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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
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
Christmas at The Little Burley Market
6 Dec 2025

Christmas at The Little Burley Market

Queen Elizabeth TCE, Commonwealth Place (in between the International Flag display)., Parkes
Next on 6 Dec 2025 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Front entrance

Med

Barton, ACT
Over $30
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
A line up of local Canberra wines.
25 Jan – 20 Dec 2025

Canberra Cellar Door - pop up wine tasting

Canberra and Region Visitors' Centre, Parkes
Next on 15 Nov 2025 from 11:00am to 3:00pm
A collection of elegant teapots filled with colourful cocktails alongside bottles of Underground
15 Nov 2025

Underground Spirits: Stirred, Not Spilled: Cocktails in Teapots

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes
Next on 15 Nov 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
outdoor

KOTO Japanese Restaurant

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
Curtain and Chifley walking

Chifley's Tour

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Mangroves - Tales of the Tide exhbition space at Questacon
21 Feb – 16 Nov 2025

Mangroves: Tales from the Tide

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Photograph of Troy Bramston
26 Nov 2025

In conversation with Troy Bramston – Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the New

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 26 Nov 2025 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
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 18 Nov 2025 from 10:30am to 11:30am
A young girl building a tower with large blocks.
28–29 Nov 2025

Open Air PlayUP

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Parkes
Next on 28 Nov 2025 from 9:00am to 4:30pm
Entrance of National Archives of Australia

Guided Tours at National Archives of Australia

Parkes, ACT
A leather lounge below a bookcase

Home Away From Home

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Inside view of store

The Curatoreum - National Portrait Gallery

Parkes, ACT
Visitor with artwork
2 May – 21 Nov 2025

Art with Friends

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 21 Nov 2025 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
A person wearing a scarf, striped shirt, and blue leather jacket stands against a plain grey wall.
15 Nov 2025

Super Kaylene Whiskey Curator Tour with April Phillips

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on 15 Nov 2025 from 10:15am to 11:00am
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 man and woman viewing a collection in a gallery

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

Parkes, ACT
Photo of a group of people sitting in a gallery listening to someone talk
21 Mar – 28 Nov 2025

Friday Art Talks

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 14 Nov 2025 from 12:00pm to 12:45pm
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