A Jam-Packed Guide to the National Portrait Gallery of Australia That’ll Satisfy Your Artistic Cravings
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, museums are always must-see attractions. I mean people all over the world visit the Louvre Museum just to check whether the Mona Lisa is smiling or not.
Lucky for us, there’s a museum right here in Canberra that can deliver a similar experience. The National Portrait Gallery of Australia displays a variety of artistically captured faces, some recognizable and others with captivating stories.
This gallery is for art lovers, those looking for a new source of inspiration, or people just trying to find enriching ways to spend an afternoon. If you plan on going, this guide can help you make the most out of your day at the National Portrait Gallery of Australia.
Where is the National Portrait Gallery?
The National Portrait Gallery of Australia can be found at King Edward Terrace in Canberra. Its location is within the Parliamentary Triangle (also known as the National Triangle).
How to Get to the National Portrait Gallery
Via Bus: The nearest bus stop to the National Portrait Gallery of Australia is at Parkes Place East. This is right across the road from the gallery. The following bus routes should get you there: 2, 6, 5, 58, and 830.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Hire a taxi or find one with your preferred ride-sharing app (like Uber). Tell the driver that you want to go to the National Portrait Gallery of Australia and they’ll bring you there directly.
Via Private Car: Punch in ‘National Portrait Gallery of Australia’ into your GPS to get the best driving route. Upon arrival, Parkes Place (right across the road from the gallery) has an underground public car park. They also provide lifts for accessibility.
What to Do in the National Portrait Gallery
Join a tour to see and learn about all the different collections
– Media credit: portraitau
Although visitors are welcome to look around as they please, joining a tour is recommended to get the full National Portrait Gallery experience. Their Collection Highlights Tour offers an in-depth view of the gallery as a whole.
Knowledgeable guides will take you through the different areas and the portraits within them. They’ll even give you a background on the history of the building. And if you visit again, you can repeat the tour because it changes depending on the staff in charge.
They have an inclusive tour as well for those who are blind or have low visibility. Here, they give audio descriptions of the portraits and they allow the presence of guide dogs.
These tours are absolutely free. All you have to do is book at least a day before so that the staff know that you’re coming.
Marvel at the finalists of the Annual National Photographic Portrait Prize
– Media credit: portraitau
Every year, the National Portrait Gallery encourages photographers from all over the country to flex their creative muscles. They hold a National Photographic Portrait Prize contest and anyone can join because there’s no fee to enter.
The museum offers a significant amount for the grand prize winner, but all the finalists get to be displayed. The exhibit is also brought to other galleries across the country later on.
For gallery-goers, it’s a great way to see how the portraits artistically reflect the previous year. You can also get to know more about the established and the up-and-coming artists behind the portraits.
A lot of them are conveyed creatively and they’re definitely awe-inspiring to look at. Plus, you just might be so inspired that you end up being a finalist for next year’s contest.
Wonder at the Little Darlings Youth Portraits
– Media credit: portraitau
The National Portrait Gallery also strives to encourage younger artists to express themselves creatively. For the Little Darlings Youth Portraits contest, participants are students in kindergarten all the way to year 12.
Each year, the kids are given a theme to guide their work, such as “My Story” and “Identity”. They can choose the medium they prefer, whether it’s drawing, photography, painting, or something else.
Finalists will be displayed in the gallery for a couple of months.
As a visitor, it’s always amazing to see the amount of talent displayed by the younger generation. It always feels like seeing the beginnings of tomorrow’s biggest artists.
Participate in family-friendly activities
– Media credit: portraitau
The gallery is a superb place to spend some quality time with the family. They offer a whole slew of events for people of all ages, but especially for children who want to connect with art.
They have tours where kids and their grown-ups can play, sing, and have fun together as they learn about the different portraits on display. There are also storytime sessions where kids can be as creative as they want.
Excitingly, all of these are available for free. You just need to book in advance so that you and your children can be guaranteed a slot.
Sketch while basking in inspiration
– Media credit: portraitau
If seeing the works of great artists moves you to make your own, you absolutely have a place in the gallery. You’re welcome to sketch and take notes right in front of the collection. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the one on display.
Just keep in mind that they only allow a handful of drawing materials. You can bring sketchbooks and clipboards, as long as they’re smaller than an A3 sheet of paper. Pencils are also okay, but only ones with gradings between HB and 2B.
Unfortunately, anything that can spill and make a mess, such as inks, paints, chalks, and erasers, is not allowed. Some special exhibits may also have stricter rules, especially those with artworks that are only on loan.
For those interested, try to keep an eye out because the gallery hosts free art-making events from time to time. During these sessions, they provide materials and even invite bands to play some relaxing live music while you sketch.
Shop at the Curatoreum
– Media credit: thecuratoreum
After a full day of being immersed in some great art, you have the option to look for a souvenir that’ll remind you of your time at the gallery. The Curatoreum is the perfect place to find a creative knick-knack to bring home.
