AIS Visitor Centre

Visit the AIS Visitor Centre Canberra - Tours, Sportex & Official Merchandise

Experience the Home of Australian Sport: Where Champions Are Made

Discover the heartbeat of Australian sporting excellence at the AIS Visitor Centre in Canberra. Located just minutes from the city centre in the suburb of Bruce, this iconic destination offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the country's premier elite sports precinct. For decades, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has been the training ground for gold medallists and world champions, and a visit here is an inspiring journey into the dedication and science behind their success.

The centrepiece of the visitor experience is the award-winning guided tour. Led by elite athletes—often current scholarship holders training for upcoming international competitions—these 90-minute tours provide a unique perspective that you simply cannot get anywhere else. As you walk through the world-class facilities, including the gymnastics hall, volleyball courts, and the mesmerising swimming centre, your guide will share personal stories of their training regimes, the history of the institute, and the daily life of a professional athlete. It is not practically uncommon to spot famous Australian athletes going through their drills just metres away from the tour group.

Beyond the observation decks, the AIS offers a highly immersive experience through Sportex, one of Australia’s leading interactive sports exhibits. Perfect for families, school groups, and competitive friends, Sportex allows you to step into the shoes of an Olympian. You can test your rock-climbing skills, try your hand at wheelchair basketball, race against virtual opponents in a cycling challenge, or test your reaction reflexes to see how you compare to the pros. It is an educational and energetic space that brings the theory of sports science to life in a fun, tangible way.

The campus itself is steeped in history, showcasing a vast collection of sporting memorabilia that tracks Australia’s proudest moments on the world stage. From the Sydney 2000 Olympics to recent global victories, the displays serve as a reminder of the nation's punching-above-its-weight status in the sporting arena. After your tour, you can relax at the on-site café which serves a range of quality coffee and meals, or browse the exclusive merchandise at the AIS Shop to take home a piece of the green and gold.

Whether you are a die-hard sports fanatic, a family looking for an active day out, or a traveller wanting to understand a key part of Australian culture, the AIS Visitor Centre delivers a memorable and motivating experience. It is more than just a museum; it is a living, breathing hub of ambition and achievement.

Location Details

Name: AIS Visitor Centre

Address: 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce ACT 2617

Website: https://www.ais.gov.au/visit

Access & Conditions

Road Access:

• Excellent access via major arterial roads including Gungahlin Drive and Belconnen Way.

• The approach is via wide, sealed bitumen roads suitable for all vehicle types.

• Clear signage directs visitors from the main turn-offs to the specific Visitor Centre precinct.

• Dedicated bus and coach drop-off zones are available immediately adjacent to the entrance.

Site Surface:

• The Visitor Centre and surrounding precinct feature smooth concrete and paved pathways.

• Internal areas are fully carpeted or tiled with flat, level surfaces.

• Outdoor pathways connecting the various sporting halls during the tour are sealed and well-maintained.

Available Facilities

• Visitor Parking: Ample free parking is available on-site, including specific zones for long vehicles and coaches (Car Park 5).

• Guided Tours: regularly scheduled 90-minute tours led by athlete guides.

• Sportex: An interactive sports exhibit zone with simulators and challenges.

• AIS Shop: Official merchandise store selling apparel and souvenirs.

• Café: The "GG Espresso" café serving coffee, snacks, and light meals.

• Toilets: Modern, clean restroom facilities located within the Visitor Centre.

• Accessible Toilets: Dedicated facilities for visitors with disabilities.

• Wheelchair Access: The entire Visitor Centre and tour route is wheelchair accessible via ramps and lifts.

• Baby Change Facilities: Parents' rooms are available.

• Free Wi-Fi: Available within the main visitor building.

• Seating Areas: Indoor and outdoor seating options for resting between tour stops.

• Drinking Fountains: Water refill stations located throughout the precinct.