Parliament House Tours and Activities

Parliament House
Parliament House which includes an administrative building
Parliament House featuring an administrative building
Parliament House showing an administrative building and modern architecture
Parliament House which includes landscape views and an administrative building

Admire the scale, architecture and artwork of the building where Australia’s politicians make the big decisions.

Australia’s Parliament House is the standout structure in the capital. It’s in the very centre of the city and has an impressive 25 hectares (62 acres) of floor space. It’s the work of New York-based architectural firm Mitchell and Giurgola, who beat 329 entrants from 28 countries in a competition run by the Australian Government. Construction started in 1981, and it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.

Take in the scale of the building as you make your way over the mosaic forecourt, an artwork in itself. The building is designed to sit below the crest of the hillside and contains 4,500 rooms. Look up to see a 220-tonne (246-ton) flagpole flying a 6.4 by 12.8-metre (21 by 42-foot) Australian flag. Continue up the grassy slopes that cover the roof and look out over the city. There are great views of Lake Burley Griffin and the greater Canberra area. 

Make your way through the marble and timber Main Foyer and into the Great Hall. Here you’ll see a tapestry based on a painting by Australian artist Arthur Boyd. It depicts a eucalyptus forest and measures 20 by nine metres (65 by 29 feet), making it one of the largest in the world. Keep exploring the building to admire other artworks and see the rooms from which the country is governed.

Take a free guided tour to learn about the building and its history or visit the House of Representatives and Senate. These rooms are where politicians meet and debate, and are at the heart of Australian democracy. Fans of politics can sit in the public galleries and watch Question Time, a session in which members of parliament grill ministers with questions.

You’ll find Parliament House in the very centre of Canberra on Capitol Hill. It’s open every day except Christmas Day. Tours run throughout the day. Entry and on-site parking is free, and there’s a café and restaurant. ACTION buses from Canberra’s central business district stop here as well as other major attractions.

Plan a trip to see Parliament House

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Nishi Apartments Eco Living By Ovolo

Nishi Apartments Eco Living By Ovolo

5 out of 5
Canberra City Centre
per person
28 Oct - 31 Oct
found 12 hours ago
Return flight included
Adelaide (ADL) to Canberra (CBR)
8.6/10 Excellent! (386 reviews)
Overall, quite a nice and modern hotel. Friendly staff. Good food. However, we stayed in the apartments and there is NO AIR-CONDITIONING! The room was constantly hot and stuffy even in the middle of winter. We were told to open doors and windows to cool the room, which at this price point is outrageous. Very disappointing.

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Ovolo Nishi

Ovolo Nishi

4 out of 5
Canberra City Centre
per person
28 Oct - 31 Oct
found 12 hours ago
Return flight included
Adelaide (ADL) to Canberra (CBR)
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Stay was ok staff were lovely at check in but didn’t think this was a 5 star that people raved over. We stayed in the meandering room. No sports stations on the tv, facilities were low and wasn’t what we felt people raved about.

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

QT Canberra

QT Canberra

4 out of 5
Canberra City Centre
per person
28 Oct - 31 Oct
found 12 hours ago
Return flight included
Adelaide (ADL) to Canberra (CBR)
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
I had such a lovely stay at the Qt Canberra hotel! The staff were so friendly, the rooms were so nice, and the food was excellent! I would highly recommend staying here.

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

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Top Parliament House Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

5 out of 5
Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, ACT
Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt
Rydges Canberra

Rydges Canberra

4 out of 5
Corner Canberra Ave & National Circuit, Forrest, ACT
Rydges Canberra
Hotel Realm

Hotel Realm

5 out of 5
18 National Circuit, Barton, ACT
Hotel Realm
Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

3.5 out of 5
30 National Circuit, Forrest, ACT
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Burbury Hotel & Apartments

Burbury Hotel & Apartments

4 out of 5
1 Burbury Close, Canberra, Barton, ACT
Burbury Hotel & Apartments
Little National Hotel Canberra

Little National Hotel Canberra

4 out of 5
21 National Circuit, Barton, ACT
Little National Hotel Canberra
Brassey Hotel

Brassey Hotel

4 out of 5
Belmore Gardens & Macquarie Street, Barton, ACT
Brassey Hotel
QT Canberra

QT Canberra

4 out of 5
1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT
QT Canberra
The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
The Sebel Canberra Civic
See all 815 properties in Parliament House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Parliament House

At Parliament House in Canberra, you can enjoy a variety of activities including walking tours, shopping, and exploring local art. Don't miss the chance to visit the nearby museums that showcase Australia's rich history and culture. With its striking architecture and beautiful gardens, Parliament House offers a unique experience for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the nation's political heart.

Shopping

Manuka Shopping Centre is a short 1.4km from Parliament House, offering a vibrant mix of business and family-friendly spots. Canberra Centre, 3.2km away, boasts entertainment and city vibes. If you’re up for a drive, check out the Capital Region Farmers Market, located 9.7km from Parliament House.

Recreation

At Manuka Oval, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events. The Federal Golf Club offers a serene outdoor setting to enjoy a leisurely round of golf. For ultimate relaxation, visit Stromlo Forest Park, where you can unwind amidst nature’s beauty and tranquillity.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Big Splash Waterpark, a fantastic waterpark located 8.0km from Parliament House, perfect for family fun and adventure. For a different challenge, head to Delta Force Paintball Canberra, 12.9km away, where you can unleash your competitive spirit in an exciting environment. Don't miss the RG Menzies Walk Trailhead, only 1.6km away, for a scenic outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Parliament House with a visit to the Canberra Theatre Centre for captivating performances, or enjoy family fun at the Canberra Merry-Go-Round. For a unique experience, head to Mount Stromlo Observatory and explore the stars while soaking up the entertainment vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Parliament House

During your visit to Parliament House in Canberra, you'll find a variety of attractions catering to culture lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore urban parks, art museums, and historic civic government buildings nearby. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Parliament House, the adjacent Australian Parliament House, and the historic Old Parliament House for a deeper understanding of Australia's political heritage.

  • National Gallery of Australia: Discover an impressive collection of Australian and international art in this vibrant cultural hub. The gallery showcases diverse exhibitions, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in creativity and inspiration.
  • Questacon: Engage with interactive science exhibits at this family-friendly museum. Questacon offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages, making science exciting through hands-on displays and live demonstrations.
  • Lake Burley Griffin: Enjoy a picturesque escape at this stunning lake, perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, or romantic sunsets. The surrounding parklands provide beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, making it a favourite spot for relaxation and recreation.

Best time to go to Parliament House

The best time to visit Parliament House can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Parliament House falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Parliament House falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January69.3°F (20.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.6°F (13.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May47.8°F (8.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July42.1°F (5.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Parliament House

To save money during your trip to Parliament House, consider visiting in the cheaper months of May, August, or December, and aim for a Sunday stay, as Saturday is the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodation by sorting results from lowest to highest prices and filtering for Eco-certified hotels. Additionally, look for package deals that combine your hotel stay with flights and activities for extra savings. Public transport options are available for getting around, helping you keep costs down while exploring the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Parliament House are May, August and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Parliament House is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Parliament House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be shown a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near Parliament House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.