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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
Balloons over lake
14–22 Mar 2026

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2026

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 14 Mar 2026
A group of people admiring a painting in a Gallery

Icons Tour

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A photo of a seated audience
26 Mar 2026

A Deep Dive Into Julius Caesar

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 26 Mar 2026 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
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
Canberra Day
9 Mar 2026

Canberra Day 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 9 Mar 2026
Sepia image of a Target store in 1975

1975: Living in Seventies Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
A day at the markets - stalls and people
7 Feb – 5 Dec 2026

The Little Burley Market

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, Parkes
Next on 7 Feb 2026 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Picture of Jason Aldean
1 Mar 2026

Sunburnt Country | Jason Aldean

Stage 88, Parkes
Next on 1 Mar 2026 from 1:00pm to 9:20pm
People gathered around a work of art

Collection Tours

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Gears exhibit in Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW!
31 May 2025 – 1 Feb 2026

Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW!

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
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
Henry Roland Park

Henry Rolland Park

Parkes, ACT
A sepia photograph of a woman with curly hair in flight gear.
18 Feb 2026

Coffee with the Curator and Conservator: Treasures Insights

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 18 Feb 2026 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
all the food

Catbird

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Hoodoo Gurus at Stage 88 Canberra for Symphony in the Park
8 Mar 2026

Symphony in the Park 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 8 Mar 2026
A child kicks a soccer ball towards a goal, where a child in a Matildas Jersey defends the ball.
19–30 Jan 2026

Little Kickers at the National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on 19 Jan 2026 from 9:15am to 10:30am
Flag of Argentina

Argentina, Embassy of

Barton, ACT
A man, woman and young girl in the Treasures Gallery at the National Library of Australia

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
drinks at ballyhoo

Ballyhoo

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
A man teaches women how to throw a boomerang in 1957.
21 Nov 2025 – 17 May 2026

In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
View to lake

Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
A child wearing a Matildas jersey jumps on an indoor soccer footwork activity.
19 Dec 2025 – 1 Feb 2026

Matildas: Make and move

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 4:30pm
A man standing in a gallery space with indigenous poles
6 Dec 2025 – 26 Apr 2026

5th National Indigenous Art Triennial

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
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