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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
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A man standing in a gallery space with indigenous poles
6 Dec 2025 – 26 Apr 2026

5th National Indigenous Art Triennial

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 6 Dec 2025
Emma Shaw of Pique Nique serves a local Canberra wine

Pique Nique: wine appreciation classes and events

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
A sepia photograph of four gentlemen writing.
27 Nov 2024

Australia's Journey with the World Bank with Dr Nicholas Ferns

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 27 Nov 2024 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Balloons over lake
15–23 Mar 2025

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 15 Mar 2025 from 6:00am to 9:00am
An orange photograph of a building.
4 Apr 2025

The Australian Dream? with Tim Ross at the National Library of Australia

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 4 Apr 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
People gathered around a work of art

Collection Tours

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A colourful cubist handmade plate
7 Dec 2024 – 27 Apr 2025

Anne Dangar

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 7 Dec 2024
A painted portrait of Maggie Beer holding a pheasant.

National Portrait Gallery: Collection Highlights Tour

Parkes, ACT
Entrance sign of National Press Club of Australia

National Press Club of Australia

Barton, ACT
Not specified
Entrance of National Archives of Australia

Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
our group in front of Emily Kam Kngwarray's colourful paintings

Exhibition Tours: Emily Kam Kngwarray

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A portrait of a short haired woman and the cover of her book 'Max Dupain: A Portrait.'
28 Nov 2024

Book launch – Max Dupain: A Portrait by Helen Ennis

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 28 Nov 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
The Little Burley Market
7–21 Dec 2024

Month of Merry at The Little Burley Market

Queen Elizabeth TCE, Commonwealth Place (in between the International Flag display)., Parkes
Next on 7 Dec 2024 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
tour guide with tour group looking at cartoon images on a wall
13 Dec 2023 – 30 Nov 2024

Behind the Lines

Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Photograph of speaker gesturing at colourful artwork in front of group

Private Tours: Emily Kam Kngwarray

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A front on portrait painting of Madame Cézanne with a blue background
31 May – 21 Dec 2025

Cézanne to Giacometti: Highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 31 May 2025
Painting of a group of people in a park setting including children frolicking
7 Dec 2024 – 27 Apr 2025

Ethel Carrick

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 7 Dec 2024
Perth Beerfest - Supreme Court Gardens, Perth, Western Australia
15 Feb 2025

Canberra Beerfest

JDL Lawns Parkes ACT, Parkes
Next on 15 Feb 2025 from 1:00pm to 7:00pm
Banner image: Rainforest dragon (2006 – Overall Winner). Photographer: Stanley and Kaisa Breeden.
28 Nov 2024 – 27 Apr 2025

20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 28 Nov 2024 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
image of AI generated art part of the Friend or Foe
24 Jan 2024 – 23 Jan 2025

Friend or Foe – The Rise of Artificial Intelligence Exhibition

Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Image taken of the outside of the venue

The Marion

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Two first nations elders in sitting in country near Amaroona at sunset with hand carved spears
23 Nov 2024 – 13 Jul 2025

Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow
Two women viewing the Australian Constitution
24 Feb – 23 Nov 2024

Lifting the Lid: View the Original Australian Constitution

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 2:00pm to 2:30pm
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