A Guide to Seeing the Beauty of Parliament House That’ll Make You Appreciate Australia Even More
One of my favorite things about being based in Canberra is that it feels like it’s in the center of it all. The feeling gets even stronger whenever I visit the Parliament House.
My non-Australian friends are always surprised when I tell them that I’ve been there multiple times. But really, I’m just taking advantage of how open it is to the public.
What’s not to love – it’s got a stunning view and beautiful architecture. Plus, there are several activities I can join so I’m always learning something new.
In case you’re one of the people wondering what there is to do there, this guide can help. You’ll be surprised to know how much you can accomplish in one educational and enriching day at the Parliament House of Australia.
Where is the Parliament House of Australia?
The Australian Parliament House can be found at Capital Hill, Canberra. It’s considered the southern point of The National Triangle and is the intersection of Adelaide, Canberra, Commonwealth, and Kings Avenue.
How to Get to Parliament House in Canberra
Via Bus: The Federation Mall bus stop is only a 5-minute walk away from the public entrance of Parliament House. The following bus routes would be able to take you there: 57, 58, 180, 181, 182.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Hail a taxi or contact one through your preferred ride-sharing app (like Uber). Tell the driver that you want to go to Parliament House and they’ll drive you straight there.
Via Private Car: Use your GPS to find the best route going to Parliament House. Once there, you can park in the Forecourt Basement Car Park. They provide accessible spaces and several electric charging stations.
What to Do in the Parliament House of Australia
Join one of the guided tours
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The Parliament House of Australia is committed to being open to its people. Because of this, they offer a variety of tours with different focuses. It’s up to you to choose depending on what you want to learn about.
You can go with their basic and family-friendly choices, such as the ‘How Parliament Works Tour’ and the ‘Heart of the House Tour’. These give brief descriptions of what happens inside the building and who’s involved in those.
You can be part of their ‘Sensory Friendly Tour’, which moves at a slow pace and allows you to engage with some artworks. And there’s the ‘Yeribee Indigenous Experiences of Parliament House’, which recounts the history of Indigenous parliamentarians.
There’s no pressure to just choose one because each one offers unique and interesting information, so you can go with as many as you like. Just keep in mind that some of these have fees and require booking in advance.
Watch parliament in action
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Visitors of Parliament House can get in on the exciting action inside. You have the chance to sit in and watch during an actual Senate or House of Representatives proceeding.
Every day at 2 PM, Question Time takes place in the chambers of Parliament House. This is when the Australian Parliament introduces pressing questions to the government. It’s an opportunity to raise concerns or urge for action.
It’s a very stimulating way to stay informed and updated with current affairs. The whole thing can be seen from the public galleries and you don’t have to book to watch. Just arrive earlier before the session starts.
Be familiar with the architecture of Parliament House
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One of the things that makes Parliament House iconic is its design. If you love architecture, you should know that there’s a dedicated tour all about its construction and decor.
It’s definitely a tour you shouldn’t miss, considering the building’s captivating history. In fact, did you know the whole thing started with a competition? Over 320 entries answered the call to design a building that was inviting for its citizens.
Apart from this, you can gain in-depth knowledge about parts of the Parliament House as you walk through each area – The Great Hall, the marble foyers, The Members Hall, and the chambers of parliament.
Because of how comprehensive it is, the tour does have a ticket fee. But the information you’ll learn is guaranteed to be worth it.
See Parliament House’s art collection
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What many don’t know is that the Parliament House of Australia is home to one of the most impressive art collections in the country with over 6,000 artworks. And visitors like us luckily have access to most of them.
The collection consists of commissioned paintings, as well as gifts given by local and international organizations. Here, you can see important artworks like ‘The Great Hall Tapestry’ by Arthur Boyd and ‘The Big Picture’ by Tom Roberts.
And that’s not all, they also have displays for younger visitors. ‘The Lego Parliament House’, made from over 150,000 pieces and 740 hours, is particularly famous among kids.
