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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
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
all the food

Catbird Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
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
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
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
A man, woman and young girl in the Treasures Gallery at the National Library of Australia

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
A group of people admiring a painting in a Gallery

Icons Tour

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Child enjoying the Illuminate exhibition
20 Feb – 22 Nov 2026

Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
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
Canberra Contemporary exterior

Canberra Contemporary

Parkes, ACT
Main entrance to the National Capital Exhibition

National Capital Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
Henry Roland Park

Henry Rolland Park

Parkes, ACT
People in Lager House

Lager House

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A portrait of a smiling woman with wavy brown hair and bright red lipstick.
17 Nov 2026

Lunchtime concert: Voicing the feminine

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 17 Nov 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Three glass oil bottles on jute fabric and a sprig of palm leaf to the left

mudd The Spa

Barton, ACT
A large carillon on an island

National Carillon

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
sunset on Lake Burley Griffin at The Jetty Canberra

The Jetty

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
The Press Gallery

The Press Gallery

Parkes, ACT
location
28 Nov 2026

Golden Days Music & Wine Festival

Patrick White Lawns, Parkes
Next on 28 Nov 2026 from 12:00pm to 10:00pm
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    Continue exploring the inner south

    Artwork on display at Canberra Glassworks.

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