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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 rating48 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
Family taking the Australian of the Year Walk. Photo by Jinkyart

Australians of the Year Walk

TripAdvisor rating7 reviews
Parkes, ACT
towards National Library

Reconciliation Place

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
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 rating381 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Chifley’s Bar & Grill

Chifley's Bar and 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 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
Old Parliament house at night

Paranormal Investigations of Old Parliament House

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

Parkes, ACT
Photograph of historic East Block building, home to National Archives of Australa in Canberra.
20 Jun – 5 Dec 2026

100 years of historic East Block building

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 10 Oct 2026 from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Runners in Canberra
10–11 Apr 2027

The Canberra Times Marathon Festival

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 10 Apr 2027
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
all the food

Catbird Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution’ exhibition gallery

Lifting the lid

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Inside view of store

The Curatoreum - National Portrait Gallery

Parkes, ACT
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
Vibrant large-scale tapestries
20 Jun – 18 Oct 2026

Arthur Boyd: tapestries

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Competitors race with lawnmowers on a grass track with a fire truck and spectators visible.
22 Sep 2026 – 19 Sep 2027

Regional Rivalries: Sport, spectacle and community in regional Australia Exhibition

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 22 Sep 2026 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
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