Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour

Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour – A Comprehensive Look

If you’re visiting Canberra and have even a passing interest in sports or elite athletes, a visit to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) offers a surprisingly engaging experience. For just over $14 per person, you get a two-hour guided tour that takes you behind the scenes of one of Australia’s premier sports training facilities. Led by knowledgeable guides—some even current athletes—you’ll explore state-of-the-art training grounds, browse exhibits celebrating Olympic heroes, and even test your own physical abilities in the Sportex interactive zone.

What we love most about this tour are the personalized insights from guides who often have a direct connection to the sport—they bring a wealth of authentic knowledge and enthusiasm. The interactive activities are another highlight; they’re not just for kids, but for anyone curious about testing their speed, strength, or accuracy in a fun, hands-on setting. However, it’s worth noting that some activities, like Sportex, are temporarily closed for refurbishment, which could be a minor disappointment if you’re eager to try everything in one visit.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that some facilities may be quiet—especially if you happen to visit during a non-training period or when athletes aren’t out and about. Also, since the tour is only around 90 minutes, those seeking a more exhaustive exploration or a full-fledged sports experience might find it a bit limiting.

This tour is perfect for sports enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers who enjoy seeing top-tier facilities and experiencing a slice of Australia’s athletic prowess firsthand. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy interactive, educational experiences with a friendly guide leading the way.

Key Points

• Authentic insights: Guides often have direct experience as athletes, enriching the tour with genuine stories.
• Interactive fun: Test your skills with activities like wheelchair basketball, rock climbing, and virtual downhill skiing.
• Accessible facilities: The AIS campus is large and impressive, with multiple top-notch sports training areas and exhibit spaces.
• Value for money: At just over $14 per person, you get a well-rounded, engaging experience.
• Visitor-friendly: The tour is suitable for most ages, with children encouraged to participate.
• Limited during refurbishments: Sportex is temporarily closed from June to August 2025, so check in advance.

Discovering the AIS: A Deep Dive

The Location and Setting

The Australian Institute of Sport is located on a sprawling 160-acre (65-hectare) campus in Canberra’s Bruce district. From the moment you arrive at the AIS Visitor Centre, you realize this is no ordinary sports complex. The campus features a variety of world-class training facilities, including Olympic-standard pools, gyms, and specialized sports areas. As you walk around, you might even catch glimpses of athletes in training—though their routines aren’t guaranteed during your visit, many reviews mention the thrill of observing real athletes in action.

The Guided Tour Experience

The tour begins at the AIS Visitor Centre, where your guide—such as the praised Simon, described as “an excellent source of knowledge and history”—welcomes your group. The guide not only explains the history of the facility but also offers insights into how Australia nurtures its elite athletes. The atmosphere is friendly and informative, with guides often sharing personal stories that make the experience more relatable.

The Highlights of the Tour

The core of the tour is a comprehensive walk through the main sports precincts. You’ll see the various training halls, possibly observe athletes practicing their routines, and learn about Australia’s sporting achievements. For example, the Olympic exhibits—including displays from the Sydney 2000 Games—are a highlight for many, bringing the country’s sporting history to life.

The Sportex Experience

A standout feature is Sportex, an interactive sports zone designed for fun and education. Here, you can try rock climbing, take penalty shots in football, attempt wheelchair basketball, or explore virtual downhill skiing. You’ll also find activities testing your reaction time, ball skills, and accuracy—making the experience engaging for children and adults alike.

Unfortunately, Sportex is temporarily closed from June 23 to August 3, 2025, for refurbishments. If you plan your visit during this period, you’ll want to confirm whether other activities or exhibits are available, as this was a common point mentioned in reviews.

Exhibits and Memorabilia

Beyond the physical activities, the tour includes browsing exhibits celebrating Australia’s sporting heroes and the history of the Olympics, which many visitors find inspiring. The Heroes and Legends section is particularly appreciated, providing a nostalgic look back at Australia’s most celebrated athletes.

Additional Facilities

After the tour, many visitors head to the AIS café for refreshments or browse the AIS shop for souvenirs. The AIS Arena occasionally hosts concerts or shows like Cirque du Soleil, providing additional entertainment options during your visit.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Pricing and Value

At just $14.24 per person, the AIS tour offers excellent value, especially considering the expert guidance, interactive activities, and chance to see high-performance sports facilities. Reviews highlight that many feel it’s worth the price for the quality of the experience and the behind-the-scenes look at Australia’s athletic training.

Tour Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts around 90 minutes, which suits most visitors looking for a quick but substantial overview. The group size is capped at 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a more engaging experience.

Booking and Accessibility

Booking is straightforward, with mobile tickets available. The tour starts at the AIS Visitor Centre on Leverrier Street in Canberra. The site is near public transportation and is accessible to most visitors, including those with service animals.

Considerations

While most reviews praise the guides and facilities, some mention that certain activities at Sportex were out of order during their visit. Plus, if you’re expecting to see athletes training during your tour, this isn’t guaranteed, as the facilities can be quiet depending on the time of day. Remember, the refurbishment of Sportex from June to August 2025 might restrict some hands-on activities.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is best suited for sports fans, families with children, and anyone curious about what it takes to train Australia’s top athletes. If you enjoy interactive exhibits, detailed explanations, and seeing high-quality sports facilities, you’ll find this visit rewarding. It’s especially appealing after major events like the Olympics, where the facilities and exhibits feel more lively and relevant, though even in quieter times, the guides’ insights make it worthwhile.

The Sum Up: Is the AIS Tour Worth It?

For a modest price, you’ll gain an inside look at some of Australia’s best sports training facilities, guided by passionate, knowledgeable experts. The interactive activities make it fun for all ages, and the exhibits connect you with the country’s Olympic history and sporting legends. The chance to see athletes in training (if luck permits) adds a real sense of authenticity.

This tour is perfect if you’re a sports enthusiast or traveling with family, especially if your kids love trying out new physical challenges. It’s a great way to combine education, entertainment, and cultural pride in one accessible package. Keep in mind the occasional activity downtime and plan accordingly, but overall, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Canberra itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are encouraged to participate and enjoy the interactive activities at Sportex. The guide’s friendly approach makes it engaging for younger visitors.

How long does the tour last?
The guided tour itself is approximately 90 minutes, with the full experience including visiting exhibits and possibly some free time afterward.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour, access to exhibits, and hands-on activities in Sportex (though note that Sportex is temporarily closed from June to August 2025).

Can I see athletes training during the tour?
While the tour offers opportunities to see some training areas, there’s no guarantee of spotting athletes actively training, as they may be on different schedules.

How many people are in each tour group?
Groups are limited to 15 travelers to ensure a more personalized experience.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the facilities and activities are designed to be accessible, and service animals are permitted.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to participate in interactive activities.

Are there any discounts or special offers?
The reviews highlight good value for money; check the booking site for current deals or family ticket options.

Is there food available at the AIS?
Yes, after the tour, you can visit the AIS café for refreshments, but food isn’t included in the tour price.

This guided tour of the Australian Institute of Sport offers a rare glimpse into the training grounds of world-class athletes while providing fun, hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a sports fanatic or just looking for an engaging activity in Canberra, it’s an experience worth considering.