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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
Main entrance to the National Capital Exhibition

National Capital Exhibition

TripAdvisor rating71 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Arbor in the centre of the Ladies Garden

Old Parliament House Gardens

TripAdvisor rating45 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 rating17 reviews
Barton, ACT
Not specified
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
Image of Canberra Contemporary building

Canberra Contemporary

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

The Jetty

TripAdvisor rating4 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Not specified
The Bible Garden

The Bible Garden

TripAdvisor rating2 reviews
Barton, ACT
Ostani Bar

Ostani Bar

TripAdvisor rating417 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 rating378 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Chifley’s Bar & Grill

Chifley's Bar & Grill

TripAdvisor rating239 reviews
Barton, ACT
Over $30
Portrait Cafe

Portrait Cafe

TripAdvisor rating201 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Under $20
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
Bill Onus teaches the Republic of Korea’s Junior Red Cross Deputy Director how to throw a boomerang,

'In real life' exhibition gallery talk

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Participants crossing the start line
10–12 Apr 2026

The Canberra Times Marathon Festival

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 10 Apr 2026 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Icons of Canberra
11 Dec 2025 – 31 Aug 2026

Canberra: A Monumental Vision

National Capital Exhibition, Parkes
Next on today
Two women view artwork in gallery.
5 Dec 2025 – 30 Nov 2026

Behind the Lines

Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution’ exhibition gallery

Lifting the lid

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Balloons over lake
14–22 Mar 2026

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2026

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 14 Mar 2026
A group of people admiring a painting in a Gallery

Icons Tour

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A photo of a seated audience
26 Mar 2026

A Deep Dive Into Julius Caesar

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 26 Mar 2026 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
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