Canberra, Australia’s capital city, offers a variety of practical Canberra gift options for those seeking to provide experiences rather than material possessions. In this article, we will delve into ten such gift ideas, each designed to cater to different interests and preferences.
1. National Museum of Australia Membership:
A National Museum of Australia membership stands as a gift that keeps on giving. Offering access to a wide array of exhibitions, events, and exclusive member benefits, this membership provides a year-round opportunity for learning and exploration.
From exhibition previews to monthly get-togethers with our expert staff, our Friends enjoy exclusive benefits and events throughout the year, including:
- 10% discount at the Museum Shop and Cafe
- Discounted entry to Museum exhibitions and events
- Subscription to the Museum’s magazine
- Exclusive tours, previews and programs
- Behind-the-scenes access to curators, conservators and other Museum staff
- Access to our lakeside Friends Lounge
2. Australian War Memorial Tour Voucher:
Delve into the nation’s military history with a guided tour voucher for the Australian War Memorial. This practical gift serves as an educational journey, allowing the recipient to gain insights into Australia’s rich military heritage.
Self-Guided Tours
Take a self-guided tour, covering selected highlights from our collection. Interact with featured exhibits and explore items of interest using portable devices. Our self-guided tours take approximately 90 minutes to complete. Please enquire at our Information Desk upon arrival.
Highlights Audio Tour
Available in English, Mandarin and Hindi.
Cost: $10.00 pp (family discount available).
Highlights Auslan (Australian sign language) Tour
Facilitated on a portable device the Auslan tour connects visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing with our iconic collection and is signed and captioned.
Cost: $10.00 pp (family discount available).
Free Daily Tours
The Memorial’s knowledgeable and experienced voluntary guides deliver free 80-minute tours daily. These tours cover the Commemorative Area and our First and Second World War galleries. Please enquire at our Information Desk on arrival as spaces may be limited.
3. Wine Tour in the Canberra Region:
Indulge a wine enthusiast with a tour of the Canberra wine region. This gift provides the opportunity to explore local vineyards and engage in wine tastings, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
4. National Gallery of Australia Art Class:
Foster creativity with the gift of an art class at the National Gallery of Australia. With various workshops catering to different skill levels, this present provides a hands-on experience in the world of art.
Here at the National Gallery, we believe in life-long learning through art. We offer a diverse array of programs and experiences to spark your curiosity and connection with artists and ideas.
Our learning programs are inclusive and accessible, created for audiences across Australia. We are committed to making art and creative experiences available for everyone, with opportunities to connect onsite at the Gallery, online and on tour through our travelling exhibition programs.
Wherever your place, our programs invite you to experience art, connect with artists, debate ideas, make and create, share your story and join a conversation.
5. Canberra Zoo Family Pass:
For a gift that involves the entire family, consider a Canberra Zoo family pass. This practical present allows families to spend a day immersed in educational and entertaining experiences at the zoo.
Become a Friend Of the National Zoo and for just a little more than 2 admission prices you can get UNLIMITED entry FOR A WHOLE YEAR!! Come every week if you want to!
*A weekly visit for a standard Adult membership works out at less than $3 per adult each time, or a monthly visit at only $13 and a weekly visit for a family of 5 works out at only $7.65!
Children’s age
A child is between the ages of 3 and 17 years old or is a currently enrolled secondary school student up to 19 years old. Please note children under the age of three require a gold coin for entry.
6. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Canberra:
Elevate the gifting experience by presenting a hot air balloon ride. This unique adventure provides breathtaking views of Canberra from high above, creating lasting memories for the recipient.
$430: With more than 35 years of experience conducting balloon flights over Canberra, “Balloon Aloft Canberra” are acknowledged as the leaders in commercial hot air ballooning. All Flights are conducted by CASA approved pilots. Your safety and enjoyment are our primary consideration at all times.
7. Floriade Tickets:
Gift tickets to Floriade, Canberra’s annual flower festival. This experience allows the recipient to witness the vibrant beauty of thousands of blooming flowers, providing a delightful day out.
8. Lake Burley Griffin Cruise:
A cruise on Lake Burley Griffin offers a serene and enjoyable experience. Gift a cruise voucher for a day on the water, allowing the recipient to relax while taking in the scenic views.
A Lake Burley Griffin cruise is your best introduction to Canberra. In one hour you are able to identify most of the major attractions, providing you with a clear perspective of the city to help plan the rest of your visit. No wonder one of the most frequent comments we get from visitors after their cruise is ‘we wish we did this first’.
A cruise on Lake Burley Griffin is also a way of avoiding Canberra’s much-criticised roundabouts. Sometimes it is hard to tell which gets the most criticism — the roundabouts, or the politicians. Canberrans have learned to live with both.
9. Segway Tour of the Parliamentary Triangle:
For a more unconventional gift, consider a Segway tour of the Parliamentary Triangle. This unique experience allows the recipient to explore iconic landmarks in a fun and adventurous way.
10. Canberra Theatre Centre Show Tickets:
Treat someone to a night of entertainment with tickets to a performance at the Canberra Theatre Centre. Choose from a variety of shows, ranging from drama to comedy, for an evening of cultural enrichment.
Canberra Theatre Centre is Canberra’s premier performing arts venue, providing world class performing arts and entertainment to the people of Canberra and surrounding regions.
The Cultural Facilities Corporation administers Canberra Theatre Centre, with financial assistance from the ACT Government through the Minister for the Arts and Heritage.
Canberra Theatre Centre includes the 1,239 seat Canberra Theatre, The Playhouse seating 614 and The Courtyard Studio, an intimate rehearsal and performance space that seats up to 92 patrons. The Link connects the Canberra Theatre and The Playhouse and includes exhibition and function areas. The Centre also has a comprehensive technical workshop, backstage and dressing room areas, and is fully equipped with up-to-date lighting and audio facilities.
Located centrally in Civic Square, Canberra Theatre Centre is the focal point for performing arts in Canberra and is often considered the heart of the city. The Canberra Theatre Centre was opened in 1965 and The Playhouse was rebuilt and opened again in 1998 with a gala concert.
The Centre’s Box Office is located adjacent to the Centre in Civic Square and provides ticketing services for performances at the Canberra Theatre Centre under the banner of Canberra Ticketing or for events at other venues around the Canberra region.
Canberra Theatre Centre provides the city with the finest performing arts and the most diverse selection of entertainment from around the country including theatre, drama, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, all genres of music, musicals, puppetry and physical theatre. Through the use of The Courtyard Studio it also provides a performance space for many local theatre companies and performers.
Canberra covers a spectrum of interests, from educational museum visits to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. By choosing a gift aligned with the recipient’s preferences, you can provide a practical and thoughtful present that contributes to their overall well-being and enjoyment.