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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
A painting of a man with a grey beard and a green bowtie who stands in front of a hanging portrait.
3 Apr – 19 Jul 2026

John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 5:00pm
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

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

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
Collection pieces at a gallery

Mabo v Queensland (No. 2): 30th Anniversary Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
A person in a mask making art
8 Feb – 14 Jun 2026

Art for Wellbeing: Sensory Friendly

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Jun 2026 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Market sign at the lake
7 Mar – 5 Dec 2026

The Little Burley Market

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Next on 6 Jun 2026 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
A young boy and a Questacon facilitator play with dinosaurs at Science Time
11–24 Jun 2026

Science Time: Dinosaurs

Questacon, Parkes
Next on 11 Jun 2026 from 10:00am to 10:40am
People gathered around a work of art

Collection Tours

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
A group of people admiring a painting in a Gallery

Icons Tour

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
A photograph of 5 people in a gallery space pointing and looking forward
8 Feb – 14 Jun 2026

Art with Auslan

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Jun 2026 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
A painting depicting a battle between sailing ships at sea
11 Jun 2026

Maritime mayhem in early Botany Bay

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 11 Jun 2026 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
MoAD Experience Officer with a group of people gathered in King's Hall

Highlights of Old Parliament House

by Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
Henry Roland Park

Henry Rolland Park

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

Remembering the War Exhibition

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Brown filing cabinets at the National Library of Australia
1 Jun 2026

Reconciliation Day: First Nations family history tour at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 1 Jun 2026 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Flag of Argentina

Argentina, Embassy of

Barton, ACT
Joan Child sitting at her desk in the Speaker's Suite

Madam Speaker Tour

by Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
Black and white photographs of demonstrations and protest
21 Apr – 10 Sep 2026

Skirt-suits and suffragists

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 18 Jun 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am
View to lake

Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
Illustration of the Papunya community in Northern Territory
1 Jun 2026

Reconciliation Day: Wangka Wakaṉutja exhibition tours at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 1 Jun 2026 from 11:00am to 11:30am
The front of a cafe register.

Paperplate cafe at the National Library of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Under $20
A monumental tapestry by renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd.
20 Jun – 18 Oct 2026

Arthur Boyd: tapestries

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 20 Jun 2026
The Press Gallery

The Press Gallery

Parkes, ACT
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