Spies and Secrets in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour

4.9
(70 reviews)
Canberra, Australia

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Not many people think “espionage” when they imagine a visit to Canberra.

We’re here to change that. Canberra has a fascinating and unique history of spies, intrigue and covert operations hidden behind its iconic landmarks.

Join us for a walk through Canberra’s National Triangle and go beyond the guidebooks. We start at the Hyatt Hotel before heading to Albert Hall, visiting a hidden underground bunker at West Block, an ex-ASIO office and Old Parliament House, before finishing right back where we started.

Come for a relaxed, easy walk, deepen your understanding of Canberra’s hidden history of women in espionage, and meet the unlikely candidate for Australia’s best spy. This is a tour that will stay with you long after the walk ends. Don’t be surprised if you leave wondering if your Mum was once a spy...

What's Included

Hand-drawn souvenir postcard by a local artist
A follow-up list of resources and further reading on the stories shared
A group photo with your guide
Passionate & Professional Local Guide

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Hyatt Hotel Canberra - A Park Hyatt Hotel

Our tour begins and finishes inside the front lobby of the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Over two hours, we walk about 3km at a comfortable and relaxed pace.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • Hyatt Hotel Canberra - A Park Hyatt Hotel (Pass by)

    We start at the historic Hyatt Hotel - one of the prime locations for espionage activities in the 1970s.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    This is the site of the first Royal Commission into espionage.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Hidden beside West Block is a WWII bunker - learn about the women who worked there and what they were doing.

    Admission ticket free
  • Old Parliament House (Pass by)

    Learn about the woman who infiltrated a minister’s office and became a vital asset for Soviet intelligence.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Meet the unlikely candidate for Australia’s best spy.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    One of the previous sites of ASIO’s offices.

    Admission ticket free
  • Aboriginal Tent Embassy (Pass by)

    On this tour we don’t just share stories about the women who were spies, but also those who were spied upon. Learn one of their stories at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy - the site of the world’s longest running protest for land rights.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by She Shapes History
Show 3 more

Tags

Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

Rating

4.9 Based on 70 70 reviews
5 stars
66
4 stars
4
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}