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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
black & white image of a banged-up car speeding past with passengers and one man on the car roof
5 Dec 2026 – 29 Mar 2027

Full Throttle

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Dec 2026
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
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
The Little Burley Market
4 Apr 2026

The Little Burley Market Easter Egg Roll-a-thon

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, Parkes
Next on 4 Apr 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Music and songwriting workshop with The Vegetable Plot
13 Apr 2026

Music and songwriting workshop at the Museum of Australian Democracy

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House - Rose Gardens, Parkes
Next on 13 Apr 2026 from 10:30am to 11:30am
Front entrance

Med

Barton, ACT
Over $30
Flag of Argentina

Argentina, Embassy of

Barton, ACT
Entrance of National Archives of Australia

Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
A tour group in the chambers

Insights of Old Parliament House - Auslan Tour

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

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 woman sitting on a stool with a bookcase behind her
30 Apr 2026

Author talk: The Titanic Story of Evelyn by Lisa Wilkinson AM

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 30 Apr 2026 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Aboriginal painting of country with round and looping shapes
11 Apr – 23 Aug 2026

Ngura Puḻka – Epic Country

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 11 Apr 2026
outdoor

KOTO Japanese Restaurant

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
People gathered around a work of art

National Gallery of Australia Tours

Parkes, ACT
Old Parliament house at night

Paranormal Investigations of Old Parliament House

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

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
Inflatable park canberra
15–19 Apr 2026

Tuff Nutterz Canberra

Patrick White Lawns, Parkes
Next on 15 Apr 2026 from 9:00am to 4:45pm
Richie Allen
3 May 2026

On Country Boat Tour with Richie Allan

National Capital Exhibition, Parkes
Next on 3 May 2026 from 9:30am to 11:00am
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

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

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

History of Old Parliament House

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

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

Murrulangalang storytime

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:15am to 11:00am
Illustration of Australians in uniform
27 Feb – 3 May 2026

Remembering the War Exhibition

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Rosalie Gascoigne landscape made of galvanised iron panels
31 Oct 2026 – 7 Feb 2027

Rosalie Gascoigne

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 31 Oct 2026
Ethos
11 Dec 2025 – 31 Aug 2026

Canberra: A Monumental Vision

National Capital Exhibition, Parkes
Next on today
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