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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 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
Rosa's coffee

Rosa's

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Photo of a group of people sitting in a gallery listening to someone talk
6 Feb – 27 Nov 2026

Friday Art Talks

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 28 Aug 2026 from 12:00pm to 12:45pm
A group of people walking on a tree lined path

National Triangle gems: National Archives to High Court walking tour

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Leyla Bar view

Leyla Bar

Barton, ACT
Not specified
A smiling woman in a floral shirt sits at a desk, holding open a large historical map.
24 Sep 2026

Histories of cyclones in Australia with Dr Margaret Cook

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 24 Sep 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Avtar

High Tea at Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
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 15 Sep 2026 from 10:30am to 11:30am
Harriet Welton-Holmes
26 Jul – 27 Sep 2026

Introductory wine appreciation with Canberra Cellar Door

Canberra and Region Visitors' Centre, Parkes
Next on 27 Sep 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
A smiling woman with curly brown hair and large brown earrings, wearing a black jacket.
30 Sep 2026

School holiday activity: Connecting to Country through art

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 30 Sep 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
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