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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
View to lake

Water's Edge Restaurant

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
A picture of Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith
6 Apr 2025

Quarks, Sparks and Quantum Mysteries

Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on 6 Apr 2025 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A front on portrait painting of Madame Cézanne with a blue background
31 May – 21 Dec 2025

Cézanne to Giacometti: Highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 31 May 2025
2023 – Overall Winner. My Country Burns (detail). Photographer: Samuel Markham.
1 Feb – 5 Apr 2025

My country burns: landscape photography with Samuel Markham

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Apr 2025 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Connections Exhibition
1 Jul 2023 – 31 Aug 2025

Connections / Mura Gadi: Archives, People, and Places

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
The Jetty beside Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra
28 Mar – 13 Apr 2025

Viva Italia in Canberra Festival

Various venues, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 9:00pm
People gathered around a work of art

Collection Tours

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Painting of a group of people in a park setting including children frolicking
7 Dec 2024 – 27 Apr 2025

Ethel Carrick

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
The Australian String Quartet
19 Oct 2025

Convergence

Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 19 Oct 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Summer

Margot Bar - Espresso. Vin. Fromage

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Blundells Cottage
18 May 2025

Canberra Treasures Market Day

Blundells Cottage, Parkes
Next on 18 May 2025 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
our group in front of Emily Kam Kngwarray's colourful paintings

Exhibition Tours: Emily Kam Kngwarray

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Two first nations elders in sitting in country near Amaroona at sunset with hand carved spears
23 Nov 2024 – 13 Jul 2025

Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
The Australian String Quartet
11 May 2025

Rapture

Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 11 May 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
A line up of local Canberra wines.
25 Jan – 20 Dec 2025

Canberra Cellar Door - pop up wine tasting

Canberra and Region Visitors' Centre, Parkes
Next on 5 Apr 2025 from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
National Carillon
4 May 2025

Episode V: Carillon Strikes Back

National Carillon, Parkes
Next on 4 May 2025 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Photograph of speaker gesturing at colourful artwork in front of group

Private Tours: Emily Kam Kngwarray

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Artist Lindy Lee's black and white family photo with burnt holes on the print
25 Oct 2024 – 1 Jul 2025

Lindy Lee

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
Black and white photograph of a women's rights protest

Skirt-suits and Suffragettes

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Leyla Bar view

Leyla Bar

Barton, ACT
Not specified
An illustration of naval ships at sea.
10 Apr 2025

Privateers and piracy in the Pacific at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 10 Apr 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
ladies smiling at African Festival in the Park
5 Apr 2025

African Festival in the Park

STAGE 88, Parkes
Next on 5 Apr 2025 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
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