Old Parliament House Tours and Activities

Old Parliament House
Old Parliament House featuring interior views, heritage architecture and an administrative building
Old Parliament House featuring an administrative building and interior views
Old Parliament House featuring interior views and heritage elements
Old Parliament House featuring an administrative building and interior views as well as a small group of people


Tour this building to see where Australian politicians met and debated for over 60 years and learn about the history and workings of Australian democracy.

Old Parliament House was constructed in the 1920s as a provisional base for the national parliament. It was designed in a stripped classical style with little ornamentation, but is decorated with numerous artworks and Australian timber panelling. Today it’s home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, hosting exhibits about the evolution and workings of the Australian political system. 

Make your way up the front steps and into King’s Hall. You’ll see a large statue of King George V and reliefs of key figures in the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia. Turn left to reach the House of Representatives, decorated with green leather and carpets in the style of the British House of Commons. On the right are the Senate chambers with red leather and carpets after the House of Lords. Visit the old Prime Minister’s Office or step outside to walk among rose gardens. 

Inside the Museum of Australian Democracy, learn about the people and events that have made Australian politics what it is today. There are also artifacts from around the world, including a piece of the Berlin Wall. Move on to Living Democracy to read stories about people who’ve campaigned for voting rights, equality and social change in Australia.   

Visit the Opposition Party Room to brush up on the intricacies of the Australian two-party system. Kids can learn about democracy, its history and how it relates to them in Hands on Democracy. The museum also holds regular special exhibitions check the website for details. 

Museum of Australian Democracy is on King George Terrace, between Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin. ACTION buses from Canberra’s central business district service the house and other attractions in the area. Parking is limited, but where available it is generally free. 

The museum is open every day except Christmas Day. There’s a small admission fee, but you can join a guided tour and visit the museum for no extra cost. It’s also free to enter on special occasions and anniversaries. Check the website for these dates.

Plan a trip to see Old Parliament House

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

Tours & day trips

See all 19 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 7 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 5 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Old 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
Hotel Realm

Hotel Realm

5 out of 5
18 National Circuit, Barton, ACT
Hotel Realm
Burbury Hotel & Apartments

Burbury Hotel & Apartments

4 out of 5
1 Burbury Close, Canberra, Barton, ACT
Burbury Hotel & Apartments
The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
The Sebel Canberra Civic
Rydges Canberra

Rydges Canberra

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

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

3.5 out of 5
30 National Circuit, Forrest, ACT
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Little National Hotel Canberra

Little National Hotel Canberra

4 out of 5
21 National Circuit, Barton, ACT
Little National Hotel Canberra
Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG

Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG

4 out of 5
1 Binara Street, Canberra, ACT
Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG
Brassey Hotel

Brassey Hotel

4 out of 5
Belmore Gardens & Macquarie Street, Barton, ACT
Brassey Hotel
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 Old Parliament House

At Old Parliament House in Canberra, immerse yourself in the rich history with guided tours and explore various attractions. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque gardens, taking in the art and architecture that reflect Australia's political heritage. This iconic site offers a perfect blend of culture and relaxation for visitors looking to experience the essence of Australian democracy.

Shopping

Only 1.6km from Old Parliament House, Manuka Shopping Centre offers a vibrant mix of shops for gifts and souvenirs. For a broader selection, head to the Canberra Centre, just 3.2km away, featuring a variety of entertainment and dining options.

Recreation

At Manuka Oval, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of local sports events. Play a round at the Federal Golf Club, surrounded by lush greens and fresh air. For tranquility, visit Stromlo Forest Park, where you can enjoy scenic walks and peaceful surroundings, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Big Splash Waterpark, located 8.0km from Old Parliament House, featuring exciting water slides and family fun. For some adventure, head to Delta Force Paintball Canberra, situated 14.5km away, or explore the RG Menzies Walk Trailhead, only 1.1km away, for a scenic outdoor trek.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife near Old Parliament House with a show at the Canberra Theatre Centre, just 1.6km away, offering culture and romance. For a unique outing, visit the Canberra Merry-Go-Round, a delightful carousel 3.2km away, perfect for family fun under the stars.

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

Find the best attractions near Old Parliament House

When visiting Old Parliament House in Canberra, immerse yourself in the rich culture by exploring the art museum and nearby urban parks. Families will enjoy the outdoor spaces and the beautifully landscaped Old Parliament House Gardens. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Parliament House and see the iconic parliament building, which is just a stone's throw away from the historic site, offering a blend of heritage and modern civic governance.

  • Parliament House: A striking modern Civic Government Building, Parliament House showcases Australia’s democratic processes. Located 805m from Old Parliament House, its impressive architecture and business vibe offer an insight into the workings of government, with guided tours available for a deeper understanding of its significance.
  • National Gallery of Australia: Situated 644m away, this renowned art museum is a cultural treasure trove. It houses an extensive collection of Australian and international art, providing a vibrant atmosphere for art lovers and a chance to engage with both contemporary and traditional works.
  • Questacon: Located only 322m from Old Parliament House, this interactive science museum is perfect for families. With hands-on exhibits and engaging displays, Questacon combines fun with learning, making it a must-visit for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Old Parliament House

The best time to visit Old Parliament House is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January69.3°F (20.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Old Parliament House

To save money on your trip to Old Parliament House, consider visiting in May, August, or December for lower accommodation prices, particularly on Sundays. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options by sorting results from lowest to highest price and filtering for eco-friendly hotels. Additionally, combine your hotel booking with flights and activities for better deals. Take advantage of Canberra's public transport to explore the city affordably, and look out for free activities around the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Old 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 Old Parliament House is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Old Parliament House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Old Parliament House hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.