Home > Our Neighbourhoods > Inner South > Barton and Parkes
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
A person with short dark hair and a yellow cap looks thoughtfully upward while holding a pink pen.
15 Nov 2026

Drawing with Georgina Chadderton

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 15 Nov 2026 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
High Court of Australia at night from across Lake Burley Griffin

High Court of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Love Boats

Love Boats | Electric Boat Hire

Parkes, ACT
Voices / Dhuniai exhibition gallery

Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, Democracy and the Constitution

Parkes, ACT
Rosalie Gascoigne landscape made of galvanised iron panels
24 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027

Rosalie Gascoigne

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Illustration of a boat named 'ALPHA' with people and birds around.
21 Nov 2026

Book launch: Paddle Steamer Pearl

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 21 Nov 2026 from 10:00am to 11:15am
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A sepia portrait of a man with glasses, looking slightly to the side. He has short hair.
14 Nov 2026

Folio: Stories of Australian comics

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Nov 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am
The spiritual home of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy

Parkes, ACT
Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution’ exhibition gallery

Lifting the lid

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
The Gurindji Freedom banners hung up in a gallery.
19 Aug 2025 – 31 Dec 2026

Gurindji Freedom Banners Exhibition

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Visit The Shop at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House

The Shop at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
People smiling and posing with Cat Bus kinetic sculpture
7 Nov 2026

Canberra Kinetic Sculpture Race

National Carillon, Parkes
Next on 7 Nov 2026 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Water's Edge canberra

Dining Domes on Lake Burley Griffin

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
A sepia portrait of a man with glasses, looking slightly upward and to the side.
13 Nov 2026

Read to Me: live graphic storytelling

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 13 Nov 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Visitors pointing at interactive digital wall.

National Archives of Australia

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
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
A man stand away from camera with a red cape and gold circles painted on it
7 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027

POWER – The Future is Here | Dennis Golding | Curated by Kyra Kum-Sing

Canberra Contemporary, Parkes
Next on 7 Nov 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Canberra Contemporary exterior

Canberra Contemporary

Parkes, ACT
Maple + Clove

Maple and Clove

Barton, ACT
Under $20
Main entrance to the National Capital Exhibition

National Capital Exhibition

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

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
Page 2 of 5
    Filter by
    Loading results

    Continue exploring the inner south

    Artwork on display at Canberra Glassworks.

    Kingston and foreshore

    Giants fans cheering at Manuka Oval

    Manuka and Griffith

    People browsing through the Designer Op Shop Emporium

    Fyshwick and surrounds