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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
Summer

Margot Bar - Espresso. Vin. Fromage

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Entrance sign of National Press Club of Australia

National Press Club of Australia

Barton, ACT
Not specified
Old Parliament house at night

Old Haunted House Experience

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Flag of Uruguay

Uruguay, Embassy of

Barton, ACT
Sepia photographs from the upcoming Fit to Print exhibition at the National Library of Australia.
27 Feb – 20 Jul 2025

Exhibition - Fit to Print: Defining Moments from the Fairfax Photo Archive selected by Mike Bowers

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Balloons over lake
14–22 Mar 2026

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2026

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
Next on 14 Mar 2026
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A piece of the collection. Howard's distinctive Tracksuit

John Howard Prime Ministerial Library (UNSW Canberra)

Parkes, ACT
Historic black and white image of Old Parliament House

History of Old Parliament House

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Visitors at the National Library of Australia's Treasures Gallery.

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
A portrait of Johannes Christophorus Pepusch
31 Jan – 17 Aug 2025

Exhibition - The Excellencies of Musick: Highlights from the Jamie and Michael Kassler Collection

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Canberra Day
9 Mar 2026

Canberra Day 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 9 Mar 2026
Leyla Bar view

Leyla Bar

Barton, ACT
Not specified
A day at the markets - stalls and people
8 Mar – 6 Dec 2025

The Little Burley Market

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, Parkes
Next on 7 Jun 2025 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Mangroves - Tales of the Tide exhbition space at Questacon
21 Feb – 31 Oct 2025

Mangroves: Tales from the Tide

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Crowd sitting in front of screen for Lights! Canberra! Action!
6 Mar 2026

Lights! Canberra! Action! 2026

Senate Rose Garden, Parkes
Next on 6 Mar 2026
Connections Exhibition
1 Jul 2023 – 31 Aug 2025

Connections / Mura Gadi: Archives, People, and Places

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
A man sitting on  grey couch holding a colourful cushion.
12 Apr – 20 Jul 2025

The Immersive World of Thom Roberts

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Hoodoo Gurus at Stage 88 Canberra for Symphony in the Park
8 Mar 2026

Symphony in the Park 2026

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 8 Mar 2026
Front entrance

Med

Barton, ACT
Over $30
Entrance of National Archives of Australia

Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
A group of people standing in a gallery looking at pictures on the walls
2 Dec 2024 – 2 Nov 2025

Behind the Lines

Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes
Next on today
A woman holding a glass of wine, gesturing
22 Jun 2025

Deep Dive Into Shiraz

Canberra and Region Visitors' Centre, Parkes
Next on 22 Jun 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
A diver floats beside a section of the Great Barrier Reef
8 Jun 2025

World Oceans Day at Questacon

Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on 8 Jun 2025 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
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