It just goes to show that there’s something for everyone. Just take note that bookings are essential to see these. And because most of these are in private areas, they may also have fees.
Learn about the educational programs available for students
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Every year, around 100,000 students see Parliament House in person. If you have children in your family, letting them join a tour is a great way to introduce them to how the government works.
They’ll gain knowledge of the different halls, chambers, and exhibits. They’ll even have a break at Queen’s Terrace Gallery where they have the chance to interact with a member of parliament and ask questions.
One of my nieces actually got to participate in an ‘edutaining’ role play session. During this time, the kids can immerse themselves in what a day looks like at Parliament House.
It’s a special firsthand experience that explains a lot about making laws and the responsibilities that representatives have.
Discover the digital resources of Parliament House
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Even after your day at Parliament House has ended, you can still learn more about it through digital materials that you can access from the comfort of your own home.
Most notably, they have a virtual tour of the Senate and House of Representative chambers. These offer a range of views from inside that most wouldn’t even get to see on a regular tour, including the view from the Senate president’s chair.
You can click through the virtual tour and see descriptions of the different elements you can see in these chambers. These include items, such as the mace and the sandglasses, and the seating arrangements of the Parliament House members.
Where to Eat near Parliament House
Queen’s Terrace Cafe
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Address: Parliament Drive, Capital Hill ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6277 5239
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Nestled on the first floor of Parliament House is a quaint little cafe where you can get a nice cup of coffee. Queen’s Terrace Cafe is a cozy place to find reasonably priced yet tasteful food after exploring the chambers.
Whether you’re looking for a full meal or just a quick snack, they’ve got you covered. They have an extensive menu, with the real highlights being their divine desserts. But don’t worry, they also have healthy choices if you don’t feel like indulging.
Their staff plays a big part in making the cafe a great place to return to. They’re friendly and welcoming. Plus, they’re happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have to ensure smooth sailing for the rest of your day.
Otis Dining Hall
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Address: 29 Jardine Street, Kingston ACT 2604
Phone: +61 2 6260 6066
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Monday to Sunday – Closed
Otis Dining Hall delivers a fine dining experience while still maintaining a relaxed and warm atmosphere. The lovely decor inside is elevated by the soft jazz music playing in the background.
As for their menu, all of their dishes are memorable and exquisite. They’re also mostly seasonal so that the chefs can create the best meals out of the optimal produce at the time.
To make the most of your time there, try their three-course menu and get the Otis Peppered Steak as your main. It’s so popular for its tenderness that even a butter knife can cut through it.
Where to Stay near Parliament House
East Hotel Canberra
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Address: 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston ACT 2604
Phone: +61 2 6295 6925
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Don’t let East Hotel’s moody interiors fool you. Behind that cool design is a warm and welcoming staff. There’s no question that the service stems from the passionate Italian family values of the hotel’s owners.
Just ask their guests – most of them choose to stay here repeatedly for the stellar service and amenities. In fact, most of their well-designed and spacious rooms come complete with a kitchen and appliances.
For those that don’t feel like cooking though, their in-house restaurant Agostino’s serves authentic Italian flavors. Whether it’s for breakfast or for dinner, you have to get one of their fabulous pizzas because they’re some of the best in the city.
Knightsbridge Canberra
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Address: NewActon Precinct, 25 Edinburgh Avenue, ACT 2601
Phone: +61 2 6287 6287
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Knightsbridge Canberra is a boutique stay perfect for those who are in the city for a good time. It’s situated in a buzzy area of Canberra so you’ll have easy access to a lot of attractions and a lively social scene.
This hotel also seems to love spoiling its guests. Each room comes with unique decor, such as original artwork and restored vintage furniture. And if you book directly with them, they’ll give you free drinks and snacks during their daily Apero hour.
Even if you don’t stay with them (but you really should), you have to dine at their Monster Kitchen & Bar. Their vegan dishes are real standouts. And of course, you have to try one of their cocktails, specifically the Negroni.