9 Best Full-Day Tours In Canberra (With Prices)

Canberra isn’t just the seat of Australian government — it’s a city packed with fascinating sights, beautiful vistas, and in-depth cultural experiences. What makes it especially appealing for full-day tours is the mix of natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and extraordinary food and drink options. Whether you want to see the city’s top sights in a relaxed setting, sample local wines, or explore its craft breweries and distilleries, Canberra offers a variety of ways to fill your day. The Highlights of Canberra Full Day Tour is a favorite for its comprehensive city overview, especially for first-timers. Meanwhile, wine lovers will appreciate the depth of experience offered by the full-day Canberra winery tours, which showcase boutique wineries and excellent tastings.

For those who prefer a more personalized experience, private tours like the Discover Canberra’s Heritage: A Full-Day Private Tour deliver an intimate look at the city’s most significant landmarks. And if you’re coming from Sydney, a private full-day tour from Sydney offers the convenience of door-to-door service with a flexible schedule. Whichever you choose, each tour provides a unique way to experience Canberra’s charm and character.

1. Highlights of Canberra Full Day Tour

At number 1, this Highlights of Canberra Full Day Tour scores a solid 5.0/5 from over 400 reviews — a testament to its value and reliability. The tour runs about 8 hours and covers the essential sights of the city in a comfortable, small-group setting (max 20 people). The tour begins with the Mount Ainslie Lookout, where you’ll get stunning views of Canberra and learn about its city planning. From there, you’ll visit the National Capital Exhibition to explore the city’s development and see Lake Burley Griffin up close.

The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, where you’ll get a concise guided tour of Australia’s political history. The highlight for many is the Australian War Memorial, which offers a profound insight into Australia’s military history. The trip is mostly driven in a comfortable vehicle, with hotel pickups from major hotels, making it easy to fit into a busy itinerary. Note that lunch isn’t included, but there are plenty of spots to grab a bite along the route.

Bottom line: This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded introduction to Canberra’s top attractions, with engaging commentary and comfortable logistics.

2. Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch

For those who enjoy wine and scenic countryside, the Canberra Winery Tour offers a full day of tastings, boutique wineries, and a delicious lunch. This 8 to 9-hour experience is highly rated, with a 5.0/5 from 36 reviews, and focuses on exploring up to 6 wineries or venues in Murrumbateman.

The day kicks off at Helm Wines, where you’ll taste award-winning Rieslings and Cabernet Sauvignon, learning about the winemakers’ craft. Next, Eden Road Wines, a 2021 James Halliday 5-Star Winery, serves up top-rated reds like the 2018 The Long Road Syrah. The highlight is the pizza lunch at Four Winds Vineyard, where you’ll enjoy freshly made pizza paired with wine tastings and perhaps some casual card games. The tour includes tasting fees, cheese platters, snacks, and drinks aboard the bus. The scenery along the way offers panoramic views, perfect for photo stops.

Good to know: The tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting a relaxed, social day among some of Australia’s best boutique wineries. The only downside is that the bus is on the older side, but reviews praise the overall experience.

Bottom line: A top choice for lovers of wine and food, especially if you want to combine scenic drives with tastings and a hearty lunch.

3. Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch

Beer, spirits, and wine all in one day — that’s the promise of the Brewery, Wineries & Distillery Tour. This 9 to 10-hour tour is for craft beverage lovers looking to sample a variety of local producers. The itinerary includes visits to Jeir Creek Wines, Eden Road Wines, Four Winds Vineyard, and Ambrosia Distillery, where you can taste gins and vodkas alongside fine wines.

The day kicks off at Jeir Creek, known for its elegant labels, followed by Eden Road with its award-winning reds. At Four Winds Vineyard, you’ll enjoy pizza and wine while relaxing, and finishing at Ambrosia Distillery, which offers tastings of around five different gins and a vodka. This tour includes tasting fees, a substantial lunch, shared cheese platters, and drinks. The long day is well-paced, allowing plenty of time to savor each stop.

Best for: Food and drink connoisseurs who want a comprehensive experience of Canberra’s craft beverage scene. The main drawback is the longer duration, which can be tiring for some.

Bottom line: An excellent choice if you want to explore multiple beverage producers in one day, with a mix of wine, spirits, and casual dining.

4. Canberra Murrumbateman Winery Expedition: Full Day

At number 4, the Canberra Murrumbateman Winery Expedition offers a comprehensive full-day experience for serious wine lovers — priced at about $420, it’s a premium option. The 10-hour tour takes you through some of the region’s most acclaimed wineries like Helm Wines and Eden Road, known for their Rieslings, Cabernet, and Syrah.

The trip includes a sumptuous gourmet lunch at Four Winds Vineyard, paired with wine tastings. The tour emphasizes the unique terroirs and winemaking techniques of each vineyard, providing detailed insights. The small-group format ensures a more intimate experience, with plenty of time to explore and ask questions. Guests consistently praise the expert commentary and the quality of the wines.

