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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
Rosa's coffee

Rosa's

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
People gathered around a work of art

Collection Tours

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Market sign at the lake
7 Mar – 5 Dec 2026

The Little Burley Market

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Next on 4 Apr 2026 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
A person in a mask making art
8 Feb – 14 Jun 2026

Art for Wellbeing: Sensory Friendly

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 12 Apr 2026 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
A smiling woman wearing glasses is pictured in a Library holding books
31 Mar 2026

Dr Marie-Louise Ayres reflects on 30+ years

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
High Tea

High Tea at Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
A group of people admiring a painting in a Gallery

Icons Tour

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
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 photograph of 5 people in a gallery space pointing and looking forward
8 Feb – 14 Jun 2026

Art with Auslan

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 12 Apr 2026 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
A woman in a green jacket stands leaning on a table covered with papers
30 Apr 2026

Fellowship presentation: Early Philippine Palaeontology

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

Margot Bar - Espresso. Vin. Fromage

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Photographer: Elli Webb
4 Sep – 7 Nov 2026

Canberra Art Biennial

The festival is multi site, across central Canberra, with a central hub at Lake Burely Griffin., Parkes
Next on 4 Sep 2026
Visitors stand inside an immersive gallery as Mona Lisa projections glow across towering walls.
28 Feb – 12 Apr 2026

Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius

Federation Centenary Fountains, Parkes
Next on today
The Jetty beside Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra
27 Mar – 9 May 2026

Viva Italia in Canberra Festival

Various venues, Parkes
Next on today
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A line up of six Canberra wines on a wooden plinth

Wine Tasting in the City - Canberra Cellar Door

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain, installation view, National Gallery
6 Dec 2025 – 26 Apr 2026

5th National Indigenous Art Triennial:  After the Rain

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
Folded paper material with writing and floral illustrations
22 Apr 2026

Concertina Book Workshop with Sharon Peoples

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 22 Apr 2026 from 10:00am to 12:30pm
A monumental tapestry by renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd.
20 Jun – 18 Oct 2026

Arthur Boyd: tapestries

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 20 Jun 2026
Leyla Bar view

Leyla Bar

Barton, 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
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
An illustration of men on buffalos with whips
1 Apr 2026

Echoes of the long paddock: A folksong celebration

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
dancing at market day
19 Apr 2026

Blundells Cottage Heritage Market Day

Blundells Cottage, Parkes
Next on 19 Apr 2026 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
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