Home > Our Neighbourhoods > Inner South > Barton and Parkes
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
Market sign at the lake
12 Sep – 5 Dec 2026

The Little Burley Market

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Next on 7 Nov 2026 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
A woman in a grey blazer smiles at the camera while leaning on a wooden table covered with books.
29 Oct 2026

Suzanne Bellamy and the Australian women’s liberation movement

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 29 Oct 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
A sepia portrait of a man with glasses, looking slightly to the side. He has short hair.
14 Nov 2026

Folio: Stories of Australian comics

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Nov 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Avtar

High Tea at Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
Hale Gym Weights

Hale Gym+Spa

Barton, ACT
RAAF Memorial on ANZAC Parade

ANZAC Parade Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

Ainslie, ACT
Gallery building at night

National Portrait Gallery

Parkes, ACT
Two women view artwork in gallery.
5 Dec 2025 – 30 Nov 2026

Behind the Lines

Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Illustration of a boat named 'ALPHA' with people and birds around.
21 Nov 2026

Book launch: Paddle Steamer Pearl

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 21 Nov 2026 from 10:00am to 11:15am
A sepia portrait of a man with glasses, looking slightly upward and to the side.
13 Nov 2026

Read to Me: live graphic storytelling

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 13 Nov 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
sunset on Lake Burley Griffin at The Jetty Canberra

The Jetty

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
Canberra Contemporary exterior

Canberra Contemporary

Parkes, ACT
Roses

Old Parliament House Gardens Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

Parkes, ACT
National Workers Memorial in Kings Park

National Workers Memorial

Parkes, ACT
The Gurindji Freedom banners hung up in a gallery.
19 Aug 2025 – 31 Dec 2026

Gurindji Freedom Banners Exhibition

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
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
Arial view of people around a round table full of platters of food
12 Sep – 24 Oct 2026

Takeaway: Tales from the Flavour Superhighway

Canberra Contemporary, Parkes
Next on today
A line up of six Canberra wines on a wooden plinth

Wine Tasting in the City - Canberra Cellar Door

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
Three glass oil bottles on jute fabric and a sprig of palm leaf to the left

mudd The Spa

Barton, ACT
Fire and Water artwork at Reconciliation Place

Reconciliation Place Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

Parkes, ACT
Arbor in the centre of the Ladies Garden

Old Parliament House Gardens

Parkes, ACT
NAA: A1200, L26438
10 Jun – 16 Dec 2026

Murrulangalang storytime

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:15am to 11:00am
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
Chairman & Yip dining room

Chairman & Yip

Barton, ACT
Over $30
Page 2 of 5
    Filter by
    Loading results

    Continue exploring the inner south

    Artwork on display at Canberra Glassworks.

    Kingston and foreshore

    Giants fans cheering at Manuka Oval

    Manuka and Griffith

    People browsing through the Designer Op Shop Emporium

    Fyshwick and surrounds