We’ve designed the perfect day out for mini ‘Star Wars’ fans

How cool is Canberra for just nerding out on the things you love? People come here from all over the nation (and the world) to nerd out on so much stuff: from Australian war history and portraits to tulips and hotted-up V8s.

But one of the biggest things people come here to nerd out on is … space. Like deep space. If you’re a Star Wars obsessive, Canberra is the place for you. And if you’ve got mini Luke Skywalkers and Princess Leias in the family, even better.

Check out the jam-packed day we’ve designed in Canberra for little (and big) Star Wars fans.

8am: Breakfast at Space Kitchen

The name says it all. Start your galactic adventure with a delicious breakfast in the heart of Woden, where breakfast burritos, pulled pork benedict and lemon meringue french toast are on the menu.

9am: Visit NASA right here in the ACT

Chuck the lightsabers in the boot and head out to Tidbinbilla to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. It’s owned by NASA and is one of three Deep Space Network stations around the world (sister stations are located at Goldstone, California, and near Madrid, Spain).

Together, the three stations provide around-the-clock contact with more than 30 spacecraft, including missions to Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, the moon and the sun.

(The Visitors Centre and cafe are currently closed to the public but viewing the 70m and 34m telescopes is simply awesome.)

10.30am: Look for Ewoks at the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Pretend you’re an Ewok on the forest moon of Endor, weaving among the treetops on a glider. Can you spot a Yuzzum or – Vader forbid – a Gorax?

12.30pm: Photo shoot with Kylo Ren?

The 501st Legion is a global Star Wars fan club whose members love dressing up as "the bad guys" from the movies. Canberra members are part of the Southern Cross Garrison, and their costumes (which must be movie-accurate and approved to international standard) range from stormtroopers and clone commanders to wookiees and jawas.

A little birdie tells us that if you've got a group of Star Wars obsessed kids (and/or adults) it’s quite possible to meet up with a member of the Southern Cross Garrison for photos and a chat. Contact the bad guys here.

1.30pm: Go Beyond the Milky Way

In Canberra, you can see the sky in unprecedented 360 degrees (you just have to go to the National Museum of Australia to do it.)

Beyond the Milky Way is an immersive cinema experience guided by scientists, experts and ancient astronomers. Witness the world from a new perspective and be transported to the edge of what’s possible.

3.30pm: Head to Canberra’s own Imperial Base

Yes Black Mountain Tower is an icon of the Canberra skyline, but if you squint your eyes, its imposing concrete design makes for a passable impression of an Imperial Base in the science-fiction universe.

Don the costume of your favourite character and take pics with the tower in the background. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

(Photo of children with Kylo Ren by Sarah Hillier Photography.)