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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
View to lake

Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
all the food

Catbird

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Indigenous painting with large brushtrokes and shapes of colour
14 Sep 2024 – 6 Aug 2025

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
our group in front of Emily Kam Kngwarray's colourful paintings

Exhibition Tours: Emily Kam Kngwarray

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Balloons over lake
14–22 Mar 2026

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2026

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 14 Mar 2026
Canberra Day
9 Mar 2026

Canberra Day 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 9 Mar 2026
A woman holds a glass of wine and is gesturing with her other hand
23 Nov 2025

Discover Canberra, wine appreciation class

Canberra and Region Visitors' Centre, Parkes
Next on 23 Nov 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
The front of a cafe register.

Paperplate cafe at the National Library of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Under $20
The Australian String Quartet
19 Oct 2025

Convergence

Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 19 Oct 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Photograph of speaker gesturing at colourful artwork in front of group

Private Tours: Emily Kam Kngwarray

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Crowd sitting in front of screen for Lights! Canberra! Action!
6 Mar 2026

Lights! Canberra! Action! 2026

Senate Rose Garden, Parkes
Next on 6 Mar 2026
A violinist on a staircase in a grand old house.
30 Oct 2025

Beethoven's Eighth - Canberra

The National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 30 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:15pm
Summer

Margot Bar - Espresso. Vin. Fromage

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Flag of Argentina

Argentina, Embassy of

Barton, ACT
Entrance sign of National Press Club of Australia

National Press Club of Australia

Barton, ACT
Not specified
MoAD Experience Officer with a group of people gathered in King's Hall

Highlights of Old Parliament House

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
A line up of local Canberra wines.
25 Jan – 20 Dec 2025

Canberra Cellar Door - pop up wine tasting

Canberra and Region Visitors' Centre, Parkes
Next on today from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Hoodoo Gurus at Stage 88 Canberra for Symphony in the Park
8 Mar 2026

Symphony in the Park 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 8 Mar 2026
Screen grab from the courtroom scene in the 1997 movie 'The Castle'.
12 Jul – 5 Aug 2025

It’s the Vibe! The Castle film screening

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Aug 2025
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
drinks at ballyhoo

Ballyhoo

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Joan Child sitting at her desk in the Speaker's Suite

Madam Speaker Tour

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Sepia photographs from the upcoming Fit to Print exhibition at the National Library of Australia.
27 Feb – 20 Jul 2025

Exhibition - Fit to Print: Defining Moments from the Fairfax Photo Archive selected by Mike Bowers

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
NAA: A1200, L26438
12 Feb – 17 Dec 2025

Murrulangalang storytime

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 23 Jul 2025 from 10:15am to 11:00am
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