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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
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
Canberra Contemporary exterior

Canberra Contemporary

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 rating380 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
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
Illustration of Australians in uniform
30 Apr – 20 Sep 2026

Remembering the War Exhibition

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on today 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 12 Sep 2026 from 9:30am to 5:00pm
A child explores flowers at Science Time: Spring
1–12 Sep 2026

Questacon Science Time: Spring

Questacon, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 10:45am
Front entrance

Med

Barton, ACT
Over $30
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

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
Black and white photographs of demonstrations and protest
21 Apr – 10 Sep 2026

Skirt-suits and suffragists

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on
A smiling woman with grey hair sits at a table outdoors, writing in a notebook.
7 Oct 2026

Visual Journalling for Library Lovers

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 7 Oct 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
School holidays at the Museum of Australian Democracy
26 Sep – 4 Oct 2026

Spring School Holidays at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD)

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Parkes
Next on 26 Sep 2026
outdoor

KOTO Japanese Restaurant

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
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