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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
The front of a cafe register.

Paperplate cafe at the National Library of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Under $20
Black and white photographs of demonstrations and protest
21 Apr – 10 Sep 2026

Skirt-suits and suffragists

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 18 Jun 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Illustration of the Papunya community in Northern Territory
1 Jun 2026

Reconciliation Day: Wangka Wakaṉutja exhibition tours at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 1 Jun 2026 from 11:00am to 11:30am
Flag of Argentina

Argentina, Embassy of

Barton, ACT
A tour group in the chambers

Insights of Old Parliament House - Auslan Tour

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

Parkes, ACT
A monumental tapestry by renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd.
20 Jun – 18 Oct 2026

Arthur Boyd: tapestries

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 20 Jun 2026
View to lake

Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
The Press Gallery

The Press Gallery

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
black & white image of a banged-up car speeding past with passengers and one man on the car roof
5 Dec 2026 – 29 Mar 2027

Full Throttle

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Dec 2026
A woman smiling while resting her right hand on her left shoulder, while wearing a polka dot shirt.
1 Jul 2026

Workshop: Writing the book only you can write

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 1 Jul 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Entrance sign of National Press Club of Australia

National Press Club of Australia

Barton, ACT
Not specified
Installation view of large and colourful first nation's works
11 Apr – 23 Aug 2026

Ngura Puḻka – Epic Country

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
Summer

Margot Bar - Espresso. Vin. Fromage

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
painting
13 Jun 2026

Canberra Made Series - Paint Your Way with Jenny Adams from Popcorn Art

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes
Next on 13 Jun 2026 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Inside view of store

The Curatoreum - National Portrait Gallery

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
Rosalie Gascoigne landscape made of galvanised iron panels
31 Oct 2026 – 7 Feb 2027

Rosalie Gascoigne

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 31 Oct 2026
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A monochrome photographic portrait of four men with candid expressions wearing suits.
16 May 2026 – 23 May 2027

Power suits: The fit within the frame

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Bill Onus teaches the Republic of Korea’s Junior Red Cross Deputy Director how to throw a boomerang,

'In real life' exhibition gallery talk

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
NAA: A1200, L26438
12 Feb 2025 – 1 Jul 2026

Murrulangalang storytime

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 27 May 2026 from 10:15am to 11:00am
two matcha cups being held in two different hands doing a cheers in front of a lake background
30 May 2026

Canberra Made Series - Teddy's Matcha Pop Up

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes
Next on 30 May 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Leyla Bar view

Leyla Bar

Barton, ACT
Not specified
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