A Guide to All the New Tours and Classic Events You Can Find at the Old Parliament House in Canberra
Tourists tend to be surprised when I tell them that Canberra still has both its Old and New Parliament Houses (because why would we need more than one?). In their defense, I explain that the two are vastly different.
The old one in particular is full of charm. It’s preserved with all of its original 80s decor, so it feels like going back to a certain point in history.
However, it’s not just like any old, stuffy museum. Sure, you can learn a lot there, but you can also join a special ghost-hunting tour after dark. How many political buildings can say they have that too?
All in all, it’s definitely worth a trip while you’re here in the capital. Listed down below are some of the fantastic activities you probably didn’t know you could do at the Old Parliament House in Canberra.
Where is the Old Parliament House?
The Old Parliament House is located at 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600. It’s only about 5 minutes away from Capital Hill, where the current Parliament House is situated.
How to Get to the Old Parliament House
Via Bus: There are a handful of bus stops close to the Old Parliament House. The following bus routes can bring you there: 2, 6, 57, and 58.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Call a taxi or find one with your preferred ride-sharing app (such as Uber). Tell your driver that you want to go to the Old Parliament House and they’ll take you there right away.
Via Private Car: Use your GPS to find the best course going to Old Parliament House. They provide paid parking in front or beside the building and they also have free accessible parking in front of the museum.
What to Do in the Old Parliament House
Join the Highlights of Old Parliament House Tour
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When: Daily at 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 1:45 pm, 2:45 pm
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: Free
For first-time visitors of the Old Parliament House, this is the tour to join. A guide will take you through the must-see parts of the building and tell you the important stories that played a big role in shaping Australian democracy.
Far from your average museum tour, this involves fascinating tales of the building (such as the interesting reason behind the lone barber chair inside). You’ll even get a chance to sit on the senate chamber’s fancy leather chairs.
The tour is free to join and it happens daily. So next time you visit the Old Parliament House, make sure to allot 45 minutes for this one.
Stroll around the garden
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At this point, the gardens outside of the Old Parliament House are just as historic as the halls inside. These gardens have been around since the 1930s and they’ve witnessed more than we could ever imagine.
The gardens, both on the east and west sides of the building, have seen some friendly competition among Prime Ministers, international representatives, and Parliament members. Some of the most popular games would’ve been cricket, bowling, and tennis.
Today, guests like you can use them as colorful backdrops to your pictures. Roses, silver maple trees, and wisteria are just some of the plant varieties that you can find here.
View the annual Behind the Lines exhibition
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When: Daily
Cost: Free
One of the most awaited events at the Old Parliament House is the yearly Behind the Lines exhibition. It celebrates the craft and messaging behind the best political cartoons of the year.
The exhibition features known and up-and-coming artists from all over the country. It discusses the role they play in Australian politics and the different art techniques they use, including painting, drawing, and sculptures.
Apart from seeing these artworks in person, you can also join related games such as guess the mystery cartoon and table soccer. They’ll also have unique activities based on that year’s exhibition theme.
Learn all about the important women of Parliament
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For many of the ‘firsts’ in Parliament, women were involved (“first to be elected”, “first to be the leader of a political party”). And so, The Old Parliament House has a tour dedicated to the women who forged a way back when it was unheard of.
The tour gives insights into the challenges they faced at the time and how they overcame them.
Similarly, they also have a tour dedicated to the reason the words “Madam Speaker” were even spoken in Australian Parliament. Joan Child made history when she was voted in as Speaker of the House in 1986.
The tour goes in-depth with her achievements and contributions to Parliament.
We highly recommend adding these tours to your itinerary. Together, they’re an inspirational way to see just how far Australian politics has come.
Find out if the Old Parliament House is haunted
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Apparently, Parliament members aren’t the only ones who walk the halls of Old Parliament House. Ask the workers and they’ll excitedly tell you about ghostly encounters and apparitions.
It’s become such a well-known rumor about Parliament House that they’ve decided to prove it once and for all, with the help of their guests. The Old Haunted House Experience brings guests after hours to roam the building and look for the supernatural.
