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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
People gathered around a work of art

Collection Tours

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A person in a mask making art
4 May – 2 Nov 2025

Sensory Sunday

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Oct 2025 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Image of a two feet standing on a door mat with the words 'ete wha nay nga' painted on the mat
26 Jul – 4 Oct 2025

Paradise*

Canberra Contemporary, Parkes
Next on today from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Image taken of the outside of the venue

The Marion

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A group of people standing in a gallery looking at pictures on the walls
2 Dec 2024 – 2 Nov 2025

Behind the Lines

Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes
Next on today
our group in front of Emily Kam Kngwarray's colourful paintings

Exhibition Tours: Emily Kam Kngwarray

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A photograph of a woman looking through a viewfinder, drawing the abstract sculptures she sees.
31 May – 21 Sep 2025

The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Her Parts

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Gin garden illustration and a tent over Floriade’s Ferris wheel and tulip garden.
13 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Floriade

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 9:30am to 5:00pm
all the food

Catbird

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
Photograph of speaker gesturing at colourful artwork in front of group

Private Tours: Emily Kam Kngwarray

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
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
Headshot of Chet Van Duzer
14 Oct 2025

Mapping the Unknown: Cartographers' strategies for navigating uncertainty at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Oct 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
View to lake

Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
The front of a cafe register.

Paperplate cafe at the National Library of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Under $20
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
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
Balloons over lake
14–22 Mar 2026

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2026

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 14 Mar 2026
A photography of a desert
18 Sep 2025

Archaeology of water with Dr Chris Carter at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 18 Sep 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Entrance sign of National Press Club of Australia

National Press Club of Australia

Barton, ACT
Not specified
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
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 6 Dec 2025
Canberra Day
9 Mar 2026

Canberra Day 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 9 Mar 2026
Artist Lindy Lee's black and white family photo with burnt holes on the print
6 Aug 2025 – 28 Jan 2026

Lindy Lee

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow
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