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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
Connections Exhibition

Connections / Mura Gadi: Archives, People, and Places

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 15 Nov 2026 from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Image of a textile artwork showing a woman standing in a red dress and six arms
14 Nov 2026

Quietly Seething | Performances

Canberra Contemporary, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
She Shapes History tour guide presenting to the group of engaged guests

Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour

by She Shapes History - Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Centre

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre

Parkes, ACT
Chifley’s Bar & Grill

Chifley's Bar and Grill

Barton, ACT
Over $30
Voices / Dhuniai exhibition gallery

Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, Democracy and the Constitution

Parkes, ACT
black & white image of a banged-up car speeding past with passengers and one man on the car roof
5 Dec 2026 – 11 Apr 2027

Full Throttle

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Dec 2026 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
A woman stands in front of a large tapestry artworks with flowers and a woman with a water vessel
7 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027

Quietly Seething: Fate, Fury and Transmutation

Canberra Contemporary, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 11:00am to 5:00pm
View to lake

Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
A dimly lit restaurant interior

Louis Dining

Barton, ACT
Not specified
High Court of Australia at night from across Lake Burley Griffin

High Court of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Love Boats

Love Boats | Electric Boat Hire

Parkes, ACT
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
Rosalie Gascoigne landscape made of galvanised iron panels
24 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027

Rosalie Gascoigne

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 5:00pm
A smiling woman with glasses and blonde hair stands outdoors near blooming trees.
3 Dec 2026

Rethinking realism: Dymphna Cusack and Kylie Tennant

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 3 Dec 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
The spiritual home of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy

Parkes, ACT
Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution’ exhibition gallery

Lifting the lid

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Collection pieces at a gallery

Mabo v Queensland (No. 2): 30th Anniversary Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
Visit The Shop at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House

The Shop at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Man with glasses smiles in front of bookshelf
26 Nov 2026

The Craft of Science Fiction

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 26 Nov 2026 from 6:00pm to 7:15pm
Water's Edge canberra

Dining Domes on Lake Burley Griffin

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
Visitors pointing at interactive digital wall.

National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
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