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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 rating49 reviews
Parkes, ACT
National Workers Memorial in Kings Park

National Workers Memorial

TripAdvisor rating43 reviews
Parkes, ACT
A dimly lit restaurant interior

Louis Dining

TripAdvisor rating19 reviews
Barton, ACT
Not specified
Girl on a moving bridge in the Boundless Playground

Boundless Playground

TripAdvisor rating19 reviews
Parkes, ACT
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
Four floating hot air balloons over lake in Canberra
13–21 Mar 2027

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Patrick White Lawns, Parkes
Next on 13 Mar 2027
abstract painting of flowers
15 Sep – 3 Oct 2026

Canberra Made Series - Panting the Colours of Floriade with Jenny Adams

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes
Next on 2 Oct 2026 from 12:30pm to 3:30pm
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
Three inflatable sculptures that represent quantum technology
7 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2027

Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
A smiling woman with dark hair in a bun, wearing a black short-sleeved button-up dress.
28 Sep 2026

Book signing - Power In Numbers: Australian Women in Economics

National Library of Australia Bookshop, Parkes
Next on 28 Sep 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
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 tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Guests enjoy gin cocktail high tea beneath a canopy at The Underground Gin Garden.
12 Sep – 11 Oct 2026

Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Floriade

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 9:30am 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
Entrance of National Archives of Australia

Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

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
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