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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
Fire and Water artwork at Reconciliation Place

Reconciliation Place Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

TripAdvisor rating71 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Australians of the Year Walk

Lake Burley Griffin Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

TripAdvisor rating71 reviews
Acton, 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
Image of Canberra Contemporary building

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 rating3 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Not specified
The Bible Garden

The Bible Garden

TripAdvisor rating2 reviews
Barton, ACT
Ostani Bar

Ostani Bar

TripAdvisor rating416 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
Outdoor

Double Drummer

TripAdvisor rating33 reviews
Barton, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Fenceline posts Blundells Cottage

Blundells Cottage

TripAdvisor rating29 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Crowd sitting in front of screen for Lights! Canberra! Action!
6 Mar 2026

Lights! Canberra! Action! 2026

Senate Rose Garden, Parkes
Next on 6 Mar 2026
A sepia photograph of a woman with curly hair in flight gear.
18 Feb 2026

Coffee with the Curator and Conservator: Treasures Insights

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 18 Feb 2026 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Inside view of store

The Curatoreum - National Portrait Gallery

Parkes, ACT
Hoodoo Gurus at Stage 88 Canberra for Symphony in the Park
8 Mar 2026

Symphony in the Park 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 8 Mar 2026
A child kicks a soccer ball towards a goal, where a child in a Matildas Jersey defends the ball.
19–30 Jan 2026

Little Kickers at the National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on 19 Jan 2026 from 9:15am to 10:30am
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