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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
outdoor

KOTO Japanese Restaurant

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
A tour group in the chambers

Insights of Old Parliament House - Auslan Tour

by Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
Collection pieces at a gallery

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

Parkes, ACT
Yellow and black illustrations of families in the remote Aboriginal community of Papunya
15 Jun 2026 – 31 Jan 2027

Wangka Wakaṉutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre Exhibition

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
People in colorful winter gear stand on a vast icy plain, facing a large orange icebreaker ship.
10 Oct 2026

Antarctica: Journeys on the ice

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 10 Oct 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Old Parliament house at night

Paranormal Investigations of Old Parliament House

by Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
Henry Roland Park

Henry Rolland Park

Parkes, ACT
A close-up image of red and blue yarn on weaving bobbins
20 Jun – 18 Oct 2026

The Weavers’ Studio

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
A smiling woman with glasses and blonde hair stands outdoors near blooming trees.
3 Dec 2026

Rethinking realism: Dymphna Cusack and Kylie Tennant

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 3 Dec 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
all the food

Catbird Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution’ exhibition gallery

Lifting the lid

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Historic black and white image of Old Parliament House

History of Old Parliament House

by Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
Visit The Shop at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House

The Shop at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Four floating hot air balloons over lake in Canberra
13–21 Mar 2027

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Patrick White Lawns, Parkes
Next on 13 Mar 2027
Moonlight Meanders – Lake Burley Griffin, southern foreshore
7 Nov 2026

Moonlight Meanders – Lake Burley Griffin, southern foreshore

Walk begins and ends at Canberra Contemporary Arts Space, Lake Burley Griffin Southern Shore, Parkes
Next on 7 Nov 2026 from 8:30pm to 10:00pm
The front of a cafe register.

Paperplate cafe at the National Library of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Under $20
Black and white photograph of of a mechanic working on a Holden car

'Rear vision' exhibition gallery talk

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
The Press Gallery

The Press Gallery

Parkes, ACT
Three inflatable sculptures that represent quantum technology
7 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2027

Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Man with glasses smiles in front of bookshelf
26 Nov 2026

The Craft of Science Fiction

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 26 Nov 2026 from 6:00pm to 7:15pm
Entrance sign of National Press Club of Australia

National Press Club of Australia

Barton, ACT
Not specified
Black and white photograph of a group of people protesting at a march

Skirt-suits and suffragists

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Market sign at the lake
12 Sep – 5 Dec 2026

The Little Burley Market

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Next on 10 Oct 2026
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