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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
Image taken of the outside of the venue

The Marion

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
A photograph collage of Sanné Mestrom playing on a sculpture in a park. She is collaged in 4 times.
31 May – 21 Sep 2025

The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Her Parts

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 5:00pm
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
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
A room of young people painting portraits on large canvases sitting on easels.
31 May 2025

Art Lab with Shanti Shea An

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 2:00pm to 5:00pm
View to lake

Water's Edge Restaurant

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
all the food

Catbird

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
Inside view of store

The Curatoreum - National Portrait Gallery

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 tomorrow from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Black and white photograph of the Trans-Australian Railway express about 1960. NAA: B3117, 57 [2]
24 May – 19 Oct 2025

Camel trains to steel wheels: life on the Trans-Australian Railway

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
The front of a cafe register.

Paperplate cafe at the National Library of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Under $20
A tour group in the chambers

Insights of Old Parliament House - Auslan Tour

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Flag of Uruguay

Uruguay, Embassy of

Barton, 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
A photograph of a theatre audience sitting and talking.
31 May 2025

Museum Berggruen in Conversation

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Summer

Margot Bar - Espresso. Vin. Fromage

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Entrance sign of National Press Club of Australia

National Press Club of Australia

Barton, ACT
Not specified
A piece of the collection. Howard's distinctive Tracksuit

John Howard Prime Ministerial Library (UNSW Canberra)

Parkes, ACT
Old Parliament house at night

Old Haunted House Experience

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Visitors at the National Library of Australia's Treasures Gallery.

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
A portrait of Johannes Christophorus Pepusch
31 Jan – 17 Aug 2025

Exhibition - The Excellencies of Musick: Highlights from the Jamie and Michael Kassler Collection

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Balloons over lake
14–22 Mar 2026

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2026

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 14 Mar 2026
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