Badass Women of Canberra: Meet the Women Who Shaped the Nation

Looking for a way to get under the surface of Canberra’s history? This walking tour, focused on the women who made a difference in Australia’s capital, offers a fresh perspective that’s both engaging and enlightening. It’s designed for those who enjoy a brisk, walk-and-talk style experience and want to hear stories that often get overlooked in traditional tours.

What really caught our eye is that the guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making complex stories accessible and memorable. Plus, the inclusion of lesser-known sites like the Ladies Rose Garden adds a layer of discovery that many travelers appreciate. The only thing to consider is that this tour is best suited for those comfortable on their feet and with a curiosity for social history. If you’re visiting Canberra for the first time or are a repeat visitor eager to deepen your understanding, this tour could be just the ticket.

This experience is ideal for mobile travelers who enjoy walking and exploring on foot. It’s a two-hour journey that offers a mix of well-known landmarks and hidden gems, perfect for those who want a compact but meaningful introduction to women’s contributions to Canberra and Australia’s story.

Key Points

• Walking tour ideal for those comfortable on their feet
• Two-hour duration makes it a manageable and engaging experience
• Learn overlooked stories of women shaping Canberra and Australia
• Expert guides provide insider knowledge and enthusiasm
• Includes free access to key sites like the Museum of Australian Democracy and the National Library
• Small group size (up to 14 people) ensures a personal experience

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

The tour kicks off at the King George V Memorial, where your guide will greet you and set the tone for an insightful stroll through Canberra’s key sites. Starting here, you’ll immediately feel the balance of well-known attractions and hidden stories, thanks to the guide’s storytelling skills.

Museum of Australian Democracy

Our first stop is the Museum of Australian Democracy, with the guide providing exclusive insights into areas of the building relevant to women’s history. While the museum itself is free to enter, the guided visit offers context that isn’t always obvious from a casual walk-through. Expect to learn about influential women in Australian politics and the movements that helped shape the country’s democratic fabric.

Aboriginal Tent Embassy

Next, you’ll visit the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, a powerful symbol of Indigenous sovereignty and activism. Here, the guide makes sure to acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, highlighting their ongoing culture and contributions. This stop emphasizes the broader social fabric of Australia’s history — an important perspective that many miss when just visiting the city’s surface.

National Portrait Gallery

The tour takes you next to the National Portrait Gallery, but don’t expect a typical art visit. The guide shares the surprising stories behind the portraits, shining a light on women who made history in, or contributed to, Australia’s political and social landscape. One reviewer commented that the history behind the gallery was “unexpected,” which adds a layer of intrigue to this spot.

High Court of Australia

Now, we sit outside the High Court, listening to stories of women who, through their legal and political actions, helped shape the nation. Sitting in the open air with the grand building as a backdrop makes these stories even more vivid. It’s a chance to reflect on how women have influenced Australia’s legal landscape, often in quiet but impactful ways.

Reconciliation Place

Moving on, the guide shares narratives behind Reconciliation Place, a site dedicated to Australia’s journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It’s a meaningful stop that underscores the ongoing fight for social justice, often driven by women’s advocacy, making this a poignant part of the tour.

National Library of Australia

One of the highlights is the stop at the National Library with access to the ‘Bookplate’ café. Here, you get a comfortable break with a coffee — a nice touch that allows for reflection or a quick chat about what you’ve seen so far. The library itself houses many archives related to women’s stories, adding context to the tour’s theme.

Lake Burley Griffin

Finally, the tour wraps up with a walk along Lake Burley Griffin, where the guide shares some of the lake’s secret history and its role in Canberra’s development. It’s a lovely spot to wind down, with the water and scenery providing a peaceful backdrop for the tales of influence and resilience.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the compelling stories they tell. One user noted that her guide, Jane, shared “many stories of incredibly inspiring women,” which made the experience memorable. Several mention the enthusiasm and authority of guides like Eliza, who brings the stories of women to life.

The tour’s timing and length are also heavily praised — at just around two hours, it’s the perfect quick dive into Canberra’s social history without feeling rushed. Many reviewers appreciate that the tour covers both prominent and lesser-known sites, giving a well-rounded picture of the city’s female influencers.

However, a few mention that the tour is best suited for those comfortable walking and with good mobility, as it’s a walking experience. The group size is kept small, which helps maintain an intimate, engaging environment.

Value for Money

At around $46.62 per person, the tour feels like good value. You’re getting expert-guided stories, access to several significant sites, and a chance to see parts of Canberra you might miss otherwise. The inclusion of free access to sites like the Museum of Australian Democracy and the National Portrait Gallery means you’re not just paying for the stories but also for the opportunity to explore these landmarks more deeply on your own afterward.

The fact that the tour is recommended by 99% of previous participants and has a perfect 5-star rating speaks to its quality and popularity. For travelers interested in social history, women’s contributions, or just looking for an engaging way to see Canberra, this tour hits the right notes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history buffs eager to uncover stories that don’t always make it into textbooks. It’s also great for culture lovers interested in Indigenous perspectives and social justice themes. If you’re in Canberra for a short visit but want a meaningful, compact experience, this tour delivers a lot in just two hours.

Given the walking style and focus on storytelling, it suits travelers who enjoy active exploration and engaging conversations. It’s also a wonderful choice for those who want a slightly different angle on Australia’s capital — one that emphasizes female resilience, leadership, and cultural contributions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a tour that combines history, culture, and inspiring stories, Badass Women of Canberra offers an experience that’s both thoughtful and well-paced. It’s clear from the glowing reviews that guides like Jane and Eliza bring this tour to life with their knowledge and enthusiasm, making it feel less like a lecture and more like a conversation with an informed friend.

The inclusion of key sites like the High Court and the National Library shows that this isn’t just a superficial overview; it’s a carefully curated walk through some of the most telling parts of Canberra’s social and political landscape. The small group size ensures that you won’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd, making this a personal and engaging journey.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for curious, mobile travelers who want to celebrate and learn about women’s contributions to Australia’s history. It’s a rewarding way to spend a couple of hours, leaving you with fresh insights and stories to think about long after the walk ends.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately two hours, making it a perfect short activity during a day of sightseeing or afterward for those who enjoy walking and storytelling.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at the King George V Memorial and concludes at Old Parliament House, both located in Canberra’s Parkes area. Both points are easily accessible near public transportation.

Is the tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
Since it’s a walking tour, it’s best suited for mobile travelers comfortable on their feet. If you have mobility concerns, it’s worth considering how much walking is involved.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided walking experience, access to key sites such as the Museum of Australian Democracy and the National Library, and a coffee break at the library’s café.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. You can also choose a different date if the weather or other circumstances require it.

Are children or families welcome?
The tour is designed for adult travelers interested in social history and doesn’t specifically mention family-friendly features, but anyone comfortable with walking and engaging with stories should be fine.

What makes this tour stand out?
The focus on women’s stories, expert guides, and the inclusion of lesser-known sites all combine to create a memorable, meaningful experience that adds depth to any visit to Canberra.

If you’re keen to explore Canberra beyond the usual sights and want a tour that highlights the women who helped shape the nation, this experience is well worth considering. It’s authentic, thoughtfully curated, and offers stories you won’t find in every guidebook.