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

The Shop at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
A smiling, mature woman with short, gray hair, looking directly at the camera in front of a blurred
13 Aug 2026

Author talk: Beyond Timbuktu with Catherine DeVrye

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 13 Aug 2026 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Holden owner manual
23 Jul 2026

Curator tour – Rear vision: the Holden collection

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 23 Jul 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:15pm
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
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 tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
View to lake

Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
A close-up image of red and blue yarn on weaving bobbins
20 Jun – 18 Oct 2026

The Weavers’ Studio

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow 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 tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
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
People in Lager House

Lager House

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
abstract painted landscape
8 Aug 2026

Canberra Made Series - Painting your way with Jenny Adams from Popcorn Art - Advanced Workshop One

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes
Next on 8 Aug 2026 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
A man and a young boy exploring light in Science Time
3–15 Aug 2026

Questacon Science Time: Light

Questacon, Parkes
Next on 3 Aug 2026 from 10:00am to 10:40am
Inside view of store

The Curatoreum - National Portrait Gallery

Parkes, ACT
Entrance sign of National Press Club of Australia

National Press Club of Australia

Barton, ACT
Not specified
A painting of a man with a grey beard and a green bowtie who stands in front of a hanging portrait.
3 Apr – 19 Jul 2026

John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Summer

Margot Bar - Espresso. Vin. Fromage

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
person making matcha
29 Aug 2026

Canberra Made Series: Matcha Masterclass with Teddy's Matcha

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes
Next on 29 Aug 2026 from 10:00am to 11:30am
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
NAA: A1200, L26438
10 Jun – 16 Dec 2026

Murrulangalang storytime

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 22 Jul 2026 from 10:15am to 11:00am
The Press Gallery

The Press Gallery

Parkes, ACT
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A woman with brown hair is seated at a table, looking directly at the camera.
20 Aug 2026

Dr Isobel Bennett and the secrets of Australia's seashores

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 20 Aug 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
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
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