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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
Visitor with artwork
2 May – 21 Nov 2025

Art with Friends

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 19 Sep 2025 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
Headshot of presenter Dr Kate Flaherty
18 Nov 2025

Shakespeare on the Move: Gold Rush to Great War at the National Library

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Next on 18 Nov 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Costa Georgiadis stands in a lush garden, smiling. His arms are crossed over a leaf pattern shirt.
27 Sep 2025

Spring Family Day With Costa Georgiadis

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on 27 Sep 2025 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
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 4 Oct 2025 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
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
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 12 Sep 2025 from 12:00pm to 12:45pm
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
A woman seated on the ground in a rose garden paints a colourful bouquet of flowers on a canvas.
21–29 Sep 2025

Painting picnic with Ineka Voigt

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House - Rose Gardens, Parkes
Next on 21 Sep 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Front entrance

Med

Barton, ACT
Over $30
A community hall bustling with people milling around tables the people are tasting wines
18 Oct 2025

Canberra International Riesling Challenge | Riesling Experience

Albert Hall, Parkes
Next on 18 Oct 2025 from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Curtain and Chifley walking

Chifley's Tour

by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Parkes, ACT
A person in a mask making art
4 May – 2 Nov 2025

Sensory Sunday

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on 5 Oct 2025 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Image of a two feet standing on a door mat with the words 'ete wha nay nga' painted on the mat
26 Jul – 4 Oct 2025

Paradise*

Canberra Contemporary, Parkes
Next on today from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Constable Kenny Koala
19 Sep 2025 – 18 Mar 2026

50 Years on the Beat: The Legacy of Constable Kenny Koala

National Capital Exhibition, Parkes
Next on 19 Sep 2025
outdoor

KOTO Japanese Restaurant

Parkes, ACT
Not specified
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
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 photograph of a woman looking through a viewfinder, drawing the abstract sculptures she sees.
31 May – 21 Sep 2025

The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Her Parts

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Gin garden illustration and a tent over Floriade’s Ferris wheel and tulip garden.
13 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Floriade

Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 9:30am to 5:00pm
A man wearing glasses and a dark grey shirt
7 Oct 2025

Author talk: Dream State by Eric Puchner at the National Library

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