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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
Roses

Old Parliament House Gardens Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

Parkes, ACT
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
Tour group visits Centenary of Women's Suffrage Fountain

She Shapes History - Canberra

Parkes, ACT
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
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
National Workers Memorial in Kings Park

National Workers Memorial

Parkes, ACT
Old Parliament house at night

Paranormal Investigations of Old Parliament House

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

Parkes, ACT
Fire and Water artwork at Reconciliation Place

Reconciliation Place Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

Parkes, ACT
Yellow and black illustrations of families in the remote Aboriginal community of Papunya
15 Jun 2026 – 31 Jan 2027

Wangka Wakaṉutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre Exhibition

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
Tour group visits fountain

Badass Women of Canberra: The Women Who Shaped the Capital

by She Shapes History - Canberra

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
People gathered around a work of art

Collection Tours

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Arbor in the centre of the Ladies Garden

Old Parliament House Gardens

Parkes, ACT
Historic black and white image of Old Parliament House

History of Old Parliament House

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

Parkes, ACT
Australians of the Year Walk

Lake Burley Griffin Free Guided Group Walk

by National Capital Authority Guided Group Tours

Acton, ACT
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
Hale Gym Weights

Hale Gym+Spa

Barton, ACT
Pink roses in a garden
1–29 Nov 2026

Rose Gardens Guided Tours at Old Parliament House

Statue of Dame Dorothy Tangney & Enid Lyons | Old Parliament House Rose Gardens, Parkes
Next on 8 Nov 2026 from 9:30am to 10:30am
The Australian War Memorial

Anzac Parade

Parkes, ACT
A boy and a girl examining a crocodile skull at Questacon

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

Parkes, ACT
Black and white photograph of of a mechanic working on a Holden car

'Rear vision' exhibition gallery talk

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
NAA: A1200, L26438
10 Jun – 16 Dec 2026

Murrulangalang storytime

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 11 Nov 2026 from 10:15am to 11:00am
Three inflatable sculptures that represent quantum technology
7 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2027

Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Market sign at the lake
12 Sep – 5 Dec 2026

The Little Burley Market

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Next on 7 Nov 2026 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
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