About Canberra Explorer
Discover the story behind Australia's premier tourism guide to the national capital
Discover the story behind Australia's premier tourism guide to the national capital
Canberra Explorer began in 2012 when three friends—a historian, a photographer, and a local tour guide—became frustrated with how Australia's capital was often overlooked by travelers. Sarah Bennett, who had spent years researching Canberra's unique planned city design, joined forces with landscape photographer Michael Tran and experienced tour guide James Cooper to create something different: a tourism resource that would showcase the soul of Canberra beyond the standard political landmarks.
What started as a small blog and weekend walking tours quickly grew as visitors discovered the team's passion and insider knowledge. By 2015, Canberra Explorer had expanded to include a team of specialized guides, each bringing their own expertise—from food and wine to indigenous history and natural landscapes. The company's growth paralleled Canberra's own evolution from a "boring" government town to one of Australia's most livable and culturally rich cities.
Today, Canberra Explorer is recognized as the definitive guide to Australia's capital, with our team providing curated experiences for over 20,000 visitors annually. We've partnered with cultural institutions, local businesses, and tourism authorities to develop experiences that reveal the authentic Canberra—a city with world-class museums, thriving food scenes, and stunning natural beauty that continues to surprise and delight visitors from around the world.
Our mission is to transform the way people experience Canberra by revealing its hidden treasures, diverse stories, and authentic character through expertly curated tours and comprehensive resources that inspire meaningful connections with Australia's capital.
We believe in sharing the genuine stories of Canberra, going beyond surface-level tourism to reveal the rich tapestry of history, culture, and community that makes this city unique.
Our team consists exclusively of passionate Canberrans with deep knowledge of their specialties, ensuring every recommendation and insight comes from authentic experience and connection to the city.
We create experiences that are accessible to all visitors, regardless of age, ability, or background, believing that Canberra's story belongs to everyone.
We promote responsible travel practices that respect and preserve Canberra's natural environment, cultural heritage, and community well-being for future generations.
The passionate experts behind Canberra Explorer
Founder & Historical Expert
With a PhD in Australian Urban History from ANU, Sarah brings Canberra's fascinating past to life. Her specialty is the political and architectural development of the capital, and she has published two books on Walter Burley Griffin's vision for the city. Sarah leads our Parliamentary and historical walking tours.
Co-founder & Visual Director
An award-winning landscape photographer whose work has been featured in National Geographic, Michael has an uncanny ability to capture Canberra's changing moods. He leads our photography tours and has created the definitive visual guide to the capital's hidden viewpoints and natural wonders.
Co-founder & Head Guide
A fifth-generation Canberran with deep connections to the region, James combines his background in environmental science with storytelling skills honed over 15 years of guiding. He specializes in Canberra's natural areas and wildlife experiences, particularly in Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Culinary Experience Director
Joining the team in 2016, Olivia is a former chef and food writer who transformed our culinary offerings. She has mapped Canberra's evolving food scene and created relationships with local producers, wineries, and restaurants to offer exclusive tasting experiences that showcase the region's gastronomic excellence.
Hear from travelers who've experienced Canberra with our guidance
The Canberra Explorer team completely transformed our visit to the capital. What might have been a one-day political tour became a four-day adventure through history, nature, and incredible food. Sarah's knowledge of the city's design and purpose gave us a deeper appreciation of every landmark we visited. We'll never look at Canberra the same way again!
As an international visitor with limited time, I was concerned about making the most of my Canberra stay. James from Canberra Explorer customized a two-day itinerary that perfectly balanced the must-see attractions with local experiences I would never have discovered on my own. The sunrise hot air balloon ride followed by breakfast with a view was worth the trip alone!
I brought my photography club to Canberra specifically because of Michael's reputation, and he exceeded all expectations. Not only did he lead us to spectacular locations at the perfect time of day, but his technical tips transformed how we approach landscape photography. Several of our members have already booked return trips to capture different seasons in the capital.
A glimpse into our Canberra Explorer experiences
Let our team of passionate experts help you discover Australia's capital city in a way most visitors never see. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a specialized tour, we're here to make your Canberra experience unforgettable.
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