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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
Inside Walter Cafe

Walter Cafe

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A woman with brown hair is seated at a table, looking directly at the camera.
20 Aug 2026

Dr Isobel Bennett and the secrets of Australia's seashores

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 20 Aug 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Black and white photograph of of a mechanic working on a Holden car

'Rear vision' exhibition gallery talk

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
NAA: A1200, L26438
10 Jun – 16 Dec 2026

Murrulangalang storytime

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 22 Jul 2026 from 10:15am to 11:00am
The Press Gallery

The Press Gallery

Parkes, ACT
Leyla Bar view

Leyla Bar

Barton, ACT
Not specified
A group of diverse young children are sitting outdoors under lush green trees, engaged in reading.
27 Jul 2026

Indigenous Literacy Foundation: Strength in our stories

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 27 Jul 2026 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
drinks at ballyhoo

Ballyhoo

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
Ethos
11 Dec 2025 – 31 Aug 2026

Canberra: A Monumental Vision

National Capital Exhibition, Parkes
Next on today
A monochrome photographic portrait of four men with candid expressions wearing suits.
16 May 2026 – 23 May 2027

Power suits: The fit within the frame

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
A table covered in weaving equipment and yarn
21 Jun – 3 Oct 2026

The Stitch Up: Weaving Lab Workshops

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 29 Aug 2026 from 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Image taken of the outside of the venue

The Marion

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Rosa's coffee

Rosa's

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A line up of six Canberra wines on a wooden plinth

Wine Tasting in the City - Canberra Cellar Door

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
Rear vision exhibition banner
12 Jun – 11 Oct 2026

Rear vision: the Holden collection

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Black and white photograph of a group of people protesting at a march

Skirt-suits and suffragists

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
painting of Canberra
18 Jul 2026

Canberra Made Series - Creative Kids Painting Workshop with Jenny Adams

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes
Next on 18 Jul 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Avtar

High Tea at Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
Photo of a group of people sitting in a gallery listening to someone talk
6 Feb – 27 Nov 2026

Friday Art Talks

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 12:00pm to 12:45pm
A group of people walking on a tree lined path

National Triangle gems: National Archives to High Court walking tour

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
abstract painted landscape
22 Aug 2026

Canberra Made Series - Painting your way with Jenny Adams from Popcorn Art - Advanced Workshop Two

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes
Next on 22 Aug 2026 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution’ exhibition gallery

Lifting the lid

by Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Connections Exhibition

Connections / Mura Gadi: Archives, People, and Places

Parkes, ACT
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