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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
Australians of the Year Walk

Lake Burley Griffin Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

TripAdvisor rating73 reviews
Acton, ACT
Arbor in the centre of the Ladies Garden

Old Parliament House Gardens

TripAdvisor rating47 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
Ostani Bar

Ostani Bar

TripAdvisor rating419 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 rating380 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Chifley’s Bar & Grill

Chifley's Bar & 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
Harriet Welton-Holmes
26 Jul – 27 Sep 2026

Introductory wine appreciation with Canberra Cellar Door

Canberra and Region Visitors' Centre, Parkes
Next on 26 Jul 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
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
Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution’ exhibition gallery

Lifting the lid

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Connections Exhibition

Connections / Mura Gadi: Archives, People, and Places

Parkes, ACT
A group of people, some in wheelchairs, sit around a sculpture listening to a guide
17 Feb – 17 Nov 2026

Art for Carers: At the Gallery

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 18 Aug 2026 from 10:30am to 11:30am
A woman with blonde hair and glasses leaning on a purple artwork piece.
26 Jul 2026

Winter Tales presents Alison Alder

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 26 Jul 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
A woman with brown, wavy hair and glasses, wearing a black turtleneck.
14–15 Aug 2026

Workshop - Capturing your family stories session

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Aug 2026 from 10:30am to 12:30pm
Photographer: Elli Webb
4 Sep – 7 Nov 2026

Canberra Art Biennial

The festival is multi site, across central Canberra, with a central hub at Lake Burely Griffin., Parkes
Next on 4 Sep 2026
Voices / Dhuniai exhibition gallery

Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, Democracy and the Constitution

Parkes, ACT
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