National Capital Authority
National Capital Authority
The National Capital Authority (NCA) is responsible for developing an understanding and appreciation of the role of Canberra as the National Capital. We encourage participation, appreciation and celebration in the National Capital and, by providing information and education, we promote a better understanding of the attributes of Canberra that are of national significance. To find out more go to our website.
We foster this understanding through education programs at several sites:
- The National Capital Exhibition is our core education location. The programs presented provide context for any school or group visit to the National Capital and encourage creative thinking on what the future of our capital should be.
- Reconciliation Place is a pathway traversing the Central Land Axis of Canberra between the High Court of Australia and the National Library of Australia. Public art has been created as responses to various aspects of the process of Reconciliation and can provide a non-confrontational introduction to this topic.
- Blundells Cottage is Canberra's tiniest timeline. Occupied by families of workers for just over 100 years, the stories of the families that lived there provide insight into a little know aspect of the National Capital.
- ANZAC Parade is our national commemorative way. Memorials reflect both tastes in art and public sentiment at the time they were created but, more importantly, they tell stories without using words.
- Lake Burley Griffin is an artificial lake, a National Engineering Landmark and winner of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects inaugural Award in Landscape Excellence.
Bookings are essential for all schools and other groups. All programs and tours are free and confirmed subject to availability. The health and safety of the community and staff is the National Capital Authority’s (NCA) main concern and we abide by the National Capital Education Tourism Project’s (NCETP) School Excursion COVID-19 Protocols which, in association with the National Institutions of Canberra and approved by ACT Health, allow schools to visit Canberra. Further information on the National Capital Authority's attractions risk assessments, child safety statement and certificate of currency can be found on Canberra excursions, by booking you confirm to have read, understood and accepted all risks associated with the tour.
Opening Hours
National Capital Exhibition: Monday–Friday 9am–5pm; weekends / public holidays: 10am–4pm. Walking tours available during these times. Blundells Cottage: Saturday & Sunday 10am–2pm or on request.
Programs Available
Reconciliation Place Guided Tour
Reconciliation Place is actually a path between the National Library and the High Court of Australia. This series of public artworks explore what Reconciliation means and why it is an important part of our past and a signpost for our future. During the program, participants will explore the artworks to reflect on some of the events, people and concepts that are a part of our shared journey.
Minimum 5 participants required for booking
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Tertiary
- Social Groups
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Blundells Cottage - Education Program
Home for History
At Blundells Cottage students will explore the building and its surrounds, comparing the landscape today and in the past to see how Canberra has changed over time.
By actively engaging with hands-on objects, students will gain an insight into the families that lived in the Cottage over 100 years of occupation. They will compare the differences and similarities to their own lives today.
Through the program, they will develop an understanding of the historic significance of the Cottage as a reminder of the past before the city of Canberra.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Kindergarten
- Primary
- Year 7
- Availability:
- Monday, Friday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Old Parliament House Gardens Guided Tour
Actively used and loved by parliamentarians from the 1930s – 1980s as a place of relaxation from the pressures of the House, these reconstructed gardens are a reminder of the early days of the city, restored in 2004 for all to enjoy. On this guided walking tour participants will learn the history and the horticultural story of gardens that house over 7,500 roses, two tennis courts, a cricket pitch and bowling green.
This tour is only available to be booked in October and November. All visitors are welcome to visit the gardens all year round, but they are only in bloom from October to early April.
If there are any extra mobility needs, we are always amenable to extending the program to 90mins. Special arrangements can be organised by calling us at the exhibition.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Tertiary
- Social Groups
- Availability:
- Contact attraction to book
Anzac Parade Guided Tour
Way to Remember
Guided through four of significant military memorials along Anzac Parade, participants will interrogate what ‘national significance’ means and how the serviceand sacrifice of Australians has been memorialised. Participants will interact with the sculptures, exploring their connection with the design of Canberra.
