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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
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
A sepia photograph of a father and his children.
30 Jan 2025

Building our nation: How migrants and their children have shaped Australia

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 30 Jan 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
A selection of Mediterranean dishes on a table in a restaurant.

Med

Barton, ACT
Not specified
NAA: A1500, K17000

National Triangle gems: National Archives to High Court walking tour

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
A print of a water scene including man a woman and catfish
21 Sep 2024 – 2 Mar 2025

Masami Teraoka and Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
View to lake

Water's Edge Restaurant

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
NYE 2024
31 Dec 2024

New Year's Eve: A Night Under the Stars

Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, Barton
Next on 31 Dec 2024 from 7:00pm to 11:59pm
A picture of shadows of children deflating a hot air balloon
1 Feb – 5 Dec 2024

A little look at art: Art for Pre-schoolers

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Dec 2024 from 10:30am to 11:30am
Flag of Argentina

Argentina, Embassy of

Barton, ACT
Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught with the Mars Rover Perseverence  made from LEGO® bricks
11 May 2024 – 11 May 2025

CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Indigenous painting with large brushtrokes and shapes of colour
14 Sep 2024 – 6 Aug 2025

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
NAA: A6135, K13/7/76/11
7 Dec 2024

Family craft at the Archives

National Arcives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 7 Dec 2024 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Visitor with artwork
2 Feb – 20 Dec 2024

Art and Dementia: Art with Friends

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 6 Dec 2024
all the food

Catbird

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
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
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
Kids dressed up in costumes walking down a hallway at Old Parliament House
23 Nov 2024

PlayUP Takeover

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 4:00pm
A woman enjoys an online Art and Dementia program at home.
3 Feb – 7 Dec 2024

Art for Wellbeing

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 7 Dec 2024 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Participants running
11–13 Apr 2025

The Canberra Times Marathon Festival 2025

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 11 Apr 2025 from 6:00am to 1:00pm
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
Summer

Margot Bar - Espresso. Vin. Fromage

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Image: 2012 – Overall Winner. Squid School (detail). Photographer: Wayne Osborn
13–24 Jan 2025

Under the sea holiday program

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 13 Jan 2025 from 10:00am to 11:30am
Girl sitting with support dog in gallery
4 Feb – 1 Dec 2024

Art by Description: At the Gallery

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 1 Dec 2024 from 11:00am to 12:00pm
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