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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 photograph of 2 participants of Art by Description and a staff member using tactile resources
4 May – 2 Nov 2025

Art by Description: At the Gallery

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 3 Aug 2025 from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Headshot of Edmund Goldrick.
30 Jul 2025

Book launch: Anzac Guerrillas by Edmund Goldrick at the National Library Bookshop

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 30 Jul 2025 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Headshot of Micheline White
7 Aug 2025

Gorgeous books and royal annotations at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 7 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
outdoor

KOTO Japanese Restaurant

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
Connections Exhibition

Connections / Mura Gadi: Archives, People, and Places

Parkes, ACT
The Aboriginal flag painted on the steps in front of Old Parliament House

First Nations Experience of Democracy

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
A group of people, some in wheelchairs, sit around a sculpture listening to a guide
20 May – 18 Nov 2025

Art for Carers: At the Gallery

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 19 Aug 2025 from 10:30am to 11:30am
A photograph of authors Trish FitzSimons and Madelyn Shaw.
31 Jul 2025

Book launch: Fleeced with Trish FitzSimons and Madelyn Shaw at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 31 Jul 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
A sepia photograph of Judith Wright
14 Aug 2025

The environmental vision of Judith Wright with Prof John Morrissey at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Aug 2025 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
A piece of the collection. Howard's distinctive Tracksuit

John Howard Prime Ministerial Library (UNSW Canberra)

Parkes, ACT
Entrance of National Archives of Australia

Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Voices / Dhuniai exhibition gallery

Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, Democracy and the Constitution

Parkes, ACT
A leather lounge below a bookcase

Home Away From Home

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
An overhead photograph of two people drawing with pencils on brown and purple paper
3 May – 1 Nov 2025

Art for Wellbeing

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 2 Aug 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Headshot of Susannah Fullerton OAM
20 Aug 2025

Jane Austen and her legacy – 250 glorious years at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 20 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Presenters at the Great Debate 2025 event at the National Library
9 Sep 2025

The Great Debate 2025: That Australian history unites us at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 9 Sep 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
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 2 Aug 2025 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Tim holds a torch and leads a group of people through the dark halls of Old Parliament House

Top Secret Tour with Tim the Yowie Man

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
A photograph of 5 people in a gallery space pointing and looking forward
4 May – 2 Nov 2025

Art with Auslan

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 3 Aug 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Coloured photograph of the High Court of Australia building
29 Aug – 27 Nov 2025

National Triangle gems – Walking tour from National Archives to High Court

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 29 Aug 2025 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
A photograph of Tim Ross folding a fork.
30 Aug 2025

What a Ripper! with Tim Ross and special guest Mary Featherston at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 30 Aug 2025 from 3:00pm to 4:15pm
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

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
Visitor with artwork
2 May – 21 Nov 2025

Art with Friends

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 1 Aug 2025 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
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