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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
Entrance of National Archives of Australia

Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

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

Icons Tour

by National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Voices / Dhuniai exhibition gallery

Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, Democracy and the Constitution

Parkes, ACT
The Gurindji Freedom banners hung up in a gallery.
19 Aug 2025 – 31 Dec 2026

Gurindji Freedom Banners Exhibition

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
A person in a mask making art
8 Feb – 14 Jun 2026

Art for Wellbeing: Sensory Friendly

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 8 Mar 2026 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Collection pieces at a gallery

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

Parkes, ACT
Participants crossing the start line
10–12 Apr 2026

The Canberra Times Marathon Festival

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 10 Apr 2026 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
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 8 Mar 2026 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
A photograph of a seated theatre audience talking with coloured lights in the background
11 Mar 2026

Betty Churcher AO Memorial Oration with Quincy Houghton

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 11 Mar 2026 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Illustration of Australians in uniform

Remembering the War Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
A man teaches women how to throw a boomerang in 1957.
21 Nov 2025 – 17 May 2026

In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Visitors stand inside an immersive gallery as Mona Lisa projections glow across towering walls.
28 Feb – 29 Mar 2026

Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius

Patrick White Lawns Canberra, Parkes
Next on 28 Feb 2026 from 11:00am to 8:00pm
Sepia image of a Target store in 1975

1975: Living in Seventies Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
NAA: A1200, L26438
12 Feb 2025 – 1 Jul 2026

Murrulangalang storytime

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 11 Feb 2026 from 10:15am to 11:00am
Headshot of a woman wearing a white shirt and blazer
19 Mar 2026

2026 Ann Moyal Lecture: Professor Georgina Long AO

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 19 Mar 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution’ exhibition gallery

Lifting the lid

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Henry Roland Park

Henry Rolland Park

Parkes, ACT
Icons of Canberra
11 Dec 2025 – 31 Aug 2026

Canberra: A Monumental Vision

National Capital Exhibition, Parkes
Next on today
Demonstration against the Dissolution of Parliament by Sir John Kerr and support for Mr Gough Whitla
18 Feb 2026

Speakers' Corner: Uncovering the hidden history of the Whitlam dismissal

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 18 Feb 2026 from 5:00pm to 6:45pm
Image taken of the outside of the venue

The Marion

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Bill Onus teaches the Republic of Korea’s Junior Red Cross Deputy Director how to throw a boomerang,

'In real life' exhibition gallery talk

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Market sign at the lake
7 Mar – 5 Dec 2026

The Little Burley Market

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Next on 7 Mar 2026 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
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