National Capital Exhibition

The National Capital Exhibition is the home of Canberra’s story.

All our activities help students uncover the ‘why, where, how and who’ of the city they’re visiting.

The National Capital Authority offers a variety of school programs on-site at the National Capital Exhibition and around Canberra. These programs give a sense of place, and The Griffin Mission, Anzac Parade and Reconciliation Place are all PACER programs.

All Bookings through bookcanberraexcursions.com.au

On-Site Education

Our National Capital is a fully planned, modern city built into an ancient landscape. The design and creation of Canberra closely aligns to the Australian Curriculum for Civics and Citizenship and History. The National Capital Exhibition is an essential stop for every excursion as students explore the Story of Canberra, including observation of a scale model of the city.

The Griffin Mission

Uncover the story behind our planned and architecturally designed National Capital. Learn about the extraordinary Griffin design and the symbolic nature and significance of our National Capital. Our program offers hands-on learning where students have the opportunity to envisage a city of the future.

Opening Hours

The Exhibition is open 9am–5pm on weekdays, 10am–4pm weekends. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Online Resources

Online resources assist with introducing students to the story of the National Capital of Australia.

NCA Education Resources

HIstory of the National Capital

NCA Videos 

From This to That, The Story of the National Capital (Lisa Elliott)

Marion,The Woman Behind Two Thrones (Roslyn Hull)

View to a View, Planning Australia’s National Capital (Kate Collins)

Guided Walking Tours

Reconciliation Place

Reconciliation Place is located physically and symbolically at the heart of Australia’s National Capital. This series of public artworks sparks conversation on our shared journey toward reconciliation. Students are invited to touch and explore artworks along the path of Reconciliation Place, reflecting on events and ideas on our shared journey. Reconciliation Place is now a PACER approved program offering.

All Bookings: bookcanberraexcursions.com.au

Anzac Parade

Taking part in a walking tour of some of the Memorials along Anzac Parade encourages an investigation of how we honour service in the creation of memorials. Students will discuss how conflict is remembered and memorialised. Walking tours offer hands-on learning, where students touch and explore sculptures, building understanding about their connection with the design of Canberra. Anzac Parade is now a PACER approved program offering.

All Bookings: bookcanberraexcursions.com.au

Lake Burley Griffin

Exploring important concepts such as garden city design, town planning and the land and water axes, students investigate features of the Griffin design during a walking tour along the northern shore of the lake’s central basin. Students consider how the city of Canberra has grown in line with the original Griffin design. Enjoy an outdoor educational experience with ornamental lakeside views.

All Bookings: bookcanberraexcursions.com.au

She Shapes History

Uncover the stories of the incredible Australian women history has forgotten. She Shapes a Nation is a captivating walking tour through the National Triangle where students learn how to shape a nation from the pioneering, defiant and unexpected women who voted in 1856, federated a nation in 1901 and changed Australia’s constitution in 1967. At each stop, students receive a unique ‘How To’ recipe card breaking down the techniques and strategies these women used to shape history. Students will leave with a transformed view of history, inspired to reflect on how they too can shape our nation.

Bookings via: www.sheshapeshistory.com.au/schools