Australian Institute of Sport — Local services in District of Belconnen

I’d like to raise a concern regarding the ongoing parking issues at the centre, particularly when events or competitions are held.

I fully understand that occasional competitions are important and can attract large numbers of participants and visitors. However, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for regular attendees—especially parents like myself with young children enrolled in swimming lessons—to find parking during these times. Today’s experience was particularly frustrating, as I was unable to find a spot despite arriving early, and this almost led to missing our class.

What’s even more disappointing is that while the centre has a strict policy against last-minute cancellations or deferrals, there is no flexibility when circumstances like this—beyond our control—prevent attendance. I would be more than happy to defer the class to the following week if parking is not available, rather than being penalised for something that’s clearly a logistical issue.

I believe a more organised approach is needed during event days to ensure that regular class attendees are not disadvantaged. Perhaps allocating a portion of the car park for lesson participants or providing prior notification and alternate solutions could be considered.

I’m also curious to know if other parents have raised similar concerns and how they’ve managed in these situations.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this feedback. I hope a more balanced solution can be implemented...

Note: I am ONLY reviewing the AIS tour ($20) and not the facility itself.

5 stars for the tour structure, inclusion and guides. Our tour started at 1pm with 45 minutes in the big game room. The room was big and full of interactive games for both children and adults. Best, you could score a goal by kicking the football on a screen that recognise the speed and the angle of the shot. See pics for all games available.

After around 45 mins we left the game room for 10 mins visit to the actual sports facilities where our atheletes are actually trained. They take you to the event room that can be setup to host various events. Today it was setup for basketball. Good that the guides share a little bit of history and fun facts on each of facilities to make tour fun. We went to other facilities like Gymnasitics, gym, aquatic center etc.

Tip: its worth taking your kids here when there are atheletes here. Unlike today (xmas holidays) when we didnt see...

I’ve been to the AIS two times in the past year and I absolutely love this place. The first time was when I competed at a swim meet. The facilities were wonderful and it was the perfect location for the event. I also enjoyed the AIS merchandise store which stocked a wide variety of branded products. The second time I was in Canberra was for the Australian Running Festival and I decided to come to the AIS for some swimming training. This place is a hidden gem for lap swimming. I have been a swimmer for a significant portion of my life. I’ve been to multiple different pools and battled chaotic pools with zero lane availability. This place is the opposite and it is a dream. I swam on the weekend and weekday nights and there was hardly anyone there. There were two full sized pools open to the public. I really appreciate the way the AIS makes the facility available to the public, I can’t wait to return. This is the highlight of any trip...