Rage or revulsion would be more likely emotions if you're on the left, or perhaps nostalgia and reverence if you're from the right. But "wonder"? Probably not.

So when Questacon named a self-guided audio tour teaching science around the Parliamentary Triangle the "John Howard Walk of Wonder" 16 months ago, the media had a field day.

There were jokes about the name. The map's route looked a bit like a gun pointed at Parliament House when viewed from above. The walk's launch coincided with its namesake's first public meeting with Malcolm Turnbull, a month after the latter seized the top job.

But amidst all this mirth and political coverage, poor Questacon's hard work in setting up this "walk of wonder" was a mere afterthought.

To right this injustice, I downloaded the audio tour app and made my way to the science centre's front entrance, looking at my itinerary for the walk.

Smartphone with downloaded app? Check.

Earphones? Check.

Comfy shoes? Check.

Wallabies tracksuit? Oh, what a shame, I think I left that at home.

The walk takes you to 19 points of scientific interest around the Parliamentary Triangle, including the Old Parliament House rose gardens, fountains outside the High Court and the Federation Mall.

The app provides a map and directions to each point, then provides audio snippets about scientific concepts demonstrated at each site of significance.

I learned about the application of basic scientific principles from objects as simple as the lichen growth on trees, the rock cutouts along State Circle and the floor of the monument at Magna Carta Place.

Listening to the guide through earphones, I looked like any other person exercising around the lawns of the Parliamentary Triangle that afternoon, except for the random clapping. And pointing. And blowing gum leaves.

Therein lies the catch to the Walk of Wonder: if you're not willing to look a bit silly in public, this activity is not for you.

The app will ask you to perform certain tasks to help demonstrate that science lessons can be conducted anywhere, anytime, and that means stepping out of your comfort zone in some cases.

Don't worry about the stares you might get. After all, if a bearded man can point and stare at the flagpole of Parliament House, alone, for up to a minute without the AFP noticing and walking slowly towards him, anybody can.

To get the most out of the walk, bring a friend, a family member or even a forgiving date with you to join the activities and demonstrations.

If you want to show your kids that science can explain the world around us, the walk is the perfect way to spend a weekend.

Verdict: I would do it again, though perhaps next time with visiting family or friends who have children. Scientific facts aside, the walk showed me parts of the parliamentary triangle I hadn't heard of and makes for a nice way to pass the time on a weekend afternoon. Tracksuit optional.

Details: The "Questacon Walks of Wonder" app can be downloaded free for iOS and Android devices. Self-guided walks begin near Questacon's Queen Elizabeth Terrace entrance and take between 45 and 60 minutes.