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A woman in a black blazer walking between indigenous memorial poles.

Barton and Parkes

Parkes is home to the National Triangle and many of Australia's iconic museums and galleries. These cultural icons offer intriguing and ever-changing experiences, each sharing and holding the stories of Australia. Barton is fast becoming a foodie hotspot and wellness hub with day spas and wine bars.

Highlights of the area

Best museums and galleries in Australia

Enjoy short walks between many cultural attractions as you delve into exhibitions dedicated to art, history and science.

Stylish spas and eateries

From fine-dining restaurants to your choice of day spas, this leafy precinct is a great spot to relax and recharge.

Great tours on offer

Choose between Segway tours near Lake Burley Griffin and behind the scenes looks at national attractions.

LEGO Senate Chamber
Featured

Australian Parliament House

Watch democracy in action on a visit to Australian Parliament House. A range of free guided tours are offered including Yeribee, an Indigenous themed tour, to art and architecture tours of this impressive ‘mini city’.

Enjoy high tea at Queen's Terrace Cafe before you have a chuckle at the Lego model of Parliament House which features many humorous references to the building's history. While tickets are free, bookings are essential for all visits.

Australian Parliament House
all the food

Catbird Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Collection pieces at a gallery

Mabo v Queensland (No. 2): 30th Anniversary Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
Visit The Shop at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House

The Shop at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
People smiling and posing with Cat Bus kinetic sculpture
7 Nov 2026

Canberra Kinetic Sculpture Race

National Carillon, Parkes
Next on 7 Nov 2026 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Water's Edge canberra

Dining Domes on Lake Burley Griffin

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
Maple + Clove

Maple and Clove

Barton, ACT
Under $20
Visitors pointing at interactive digital wall.

National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
A man, woman and young girl in the Treasures Gallery at the National Library of Australia

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
A group of people admiring a painting in a Gallery

Icons Tour

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Child enjoying the Illuminate exhibition
20 Feb – 22 Nov 2026

Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
A man stand away from camera with a red cape and gold circles painted on it
7 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027

POWER – The Future is Here | Dennis Golding | Curated by Kyra Kum-Sing

Canberra Contemporary, Parkes
Next on 7 Nov 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Canberra Contemporary exterior

Canberra Contemporary

Parkes, ACT
A group of children exploring a miniature skeleton
23 Nov – 5 Dec 2026

Science Time: Inside the Body

Questacon, Parkes
Next on 23 Nov 2026 from 10:00am to 10:45am
Main entrance to the National Capital Exhibition

National Capital Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
Henry Roland Park

Henry Rolland Park

Parkes, ACT
People in Lager House

Lager House

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Image of a textile artwork showing a woman standing in a red dress and six arms
14 Nov 2026

Quietly Seething | Performances

Canberra Contemporary, Parkes
Next on 14 Nov 2026 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Three glass oil bottles on jute fabric and a sprig of palm leaf to the left

mudd The Spa

Barton, ACT
Two children and a man explore patterns using coloured blocks
26 Oct – 7 Nov 2026

Science Time: Patterns

Questacon, Parkes
Next on today from 11:00am to 11:45am
A large carillon on an island

National Carillon

Parkes, ACT
MoAD Experience Officer with a group of people gathered in King's Hall

Highlights of Old Parliament House

by Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
sunset on Lake Burley Griffin at The Jetty Canberra

The Jetty

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
The Press Gallery

The Press Gallery

Parkes, ACT
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