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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
An audience clapping, seated in yellow chairs.
17 Sep 2026

The Great Student Debate 2026: That Australian politics is alive and well

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 17 Sep 2026 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm
all the food

Catbird Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A group of people admiring a painting in a Gallery

Icons Tour

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Vibrant large-scale tapestries
20 Jun – 18 Oct 2026

Arthur Boyd: tapestries

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
A table covered in weaving equipment and yarn
21 Jun – 3 Oct 2026

The Stitch Up: Weaving Lab Workshops

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 29 Aug 2026 from 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Two women view artwork in gallery.
5 Dec 2025 – 30 Nov 2026

Behind the Lines

Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
A man, woman and young girl in the Treasures Gallery at the National Library of Australia

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
Henry Roland Park

Henry Rolland Park

Parkes, ACT
black & white image of a banged-up car speeding past with passengers and one man on the car roof
5 Dec 2026 – 11 Apr 2027

Full Throttle

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Dec 2026 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
A leather case displaying Grey Kangaroo fur beside a greyscale photograph of a family.
4 Jul – 13 Sep 2026

Thread: Connecting Stories and Community

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Front entrance

Med

Barton, ACT
Over $30
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

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

Parkes, ACT
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
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
outdoor

KOTO Japanese Restaurant

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

Highlights 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
24 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027

Rosalie Gascoigne

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 24 Oct 2026 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
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
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Joan Child sitting at her desk in the Speaker's Suite

Madam Speaker Tour

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

Parkes, ACT
Visit The Shop at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House

The Shop at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
A smiling woman with gray hair wearing a red scarf over a dark floral top.
27 Aug 2026

Making of a medieval manuscript: from cover to cover

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 27 Aug 2026 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
People gathered around a work of art

Collection Tours

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
The front of a cafe register.

Paperplate cafe at the National Library of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Under $20
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