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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
The National Library of Australia building with park benches and trees in the image.
20 Nov 2026

Special event: New acquisitions showcase at the National Library of Australia

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 20 Nov 2026 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Students counting votes in a mock election

National Electoral Education Centre

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
A monochrome photographic portrait of four men with candid expressions wearing suits.
16 May 2026 – 23 May 2027

Power suits: The fit within the frame

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
A close up of a quiltyed textile artwork showing a womans face with a yellow halo behind her head
11 Nov 2026

Very Cross Stitch Workshop

Canberra Contemporary, Parkes
Next on 11 Nov 2026 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
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
a collage image in blue and green of Telstra Tower Canberra
14 Nov 2026

Canberra Made Series - Creative Collaging with Tilda Joy

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes
Next on 14 Nov 2026 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
External view of Art Gallery building front entrance

National Gallery of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Joan Child sitting at her desk in the Speaker's Suite

Madam Speaker Tour

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

Parkes, ACT
A woman walks past the jet with her dog on a leashh

National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

Parkes, ACT
Rear vision exhibition banner
12 Jun 2026 – 31 Jan 2027

Rear vision: the Holden collection

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
A smiling woman with glasses and blonde hair stands outdoors near blooming trees.
3 Dec 2026

Rethinking realism: Dymphna Cusack and Kylie Tennant

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 3 Dec 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Front entrance

Med

Barton, ACT
Over $30
A choir performs on an outdoor stage illuminated by purple stage lights with candles in the audience
5 Dec 2026

The 82nd Annual Canberra Times Carols By Candlelight

Stage 88, Parkes
Next on 5 Dec 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
A woman and a young girl reading a book in the National Library's Main Reading Room

National Library of Australia

Parkes, ACT
The front of a cafe register.

Paperplate cafe at the National Library of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Under $20
RAAF Memorial on ANZAC Parade

ANZAC Parade Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

Ainslie, ACT
Black and white photograph of a group of people protesting at a march

Skirt-suits and suffragists

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Moonlight Meanders – Lake Burley Griffin, southern foreshore
7 Nov 2026

Moonlight Meanders – Lake Burley Griffin, southern foreshore

Walk begins and ends at Canberra Contemporary Arts Space, Lake Burley Griffin Southern Shore, Parkes
Next on 7 Nov 2026 from 8:30pm to 10:00pm
outdoor

KOTO Japanese Restaurant

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
Gallery building at night

National Portrait Gallery

Parkes, ACT
A tour group in the chambers

Insights of Old Parliament House - Auslan Tour

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

Parkes, ACT
Roses

Old Parliament House Gardens Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

Parkes, ACT
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