Parkes Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Questacon
The Questacon lets you walk on the wild side of science and technology, with over 200 exhibits tailored to get your heart pounding and your brain doing somersaults.
National Gallery of Australia
The styles may be wide-ranging, and the content globe-spanning, but the National Gallery takes most pride in its stunning collections of native Australian art.
Old Parliament House
As the building most associated with political power in Australia, treading its one-time corridors of power can be both educational and a little thrilling.
National Capital Exhibition
See the fascinating history of Canberra laid out for you through engaging and interactive exhibits in this modern, family-friendly museum.
National Library of Australia
This library is about more than just books. It has maps and pictures, audio-clips and long-lost websites. And the occasional rock climber shimmying up its walls.
National Archives of Australia
So much more than just dusty collections of paper, the National Archives of Australia bring their millions of records to life, with tours, exhibitions and lectures.
Activities
Ultimate Museum Experience | Tour + Dine + Shop (10am daily)
Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines
Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour
Badass Women of Canberra: Meet the Women Who Shaped the Nation
Our pick of the best Parkes Hotel Deals
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Clean room and value for money. Quiet location and easy to get around Forrest and close suburbs
Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025
ibis Styles Canberra
Amazing
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Meriton Suites Canberra
Clean room and bathroom.very friendly and responsive staff. Will book again when in Canberra.
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Abode Woden
The hotel is well located, walking distance to Westfield Woden. The rooms were spacious and had amenities like a washing machine. Staff were friendly and helpful. Only negative was perhaps the lighting... They have interesting feature lighting, but it was wired with the rest of the lights in the ...
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025
Avenue Hotel Canberra
The room was clean and spacious.
Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025
Rydges Canberra
Our room was very clean and spacious the staff were friendly and very helpful.
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Parkes
Barton
Barton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Lake Burley Griffin and East Basin while you're in town.
Capital Hill
The abundant dining options and interesting museums are top of the list for many visitors to Capital Hill. A stop by Parliament House or National Archives of Australia might round out your trip.
Kingston
Kingston is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to The Cusack Centre and Lake Burley Griffin while you're in town.
City East
While visiting City East, you might make a stop by sights like Civic Square and Canberra Theatre Centre.
Northern Canberra
Northern Canberra is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Canberra Museum and Gallery and Civic Square, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Canberra.
Manuka
While visiting Manuka, you might make a stop by sights like Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval.
