Parliament House

Australia's most important political building, opened in 1988 and featuring stunning architecture built into Capital Hill with sweeping views across Canberra. Visitors can observe parliament in session and explore the building's impressive design and artworks.

Things to do

• Watch Parliament in Session — Observe live debates from the public galleries in either the House of Representatives or Senate chambers when parliament is sitting.
• Explore the Great Hall — Admire the soaring central chamber featuring a massive tapestry and sweeping views of Canberra through floor-to-ceiling windows.
• View the Art Collection — Walk through corridors displaying contemporary Australian artworks, including sculptures and paintings by renowned local artists.
• Climb to the Roof Terrace — Access the building's roof for panoramic views across Canberra's landscape and monument-lined vistas toward Lake Burley Griffin.
• Guided Tour of Heritage Spaces — Join a formal tour to learn about the building's architecture, parliamentary processes, and historically significant ceremonial chambers.
• Attend Special Events — Check the calendar for state ceremonies, exhibitions, or evening events held in the Great Hall and foyer spaces.

Food to try

• Parliamentary Dining Room Experience — Reserve a table at the formal dining room serving modern Australian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and wine pairings.
• Canberra Cafe Culture Coffee — Enjoy specialty single-origin coffee from Canberra's award-winning cafes available in Parliament House's cafe spaces.
• Native Australian Bush Tucker — Seek out dishes featuring native ingredients like finger limes, native pepperberries, and Kakadu plums incorporated into modern Australian menus.
• Parliamentary Afternoon Tea — Indulge in traditional afternoon tea service with scones, finger sandwiches, and premium teas in designated Parliament House venues.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Code and Security — Wear smart casual attire and expect thorough security screening; leave large bags and sharp objects at home.
• Respect Parliamentary Decorum — When observing parliament in session, remain quiet in galleries and do not take photographs during live proceedings.
• Plan Around Sitting Days — Parliament typically sits Tuesday through Thursday when in session; check the parliamentary calendar online before visiting to see debates live.
• Indigenous Acknowledgment — The building sits on Ngunnawal Country; guided tours acknowledge Indigenous heritage and the land's cultural significance.