Bottom line: Best suited for serious wine aficionados who value in-depth tastings and gourmet dining, this tour offers a high-end experience to match its price.

5. Discover Canberra’s Heritage: A Full-Day Private Tour

For a personalized look at Canberra, the Heritage Private Tour shines. This private 8-hour experience is perfect for travelers wanting a tailored itinerary. It includes stops at Mount Ainslie Lookout, the National Capital Exhibition, and Old Parliament House, with custom pacing and commentary.

Your guide will craft a day that matches your interests, whether that’s more time at cultural sites or exploring hidden corners of the city. The private nature means fewer crowds and more flexibility. Reviews are glowing about the guide’s knowledge and friendliness. The cost is higher, at about $490 per person, but the personalized attention and flexibility often justify the price.

Best for: Travelers who value a customizable experience and want to avoid large groups.

Bottom line: Ideal for those with specific interests or limited time, seeking an exclusive, in-depth tour of Canberra.

6. From Canberra: Murrumbateman Wineries Full-Day Tour

This Murrumbateman Wineries Tour is a relaxed, 9-hour journey perfect for wine enthusiasts who enjoy a social atmosphere. Starting from Jolimont Tourist Centre, it features wine tastings at boutique wineries, cheese tastings, and a gourmet lunch.

Guests visit several wineries, including Murrumbateman’s top spots, with tasting sessions lasting about an hour each. The tour emphasizes the local wine scene and the chance to meet winemakers. It’s affordable and accessible, with a friendly group size, making it a good choice for casual wine lovers.

Potential downside: The tour can be somewhat basic compared to more exclusive options, but it offers great value for a full day of wine and scenery.

Bottom line: Best suited for relaxed, social groups wanting to explore the region’s wines without fuss.

7. Full Day Private Tour in Canberra from Canberra hotels

For travelers seeking an entirely private experience, this Full Day Private Tour offers total flexibility. It lasts about 7 hours and includes key landmarks like the National Gallery, War Memorial, and Mount Ainslie Lookout.

Your private guide will tailor the itinerary to your interests, ensuring a personalized experience. Guests praise the seamless logistics and attentive service. The cost is around $720 per person, which makes it more suitable for travelers looking for exclusivity and comfort.

Best for: Visitors who want a private, customizable experience with expert guiding.

Bottom line: Perfect for small groups or couples wanting a curated day with no compromises.

8. Discover Gems of Canberra: Private Full-Day Tour

This private tour offers an intimate look at Canberra’s key sites, with a focus on avoiding crowds and experiencing the city at your own pace. Highlights include Mount Ainslie, the National Capital Exhibition, Old Parliament House, and Parliament House itself. The guide shares detailed insights into each location.

The tour is about 8 hours long, with flexible scheduling. While it currently has no reviews, the personalized approach makes it appealing for travelers who want an exclusive, in-depth perspective. The price is high, around $1,147 per person, reflecting its private, bespoke nature.

Best for: Those who prefer privacy and a tailored itinerary, especially for special occasions.

Bottom line: An excellent choice if you want a private, exclusive experience with a dedicated guide.

9. Private Tour: From Sydney to Canberra Full Day Tour

Finally, for those coming from Sydney, the full-day private transfer combines sightseeing with the convenience of door-to-door service. The 10-hour trip includes scenic drives, photo stops, and visits to key landmarks like Mount Ainslie and the War Memorial.

This tour is fully customizable, allowing you to pick what you most want to see. It’s ideal for groups or families who want a hassle-free, personalized experience without the hassle of driving or planning logistics. Pricing isn’t listed but will vary based on your group size.

Best for: Sydney-based travelers seeking a seamless, tailored day trip.

Bottom line: An excellent way to maximize your time if you’re coming from afar and want a flexible, private experience.

How to Choose Your Perfect Full-Day Tour in Canberra

Choosing among these options depends on your interests, budget, and preferred style. If you’re new to Canberra, the Highlights of Canberra offers a comprehensive intro. For wine lovers, the Murrumbateman winery tours and full-day winery expedition provide immersive tastings and gourmet lunches.

Those seeking a fully personalized experience should consider private options like the Heritage Private Tour or the Gems of Canberra private tour. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the brewery, winery, and distillery tour, which packs many sampling stops into one day.

For visitors arriving from Sydney, the private full-day transfer offers a stress-free way to explore without the fuss.

Final Thoughts

Canberra’s full-day tours reveal the city’s many facets — from government landmarks to world-class wines and craft spirits. The Highlights of Canberra is perfect for first-timers, while wine connoisseurs will appreciate the Murrumbateman wine tours. Private tours cater to those seeking custom experiences, and day trips from Sydney provide a convenient way to see the capital.

No matter your style or budget, early booking is wise — these tours fill up, especially during peak seasons. We recommend matching your choice to your interests: history lovers, wine aficionados, or those craving privacy will each find their ideal way to enjoy Canberra’s many attractions.