainment. You get to see where athletes train, browse exhibits about past Olympians and sports science, and engage in activities that test your own physical abilities. It’s a solid choice if you want more than just a superficial look, especially if you’re passionate about sports or fitness.
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The Itinerary in Detail
The tour kicks off at the AIS Visitor Centre, where you’ll meet your guide and get a brief overview of what’s ahead. This starting point sets the tone—friendly, informative, and ready to share stories about Australia’s sporting achievements.
Soon, you’ll enter Sportex, an interactive sports zone that is a highlight for many visitors. Despite some reviews mentioning that parts of Sportex are undergoing refurbishments and may be closed from June to August 2025, expect activities like wheelchair basketball, virtual downhill skiing, rock climbing, and football penalty shootouts. These experiences are designed to be fun and educational, giving you a taste of what it’s like to challenge yourself in different sports.
Next, you’ll explore the training facilities—including gyms, fields, and possibly spotting some athletes training. This outdoor component depends on the day’s activity and athlete schedules, but some visitors have reported seeing athletes in action, which adds to the authenticity.
The tour also features exhibits like the Sydney 2000 Olympics memorabilia, Heroes and Legends, and Sports Science displays. These showcase Australia’s sports milestones and the science behind athletic performance, perfect for those eager to learn about the bigger picture of sports development.
Finally, you’ll have time to visit the AIS café for refreshments, and browse the AIS shop for souvenirs. The AIS arena occasionally hosts events, from concerts to shows like Cirque du Soleil, making the venue a versatile spot.
The Experience: What You’ll Actually Do
Walking through the grounds, you’ll observe state-of-the-art facilities, some of which are used for training Australia’s top athletes. The guides often share stories about athletes’ journeys, Olympic medals, and the importance of this site in national pride.
Interactive activities at Sportex are particularly memorable. You might test your reaction times or try your hand at goal-shooting, which appeals to kids and adults alike. One reviewer notes: “Our sin was 6 and he just was amazed by it all,” showing how engaging these activities can be for families.
The facilities are impressive, with some visitors remarking on how large and well-maintained the training areas are—an ideal way to understand the scale on which Australia invests in its sporting talent.
Be aware that some activities may be temporarily unavailable during refurbishments, which could slightly limit the hands-on fun, but the overall experience remains valuable.
What Do the Reviews Say?
The feedback from past visitors is largely positive, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating based on 54 reviews. Many appreciated the knowledge of the guides, with one saying, “Our guide is currently an athlete at the AIS and was a wealth of knowledge.” The interactive part, Sportex, receives praise for being fun and engaging, particularly for children and families.
Some reviews highlight the impressive facilities and the opportunity to see athletes training, which many found inspiring. For example, a visitor mentioned, “Seeing all the institutes’ facilities, playing in the interactive area was great fun for all the family.”
However, a few comments point out limitations. One reviewer called it a “rip-off,” citing empty halls and no athletes to be seen, though this seems to be an outlier, possibly due to timing or refurbishment activities. Others noted that certain activities were out of order, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations.
The guides’ friendliness and knowledge shine through, and the relatively low price makes this tour a worthwhile addition to a Canberra itinerary.
Practical Information
Price: At $14, this tour offers quite a bit for the money, especially considering the guided nature and interactive elements. It’s a budget-friendly way to gain insight into Australia’s sporting culture.
Duration: Around 2 hours, which is perfect if you’re looking for a quick, meaningful experience without it taking up your whole day.
Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, so you won’t be lost in a crowd. This small group setting means the guides can be more personal and attentive.
Location: Starts at the AIS Visitor Centre at 26 Leverrier St, Bruce ACT—near public transportation, making it accessible.
Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, but always check if you have specific needs.
Refurbishments: A heads-up that Sportex will be closed from June 23 to August 3, 2025, which might affect the activities included.
Is This Tour Right for You?
If you love sports, enjoy interactive experiences, or are simply curious about what makes top Australian athletes tick, this tour can be quite rewarding. It’s especially good for families or groups who want a lively, informative outing that’s not overly serious but still educational.
For those expecting to see athletes in full training or high-profile moments, it’s worth remembering that some of that depends on timing and the day’s schedule. Still, guides often share stories and insights that bring the facilities to life, making it a worthwhile visit.
If budget is a concern, the relative affordability combined with the quality of the guides and exhibits makes this a competitive choice. It’s a great way to add some athletic inspiration to your Canberra trip without spending a lot.
The Sum Up
The AIS Tour in Canberra offers a well-rounded look at Australia’s sporting strength, blending education, interactive fun, and glimpses into the training lives of top athletes. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, ensuring you’ll learn as much as you enjoy the experience.
While some activities might be temporarily unavailable during refurbishments, the core elements—seeing the facilities, trying some sports, and exploring exhibits—remain compelling. The modest price makes it accessible, especially for travelers who appreciate value and authenticity.
This tour is best suited for sports enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers who want a memorable, engaging experience in Canberra. It’s a chance to connect with Australia’s sporting culture in a lively and approachable way, leaving many visitors inspired and informed.
Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour
“A good way to spend a couple of hours to learn about the history of the AIS. The guide was very knowledgeable.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the interactive zone (Sportex) is fun for kids, and the guide’s explanations make it engaging for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately two hours, making it a perfect short activity to include in a day’s itinerary.
Can I see athletes training during the tour?
Sometimes, yes. You might spot athletes training on the grounds, but this depends on their schedules. The guide will point out the training areas.
What activities are included in Sportex?
You can try wheelchair basketball, virtual downhill skiing, rock climbing, football penalty shootouts, and more.
Will all activities be available?
Not necessarily. Some activities are undergoing refurbishments and may be temporarily closed, especially from June to August 2025.
Is the tour expensive?
No, at $14, it’s quite affordable given the access to top facilities and guided insights.
Are there exhibits beyond the sports activities?
Yes, exhibits include memorabilia from the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Heroes and Legends, and Sports Science displays.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking around, and maybe a camera to capture the impressive facilities and activities.
Is transport to the AIS included?
No, transportation isn’t included, but the venue is near public transit.
Can I book this tour for a large group?
The tour is capped at 15 travelers, so it’s ideal for small groups or families seeking a more intimate experience.
If you’re after a straightforward, engaging look into Aussie sports excellence without a hefty price tag, this tour is a nice choice. It combines learning, fun, and a dose of inspiration—great for sports fans or anyone curious about Australia’s sporting pride.