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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
An overhead photograph of two people drawing with pencils on brown and purple paper
7 Feb – 13 Jun 2026

Art for Wellbeing

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 7 Mar 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Flag of Argentina

Argentina, Embassy of

Barton, ACT
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Two adults embracing on a bed of roses.
2 Jul 2025 – 19 Apr 2026

In Bloom

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
View to lake

Water's Edge Canberra

Parkes, ACT
Over $30
A person in a mask making art
8 Feb – 14 Jun 2026

Art for Wellbeing: Sensory Friendly

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 8 Mar 2026 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
MoAD Experience Officer with a group of people gathered in King's Hall

Highlights of Old Parliament House

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Connections Exhibition

Connections / Mura Gadi: Archives, People, and Places

Parkes, ACT
A photograph of 5 people in a gallery space pointing and looking forward
8 Feb – 14 Jun 2026

Art with Auslan

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 8 Mar 2026 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Joan Child sitting at her desk in the Speaker's Suite

Madam Speaker Tour

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
Voices / Dhuniai exhibition gallery

Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, Democracy and the Constitution

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

Murrulangalang storytime

National Archives of Australia, Parkes
Next on 11 Feb 2026 from 10:15am to 11:00am
Summer

Margot Bar - Espresso. Vin. Fromage

Parkes, ACT
Between $20 and $30
A photograph of a seated theatre audience talking with coloured lights in the background
11 Mar 2026

Betty Churcher AO Memorial Oration with Quincy Houghton

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 11 Mar 2026 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm
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