Minimum 5 participants required for booking.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Tertiary
- Social Groups
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Blundells Cottage Guided Tour
Blundells Cottage is an iconic location, built in what is now the National Triangle of Canberra. In this guided tour, participants will learn about the long history of the building and its connections to the development of Canberra. The site has been curated to create an immersive atmosphere, covering four important eras in the building’s history. Please do be aware that this site is a heritage location, if your group has any mobility concerns please contact us before booking.
Minimum 5 participants required for booking.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Tertiary
- Social Groups
- Availability:
- Thursday, Friday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Lake Burley Griffin Guided Tour
During this guided walk along the northern shore of Central Basin participants will learn about the design of our capital city. Exploring important concepts such as garden city design, town planning and the land and water axis, participants will interrogate the importance of features within the Burley Griffin design and question whether the city still has elements of the original plan within it.
Minimum 5 participants required for booking
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Tertiary
- Social Groups
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
National Capital Exhibition Education Program (Weekend)
The Story of Canberra
The Griffin Mission program tells the story of the National Capital, from pre-history through to present day. Students consider why Canberra became the federal site, discuss the Griffin’s garden city design solution and consider how their design is maintained for the future. A hands-on activity is included where students design their own futuristic city with sustainable values.
Access educational resources relating to the National Capital at: https://www.nca.gov.au/discover-and-learn/learning-resources, including a post-visit unit looking at potential futures of the National Capital.
At the bottom of this page: https://www.nca.gov.au/discover-and-learn/family-activities there are step-by-step instructions to build Canberra institutions in Lego.
After exploring the National Capital Exhibition, be sure to stop by the Canberra and Region Visitor’s Centre, which is conveniently located in the same building. The centre offers a diverse selection of local merchandise guaranteeing there’s something for everyone to take home.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Kindergarten
- Primary
- Secondary
- Availability:
- Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 – 11:00 am
- Saturday, Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
National Capital Exhibition Guided Tour
Discover the history of Canberra during a guided tour through the National Capital Exhibition. During this tour, participants will learn about the path from Federation to the international design competition and on to the city as it is now. The tour includes time for the film, 3D model animation and exploring the exhibition after the formal presentation.
After exploring the National Capital Exhibition, be sure to stop by the Canberra and Region Visitor’s Centre, which is conveniently located in the same building. The centre offers a diverse selection of local merchandise guaranteeing there’s something for everyone to take home.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Tertiary
- Social Groups
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
National Capital Exhibition Guided Tour (Weekend)
Discover the history of Canberra during a guided tour through the National Capital Exhibition. During this tour, participants will learn about the path from Federation to the international design competition to the city as it is now. The presentation includes time for the theatrette film, 3D model animation and exploring the exhibition after the formal presentation.
After exploring the National Capital Exhibition, be sure to stop by the Canberra and Region Visitor’s Centre, which is conveniently located in the same building. The centre offers a diverse selection of local merchandise guaranteeing there’s something for everyone to take home.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Tertiary
- Social Groups
- Availability:
- Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Anzac Parade Education Program - Spring/Summer
How We Remember
Guided through four of the significant military memorials along Anzac Parade, participants will have the chance to interrogate what ‘national significance’ means and how the service and sacrifice of Australians has been memorialised. Participants will interact with the sculptures, finding their own meaning in them and exploring their connection with the design of Canberra.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Secondary
- Availability:
- Contact attraction to book
Anzac Parade Education Program - Autumn/Winter
How We Remember
Guided through four of the significant military memorials along Anzac Parade, students interrogate what ‘national significance’ means and how the service and sacrifice of Australians has been memorialised. Students interact with the sculptures, finding their own meaning in them and exploring their connection with the design of Canberra.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Secondary
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Lake Burley Griffin Education Program - Spring/Summer
Park by the Lake
Explore Commonwealth Park and the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin discussing important landmarks and natural features along the way. Learn about garden city design, planning for sustainable futures, and the role of active citizenship. Participants discuss the Griffin design whilst situated at the cross-section of the iconic land and water axis.
Note: This Education Program starts at the National Capital Exhibition and finishes at either Rond Terrace or the Blundells Cottage Carpark (4.2m low clearance).
