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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
A leather lounge below a bookcase

Home Away From Home

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Inside view of store

The Curatoreum - National Portrait Gallery

Parkes, ACT
Visitor with artwork
2 May – 21 Nov 2025

Art with Friends

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 21 Nov 2025 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
A young girl building a tower with large blocks.
28–29 Nov 2025

Open Air PlayUP

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Parkes
Next on 28 Nov 2025 from 9:00am to 4:30pm
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 man and woman viewing a collection in a gallery

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
Photo of a group of people sitting in a gallery listening to someone talk
21 Mar – 28 Nov 2025

Friday Art Talks

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Nov 2025 from 12:00pm to 12:45pm
A person wearing a scarf, striped shirt, and blue leather jacket stands against a plain grey wall.
15 Nov 2025

Super Kaylene Whiskey Curator Tour with April Phillips

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on 15 Nov 2025 from 10:15am to 11:00am
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A piece of the collection. Howard's distinctive Tracksuit

John Howard Prime Ministerial Library (UNSW Canberra)

Parkes, ACT
A large crowd of people and press stand below and on the steps of Old Parliament House.

Dismissed Tour

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Connections Exhibition

Connections / Mura Gadi: Archives, People, and Places

Parkes, ACT
Balloons over lake
14–22 Mar 2026

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2026

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 14 Mar 2026
A woman stands in an eclectic art studio, with a vibrant portrait and a Wonder Woman cut-out.
15 Nov 2025

The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love? Panel Discussion

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on 15 Nov 2025 from 11:30am to 12:15pm
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Voices / Dhuniai exhibition gallery

Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, Democracy and the Constitution

Parkes, ACT
Canberra Day
9 Mar 2026

Canberra Day 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 9 Mar 2026
A black background with drawn white silhouettes of 2 people, instruments, food and stars.
6 Dec 2025

Opening Weekend: 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 6 Dec 2025 from 10:30am to 5:00pm
East Block entrance

Spies, Stories And Spaces: Tour Of Historic East Block

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Collection pieces at a gallery

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

Parkes, ACT
Crowd sitting in front of screen for Lights! Canberra! Action!
6 Mar 2026

Lights! Canberra! Action! 2026

Senate Rose Garden, Parkes
Next on 6 Mar 2026
Photo: The ACT Bushfire Memorial designed by Tess Horwitz, Tony Steel and Martyn Jolly, 2006.
2 Dec 2025

Speakers’ Corner – Community archives and the arts

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 2 Dec 2025 from 5:30pm to 6:45pm
NAA: A1500, K17000

National Triangle gems: National Archives to High Court walking tour

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Illustration of Australians in uniform

Remembering the War Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
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