You’ll be provided with ghost-hunting equipment while a guide takes you through the corridors and the rooms. Your task is to find evidence on whether Old Parliament House is really haunted.
Do note that since this tour is so popular, it has to be booked online in advance for $69. It starts at 8 PM and only people above the age of 16 are allowed to join.
Join the Top Secret Tour
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Cost: $79 per head
The Old Parliament House has a whole different side that you can see with Tim the Yowie Man. This Canberran author and crypto naturalist hosts this in-demand Top Secret Tour.
You’ll get the opportunity to investigate the different areas of Old Parliament House for 2 hours as Tim exposes the secrets of the building and its inhabitants. Find out which legends are true, which are false, and which are still unproven.
The tour happens at night and it’s only available for people 16 years old and up. Book as early as you can because the tickets get sold out fast.
Bring your kids to PlayUp
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Location: Main floor
Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
PlayUp is one of the many programs from the Old Parliament House that makes learning fun for kids. This hands-on exhibition is a way for them to be engaged and express themselves.
Children and the rest of their families can bond and play with one another through arts and crafts, costumes, storytime, and more. The Old Parliament House provides vibrant areas for the imagination, such as fuzzy felt walls, listening pods, and the kindness cafe.
Where to Eat near the Old Parliament House
Little Bird
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Address: 47 Macquarie Street, Barton ACT 2600
Phone: +61 400 022 426
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Little Bird is the perfect cafe for a full Canberran breakfast. It’s the best stop before an entire day of going around the city, especially because it’s near a lot of famous attractions.
The cafe itself has a lovely atmosphere. It’s always immaculately clean and the bright interiors are a great way to start the morning with.
Customer service is also always top-notch. Their attentiveness elevates the breakfast from already being delicious to being exceptional.
As for the food, their sourdough and poached eggs are outstanding. Pair these with a cup of their high-quality coffee and you’ve got the perfect morning meal.
Yogi’s Kitchen Barton
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Address: 5/48 Macquarie Street, Barton ACT 2600
Phone: +61 478 947 840
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Yogi’s Kitchen Barton is the solution to your Indian food cravings. This restaurant alone is worth visiting Canberra for.
Despite how extensive their menu is, everything is worthy of being ordered. Ask any of their customers what their favorite dish is, and they’ll give you a different answer every time.
You’ll definitely get great value for money, especially with how fresh and high-quality the ingredients are. Each bite is an explosion of flavor.
We also appreciate that all the cutlery, plates, and cups are copper-plated. It makes the dining experience feel much more authentic and fancy.
Where to Stay near the Old Parliament House
Brassey Hotel
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Address: Belmore Gardens, Barton ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6188 3288
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Brassey Hotel perfectly blends the charm of the 1920s with the comforts of the modern world. This picturesque hotel boasts well-kept lawns & gardens that are sure to transport you back in time.
You can elevate a stay here by choosing one of their curated packages based on what you need. For example, their pooch package is for those who prefer traveling with a furry friend, whereas their summer sunrise package prioritizes relaxation and food.
They also emphasize wellness with their Evo Health Club, Hale Spa, and Hale Gym. You can unwind after a long day or push yourself physically using cutting-edge equipment in a sophisticated gym.
Whatever you choose, a stay at Brassey Hotel is guaranteed to be soothing and tailored just for you.
Avenue Hotel Canberra
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Address: 80 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon ACT 2602
Phone: +61 1800 828 000
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Avenue Hotel has everything you’re looking for during a stay in Canberra. The service is stellar the moment you step foot inside, and tourists can rely on staff for any questions about the city.
Its strategic location is one of its biggest perks. The hotel is near lots of transportation options, as well as dining establishments, such as bars, restaurants, and cafes.
The rooms are also modern and spacious. The kitchen is particularly handy, with a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a coffee machine, and more.
So whether it’s a short-term or long-term stay, you’re going to be well taken care of at Avenue Hotel Canberra.