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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
Arbor in the centre of the Ladies Garden

Old Parliament House Gardens

TripAdvisor rating47 reviews
Parkes, ACT
National Workers Memorial in Kings Park

National Workers Memorial

TripAdvisor rating43 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Girl on a moving bridge in the Boundless Playground

Boundless Playground

TripAdvisor rating19 reviews
Parkes, ACT
A dimly lit restaurant interior

Louis Dining

TripAdvisor rating18 reviews
Barton, ACT
Not specified
Canberra Contemporary exterior

Canberra Contemporary

TripAdvisor rating7 reviews
Parkes, ACT
towards National Library

Reconciliation Place

TripAdvisor rating7 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Family taking the Australian of the Year Walk. Photo by Jinkyart

Australians of the Year Walk

TripAdvisor rating7 reviews
Parkes, ACT
sunset on Lake Burley Griffin at The Jetty Canberra

The Jetty

TripAdvisor rating6 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Not specified
The Bible Garden

The Bible Garden

TripAdvisor rating2 reviews
Barton, ACT
Ostani Bar

Ostani Bar

TripAdvisor rating418 reviews
Barton, ACT
Between $20 and $30
The front glass doors of a cafe. There are stained glass windows on the back wall of the cafe.

Bookplate cafe at the National Library of Australia

TripAdvisor rating379 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Chifley’s Bar & Grill

Chifley's Bar & Grill

TripAdvisor rating239 reviews
Barton, ACT
Over $30
Three glass oil bottles on jute fabric and a sprig of palm leaf to the left

mudd The Spa

TripAdvisor rating55 reviews
Barton, ACT
Fenceline posts Blundells Cottage

Blundells Cottage

TripAdvisor rating29 reviews
Parkes, ACT
People in Lager House

Lager House

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
View to lake

Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
Yellow and black illustrations of families in the remote Aboriginal community of Papunya
15 Jun 2026 – 31 Jan 2027

Wangka Wakaṉutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre Exhibition

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
Inside view of store

The Curatoreum - National Portrait Gallery

Parkes, ACT
Entrance sign of National Press Club of Australia

National Press Club of Australia

Barton, ACT
Not specified
A painting of a man with a grey beard and a green bowtie who stands in front of a hanging portrait.
3 Apr – 19 Jul 2026

John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 5:00pm
A smiling, mature woman with short, gray hair, looking directly at the camera in front of a blurred
13 Aug 2026

Author talk: Beyond Timbuktu with Catherine DeVrye

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 13 Aug 2026 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Historic black and white image of Old Parliament House

History of Old Parliament House

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

Parkes, ACT
The Press Gallery

The Press Gallery

Parkes, ACT
Summer

Margot Bar - Espresso. Vin. Fromage

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
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