They carry a wide array of goods, including art books, children’s books, jewelry, and ceramics. A lot of them are actually ideal as unique gifts for friends if you’re looking for some.
All of these works are locally sourced. So when you buy, you’ll be supporting the talents of Canberra’s imaginative artists.
Where to Eat near the National Portrait Gallery
Portrait Cafe
– Media credit: experience.eats
Address: National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6102 7162
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Portrait Cafe should be on your list of must-visits when at the National Portrait Gallery of Australia. This bright, little cafe is the perfect place for a quick pick-me-up after exploring the gallery.
They offer a broad range of home-cooked goods, like pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. Whatever you order, it’s highly recommended to enjoy them with a cup of their coffee (which some say is one of the best and the most affordable in the city).
The welcoming atmosphere inside the cafe is all thanks to their friendly staff. If you let them know about any dietary restrictions, they’ll be happy to suggest delicious options, such as those from their vegan menu.
Banana Leaf
– Media credit: bananaleafcanberra
Address: 2 Akuna Street, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: +61 2 6101 2713
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 M to 9:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Banana Leaf is Canberra’s gateway to classic Sri Lankan Food. This innovative restaurant serves traditional and beloved Sri Lankan recipes but with a modern twist.
Plenty of Australians cite Banana Leaf as their entry point to Sri Lankan food and many of them haven’t looked back. It’s partly because their dishes have been slightly adjusted to cater to Aussie palettes without losing what makes them distinctly Sri Lankan.
Each dish is still flavorful, brilliantly combining Tamil, Moor, Sinhalese, Dutch and Malay tastes. They’re further elevated due to the use of premium and fresh ingredients.
From their menu, their curry dishes are the true standouts, especially the Kalu Pol Pork. You can taste lots of coconut and get just the right amount of spicy without it ever being overwhelming.
Vincent Restaurant
– Media credit: vincent.restaurant
Address: 48 Macquarie Street, Barton ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6273 7773
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday to Monday – Closed
Vincent Restaurant brings a new kind of fine dining experience to Canberra. Here, the wines are just as important as the rest of the gastronomic delights on the menu.
Their wine list has been carefully curated, with bottles sourced from all over the world. You’ll be happy to know that all of these can be enjoyed by the glass, so you can order more than one (which most customers do).
It’s also highly recommended that you try their course-tasting menu. Believe us when we say that you’ll want to sample as many dishes as possible, especially their kingfish and scallops.
Dining here is further enhanced by the moody atmosphere inside the restaurant. You can even choose to sit at the long communal bar (something they’re famous for) to fully enjoy the elegance of the place.
The Boat House
– Media credit: theboathousecbr
Address: Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6273 5500
Pricing: $$$$
Operating Hours:
- Thursday – 6:00 to 8:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 to 2:00 PM, 6:00 to 8:30 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Monday to Wednesday – Closed
True to its name, The Boat House delivers a fine dining experience right at the picturesque banks of Lake Burley Griffin. In fact, when you book a table here, make sure to ask for a seat right by the window for the best views.
This stunning setting is just the beginning though. The Boat House offers an exceptional culinary journey in multiple courses. What makes it even more unique is that the menu changes every day, depending on what fresh produce is in season.
Their service is also unrivaled. The host is welcoming upon entry and will accommodate you to your table.
From there, a sommelier will approach to help you choose the best wines for each course. Throughout your meal, you’ll feel taken care of without being smothered.
Altogether, it creates one of the best and most opulent meals in all of Australia.
Where to Stay near the National Portrait Gallery
A by Adina Canberra
– Media credit: abyadina
Address: 1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: +61 2 5134 6444
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
A by Adina Canberra provides unmatched comfort within the hustle and bustle of the city. This modern hotel comes with all the amenities you need to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Its strategic location is a walking distance away from the best attractions near Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Triangle. This is especially beneficial considering that a lot of these attractions don’t come with dedicated parking lots.
The hotel also prioritizes wellness, which can be seen in the variety of on-demand classes they provide. You can join in on pilates, cycling, yoga, meditation, and other classes led by their world-class instructors.
With these offerings, a stay here would be the perfect blend of fancy and relaxed.
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
– Media credit: forresthotel
Address: 30 National Circuit, Forrest ACT 2603
Phone: +61 2 6203 4300
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Whether it’s for a weekend or a long-term occupancy, Forrest Hotel and Apartments can be your home in Canberra for however long you want. Staying here feels like being a part of a quiet little community in the city.
As one of the more affordable options in Canberra, many are surprised by the amount of amenities they provide. They have a nice barbecue station that seems to attract all the vacationing dads, and well-loved tennis courts for some exercise.
You can choose to stay in one of their 76 hotel rooms and 40 apartments, which are all fully serviced. They’re cleaned daily and they all have yummy room service for those days when you don’t feel like going out.