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Secondary
- Availability:
- Contact attraction to book
Reconciliation Place Education Program - Spring/Summer
Our Shared Journey
Reconciliation Place is actually a path between the National Library and the High Court of Australia. This series of public artworks explore what Reconciliation means and why it is an important part of our past and a signpost for our future. During the program, participants will explore the artworks to reflect on some of the events, people and concepts that are a part of our shared journey.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Secondary
- Availability:
- Contact attraction to book
Reconciliation Place Education Program - Autumn/Winter
Our Shared Journey
Reconciliation Place is actually a path between the National Library and the High Court of Australia. This series of public artworks explore what Reconciliation means and why it is an important part of our past and a signpost for our future. During the program, participants will explore the artworks to reflect on some of the events, people and concepts that are a part of our shared journey.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Secondary
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Blundells Cottage - Virtual Program
Home for History
An object-focused virtual program that builds a sensory learning experience with a narrative of the four families that lived in the cottage over the 100 years it was a working family home.
Catering to Year 2/3 students.
Virtual Education Program and in-class downloadable resources to assist with the HASS unit of discovery.
Talk Back Time
Book 15-20 minutes video chat with one of our educators once your class has viewed the virtual program. Simply request this in your booking notes and one of our staff will get back to you.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- Online
- Year Levels:
- Kindergarten
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
National Capital Exhibition Education Program
The Story of Canberra
The Griffin Mission program, situated at the National Capital Exhibition, tells the story of the National Capital, from pre-history through to present day. Students consider why Canberra became the federal site, discuss the Griffin’s garden city design solution and consider how their design is maintained for the future. A hands-on activity is included where students design their own futuristic city with sustainable values.
Access educational resources relating to the National Capital at: https://www.nca.gov.au/discover-and-learn/learning-resources, including a post-visit unit looking at potential futures of the National Capital.
After exploring the National Capital Exhibition, be sure to stop by the Canberra and Region Visitor’s Centre, which is conveniently located in the same building. The centre offers a diverse selection of local merchandise guaranteeing there’s something for everyone to take home.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Kindergarten
- Primary
- Secondary
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Anzac Parade - Virtual Program
How We Remember
A virtual walk through four of the significant military memorials along Anzac Parade. Students interrogate what ‘national significance’ means and how the service and sacrifice of Australians has been memorialised. Students interact with the sculptures, finding their own meaning in them and exploring their connection with the design of Canberra.
Talk Back Time
Book 15-20 minutes video chat with one of our educators once your class has viewed the virtual program. Simply request this in your booking notes and one of our staff will get back to you.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- Online
- Year Levels:
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Secondary
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
National Capital Exhibition - Virtual Program
The Story of Canberra
The National Capital Exhibition tells the story of Canberra, from pre-history through to present day. Students will reflect on the reasons why Canberra became the federal site, interrogate the runners up in the international competition and consider how the original design is maintained in the city today.
Access educational resources relating to the National Capital at: https://www.nca.gov.au/discover-and-learn/learning-resources.
At the bottom of this page: https://www.nca.gov.au/discover-and-learn/family-activities there are step-by-step instructions to build Canberra institutions in Lego.
Talk Back Time
Book 15-20 minutes video chat with one of our educators once your class has viewed the virtual program. Simply request this in your booking notes and one of our staff will get back to you.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- Online
- Year Levels:
- Kindergarten
- Primary
- Secondary
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Reconciliation Place -Virtual Program
Our Shared Journey
Reconciliation Place is a path between the National Library and the High Court of Australia. The public artworksalong it explore what Reconciliation means and why it is an important part of our past and a signpost for our future. Students will explore the artworks to reflect on some of the events, people and concepts that are a part of our shared journey.
Talk Back Time
Book 15-20 minutes video chat with one of our educators once your class has viewed the virtual program. Simply request this in your booking notes and one of our staff will get back to you.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- Online
- Year Levels:
- Kindergarten
- Primary
- Secondary
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm