Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour
By She Shapes History
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About
Step into Canberra's hidden world of spies, double agents, and covert operations. Explore the secrets lurking behind ordinary suburban streets and hear the unbelievable (recently unclassified) stories of the women who were both spies and spied upon.
On this tour, you'll visit infamous pubs, abandoned embassies, and homes that were under constant surveillance. You'll even be asked to put on your spy hat and learn some of the techniques operatives used around Canberra during the Cold War.
Whether you're a fan of spy stories or simply looking for a fun introduction to Canberra's history, this tour is perfect for you. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to uncover the secret past of Australia's capital city.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-59, max of 20 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Passionate & Professional Local Guide
- Start:
- Hyatt Hotel Canberra - A Park Hyatt Hotel, 120 Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla ACT 2600, AustraliaOur tour begins and finishes inside the front lobby of the Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Infants must sit on laps
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Pushchair accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 311438P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 311438P2
From
AU$60.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
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Itinerary
- 120 Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla ACT 2600, AustraliaOur tour begins and finishes inside the front lobby of the Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
- 1Our tour meets at the National Archives.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- JannemiekeH0 contributionsLove and politicsValentine’s Day tour: LOVE IN THE CITY We joined Eleri from SSH for the “Love In The City “ tour which is only organised around Valentine’s Day from 7.30pm-9.30pm. The tour starts with a glass of wine in the garden of the historical hotel the Hyatt, where many Liberal politicians and prime-ministers used to live during their stays in Canberra. Eleri is a very knowledgeable and well spoken tour leader and a born story teller. Having a degree in History and Journalism and working as a Cartoonist, she painted us a picture of how women in their roles of wifes, lovers, co-workers and often professionals with their own careers, helped to shape the political careers of prime ministers and other political historical figures and influenced the history of Australia. Because of these stories in context of the place where it all happened and the vivid way Eleri told them to us, it all came alive for me. And made more sense to me. The tour ended at the Kurrajong Hotel which was the home of many of the Labor prime ministers and politicians. We would love to sign up to the other tours when we return to Canberra. We can highly recommend joining one of the tours of She Shaped History!Written 15 February 2025
- lindaargall0 contributionsFantastic tourThe guide was amazign and very friendly. I have lived in Canberra for nealy 50 years but the guide related so many stories about women in Canberra, politicsincluding indigenous women I learnt so much . It was a fantastic 2 hour tour .Highly recommendWritten 8 February 2025
- Exploration1529800 contributionsBadass knowledge & fun!This was a fantastic tour, would definitely recommend it. Our tour guide Eleri was a wealth of knowledge and made it really interesting & fun. I learnt a lot about influential women in Canberra and will be doing a lot more reading about the stories Eleri shared with us.Written 6 February 2025
- Sue B0 contributionsThere really are Badass women in Canberra!Seriously invested and well-informed guide with an extraordinary ability to engage and educate. It was really interesting and has piqued my interest in learning more. Highly recommended.Written 1 February 2025
- Julesflc0 contributionsInspirational women brought to lifeSita was a terrific tour guide with extensive knowledge of the women who featured in the Badass Tour and explaining their role in Australias history from a female perspective. We learnt a lot about the tenacity and commitment of these women who were trail blazers and forged a way forward for all women. Highly recommend this tour for an insight into real history.Written 9 January 2025
- AnnetteC3900 contributionsGreat, fun and informative.Sita was great on our walking tour. We found it fun and informative. We are looking forward to doing another tour with She Shapes History.Written 9 January 2025
- jillt9600 contributionsFun, Facts and Stories ....Not just a tour for the ladies.... my husband also found this tour entertaining and engaging. Highly recommend - appreciated the iced coffee break midwayđź‘ŚWritten 7 January 2025
- wintonh20250 contributionsInspiring historyThe guide, Dita, was wonderfully friendly, engaging and knowledgeable. She took us to interesting places and key historical times.Written 6 January 2025
- W6618EImichaeld0 contributionsShe Shapes History engaging inspiring and indispensableShe Shapes History is an outstanding tour, brilliantly delivered by Sita, whose passion for and knowledge of this neglected and vital topic is completely engrossing and inspiring. May She Shapes History blaze its way into Australian schools, workplaces, and other sites of learning and nation building- they can't afford to avoid it! Fran and MichaelWritten 5 January 2025
- paultC2578MF0 contributionsA fun and enlightening walking tour!We absolutely loved the “Women of Canberra Walking Tour”.Our wonderful guide gave us insights into the fascinating and less well-known lives, activities and achievements of some extraordinary women who have been instrumental in bringing about positive change. The tour was interactive and was linked to the buildings, sculptures and statues we were passing. The time passed so quickly and we were left with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of Canberra and the women who have figured in its history.Written 16 November 2024
- janetc420 contributionsLoved it!Nine of us did a private Badass women of Canberra tour with Sita. Sita was very knowledgeable and engaging. We learnt so much and loved it!Written 9 November 2024
- theresacsydney0 contributionsFind out more about the quiet achievers.Booked a group of ten friends. interesting and engaging 2 hours with knowledgeable guide and walked/ talked at a pace to suit all. For late spring/summer - bring a hat wear sunscreen and waterWritten 9 November 2024
- Sharyn O0 contributionsLearning about the other half.A really interesting and engaging couple of hours spent learning about the women we should have been educated about through our education system. I recommend this tour for all.Written 26 October 2024
- Navigate047975658510 contributionsGreat tour for visitors and localsGreat tour. Eleri was great - lots of information and really engaging. Recommend for visitors AND locals - those of us who drive through the Triangle all the time and don’t stop to learn about the place.Written 3 October 2024
- LizC7620 contributionsFantastic walking tour!This is a fabulous walking tour! Our guide, Eleri, was so knowledgeable and lots of fun. So much interesting and important history about the women who shaped Canberra. The walk around the Parliamentary Triangle and the amazing views were an added bonus. I strongly recommend anyone visiting (or living in) Canberra to book a tour!!!Written 26 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
40 reviews
Excellent
37
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3
Average
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somedays_i_am
Sydney, Australia25 contributions
I did a tour with Millie as part of a small work group. Not being from the Capital, it was a wonderful way to get some insights into the city and some of our nation’s lesser known history. Content was really engaging and Millie was an excellent and passionate storyteller. 5 stars!
Written 15 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review! Millie is an absolutely phenomenal guide and we are so lucky to have her! Hopefully we'll spy you on another tour soon!
Keep shaping history,
Sita (owner of She Shapes History)
Written 14 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey P
1 contribution
The best guided tour I’ve been on (and that’s a fair few!). Sita is passionate about sharing her knowledge and does so in a warm, enthusiastic and engaging manner. She connected us with the people and places she was talking about, helping us understand what their history and motivations were. We visited a variety of places on the easy walk (no hill climbs) and the two hours flew by. Thanks Sita for sharing your knowledge so freely about espionage in Australia - I just wish ASIO hadn’t done the same! Oops! Now I’ll have a file on me!
Written 14 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer D
Sydney, Australia31 contributions
A deep dive into the history of ASIO when it was established in the 1950s right through to the 1970s. Our young female guides detailed specific accounts of the roles unheralded women played in foiling and protecting Australia,s security from the Russians .
Who would have thought sleepy old Canberra could provide so much excitement. Don’t just go the High court , National Galley or Questacon in Canberra . The spies aren’t there ; they are waiting for you on this tour.
Who would have thought sleepy old Canberra could provide so much excitement. Don’t just go the High court , National Galley or Questacon in Canberra . The spies aren’t there ; they are waiting for you on this tour.
Written 29 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amelia H
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Solo
Tash was such an engaging guide to follow along the streets of Canberra. She was such an amazing storyteller and also looked after us by finding us shady spots on a hot day. It was a nice stroll, not too strenuous, that ended at a great hotel to stop for an afternoon snack and drink. Thanks Tash for letting us in on all of Canberra's secrets!
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin
2 contributions
June 2022 • Friends
I highly recommend this tour to locals & visitors alike. She Shapes History shares interesting stories and tid bits about the history of the National Triangle. It was a real highlight to be invited into the Aboriginal Tent Embassy at the start of the tour.
Sita was a fantastic guide and created a lovely, welcoming group dynamic for the day.
Sita was a fantastic guide and created a lovely, welcoming group dynamic for the day.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma S
Canberra, Australia51 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We loved this walking tour - my cis-male partner included. It was well paced, and spilled some serious tea.
I’ve lived in Canberra for over ten years and thought I was pretty clued up on all our little secrets, turns out I have much more to learn.
The booking process was easy, and the meeting instructions clear and concise.
Pro tip: arrive at the national archives a little bit early for a cuppa and a chocolate digestive beforehand.
I’ve lived in Canberra for over ten years and thought I was pretty clued up on all our little secrets, turns out I have much more to learn.
The booking process was easy, and the meeting instructions clear and concise.
Pro tip: arrive at the national archives a little bit early for a cuppa and a chocolate digestive beforehand.
Written 5 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alina M
Canberra, Australia1 contribution
June 2024 • Friends
A lovely way to spend an afternoon. I did this tour with some friends and we walked and chatted and learned the stories of the women who shaped the history of Australia. Tash was a fabulous guide and is highly skilled in weaving the information and stories together with good humour. I will be looking to do more She Shapes History tours in the future. Highly recommend to locals and those visiting Canberra.
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deanju
Byron Bay , Australia8 contributions
Dec 2022
I really enjoyed the tour in beautiful fresh Canberra weather on Saturday morning. It was a interesting and well- thought out, well- paced mix of politics, history and entertaining Canberra "goss".
I learned a lot about Canberra (both history and culture) and discovered places I would never have found on my own.
The tour was led by Lucy who was a knowledgeable, passionate and entertaining guide. Lucy balanced insights into the hidden and not so hidden role of women as well as the role of First Nations people within the broader history of Canberra.
Congratulations and thank- you,
She Shapes History
I learned a lot about Canberra (both history and culture) and discovered places I would never have found on my own.
The tour was led by Lucy who was a knowledgeable, passionate and entertaining guide. Lucy balanced insights into the hidden and not so hidden role of women as well as the role of First Nations people within the broader history of Canberra.
Congratulations and thank- you,
She Shapes History
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristen D
1 contribution
July 2022 • Friends
I can’t stop raving about the Badass Women of Canberra Walking Tour I had the great fortune of doing on the 9th of July.
My group were lucky to have Sita and Lucy as our tour guides that day and they were both engaging and wonderful story tellers that brought history to life in the best possible way. This was all against a backdrop of some of Canberra’s most iconic buildings.
It was a fun, refreshing and interesting tour that really celebrated the brilliant women that have shaped our capital’s history. Both visitors and Canberran’s alike will get something special out of this tour. If you’re considering booking in, I encourage you to take the plunge. I guarantee you won’t regret it.
My group were lucky to have Sita and Lucy as our tour guides that day and they were both engaging and wonderful story tellers that brought history to life in the best possible way. This was all against a backdrop of some of Canberra’s most iconic buildings.
It was a fun, refreshing and interesting tour that really celebrated the brilliant women that have shaped our capital’s history. Both visitors and Canberran’s alike will get something special out of this tour. If you’re considering booking in, I encourage you to take the plunge. I guarantee you won’t regret it.
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dinosaur2022
Sydney, Australia2 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
Great walk! Learned a lot about the 1950's-1970's canberra history, world history, spy history. The walk is not too strenuous as it is primarily around the 'triangle' in Canberra. Tash,our guide, was a great narrator and very enthusiastic. Definetly recommend and got a few free stickers at the end :)
Written 20 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We wanted to book 2 tickets for this tour for Friday 11March2022.
Is this available please.
Written 21 February 2022
Hi. We are wanting to do this tour - 2adults on Friday 11 March 2022.
It seems now online here that this date is not available ?
Please can you check this and advise,
Thanks MARGARET
Written 21 February 2022
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