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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
Competitors race with lawnmowers on a grass track with a fire truck and spectators visible.
22 Sep 2026 – 19 Sep 2027

Regional Rivalries: Sport, spectacle and community in regional Australia Exhibition

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 22 Sep 2026 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
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
Ethos
11 Dec 2025 – 31 Aug 2026

Canberra: A Monumental Vision

National Capital Exhibition, Parkes
Next on today
Rear vision exhibition banner
12 Jun 2026 – 31 Jan 2027

Rear vision: the Holden collection

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Lava Coffee Campbell

Lava Coffee Campbell

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
drinks at ballyhoo

Ballyhoo

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

Wine Tasting in the City - Canberra Cellar Door

Parkes, 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
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A smiling woman in a floral shirt sits at a desk, holding open a large historical map.
24 Sep 2026

Histories of cyclones in Australia with Dr Margaret Cook

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 24 Sep 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Rosa's coffee

Rosa's

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Photo of a group of people sitting in a gallery listening to someone talk
6 Feb – 27 Nov 2026

Friday Art Talks

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 28 Aug 2026 from 12:00pm to 12:45pm
A group of people walking on a tree lined path

National Triangle gems: National Archives to High Court walking tour

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Leyla Bar view

Leyla Bar

Barton, ACT
Not specified
A smiling woman with curly brown hair and large brown earrings, wearing a black jacket.
30 Sep 2026

School holiday activity: Connecting to Country through art

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 30 Sep 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Avtar

High Tea at Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
A group of people, some in wheelchairs, sit around a sculpture listening to a guide
17 Feb – 17 Nov 2026

Art for Carers: At the Gallery

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 15 Sep 2026 from 10:30am to 11:30am
Harriet Welton-Holmes
26 Jul – 27 Sep 2026

Introductory wine appreciation with Canberra Cellar Door

Canberra and Region Visitors' Centre, Parkes
Next on 27 Sep 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
A woman in a grey blazer smiles at the camera while leaning on a wooden table covered with books.
29 Oct 2026

Suzanne Bellamy and the Australian women’s liberation movement

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 29 Oct 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution’ exhibition gallery

Lifting the lid

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Connections Exhibition

Connections / Mura Gadi: Archives, People, and Places

Parkes, ACT
Illustration of Australians in uniform
30 Apr – 20 Sep 2026

Remembering the War Exhibition

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
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
An audience clapping their hands while seated in yellow chairs.
17 Sep 2026

The Great Debate: That Australian politics is alive and well

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 17 Sep 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
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