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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
Black and white photographs of demonstrations and protest
7 Aug – 29 Oct 2025

Skirt-suits and suffragettes

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 29 Oct 2025 from 10:00am to 11:00am
The Gurindji Freedom banners hung up in a gallery.
19 Aug 2025 – 31 Dec 2026

Gurindji Freedom Banners Exhibition

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Entrance of National Archives of Australia

Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
A man and woman viewing a collection in a gallery

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
A leather lounge below a bookcase

Home Away From Home

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
A photograph of 2 participants of Art by Description and a staff member using tactile resources
4 May – 2 Nov 2025

Art by Description: At the Gallery

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Oct 2025 from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Two adults embracing on a bed of roses.
2 Jul 2025 – 19 Apr 2026

In Bloom

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Coloured photograph of person photographing wildflowers
13 Sep 2025

Sketching the Nullarbor: wildflower journaling workshop

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
A piece of the collection. Howard's distinctive Tracksuit

John Howard Prime Ministerial Library (UNSW Canberra)

Parkes, ACT
Connections Exhibition

Connections / Mura Gadi: Archives, People, and Places

Parkes, ACT
Tim holds a torch and leads a group of people through the dark halls of Old Parliament House

Top Secret Tour with Tim the Yowie Man

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
A group of people, some in wheelchairs, sit around a sculpture listening to a guide
20 May – 18 Nov 2025

Art for Carers: At the Gallery

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 16 Sep 2025 from 10:30am to 11:30am
A photograph of 3 adults sitting on the floor, one is holding an infant
14 May – 12 Nov 2025

Curious Corner: Babies in Arms

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 10 Sep 2025 from 11:00am to 11:45am
Black and white photograph of people picking flowers at the WildFlower Stop
29 Sep – 10 Oct 2025

The Wildflower Stop: Floriade school holiday program

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 29 Sep 2025 from 10:00am to 11:15am
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Voices / Dhuniai exhibition gallery

Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, Democracy and the Constitution

Parkes, ACT
An overhead photograph of two people drawing with pencils on brown and purple paper
3 May – 1 Nov 2025

Art for Wellbeing

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 4 Oct 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
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
A child and volunteer patting a dog.
31 Aug – 28 Dec 2025

Story Dogs on Sunday at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 28 Sep 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Collection pieces at a gallery

Mabo v Queensland (No. 2): 30th Anniversary Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
A photograph of 5 people in a gallery space pointing and looking forward
4 May – 2 Nov 2025

Art with Auslan

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Oct 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
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
A young girl busy at a crafting table with colourful art supplies.
27 Sep – 8 Oct 2025

School Holidays Activities at the Museum of Australian Democracy

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Parkes
Next on 27 Sep 2025 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
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