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.
Commonwealth Park
After visiting Commonwealth Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Canberra. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Activities
Personalised Sightseeing in Canberra, with John
Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines
National Museum of Australia: Hallyu! The Korean Wave
Badass Women of Canberra: Meet the Women Who Shaped the Nation
Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour
Our pick of the best Parkes Hotel Deals
Rydges Canberra
Underground car park had a very low concrete beam scraped paint off our car roof we had no way of avoiding it mattresses had no bed protection
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
The Sebel Canberra Civic
Very convenient for a staycation after a night at the theatre. We had a corner room so lots of windows and could just hear the early morning construction work out on the street which was unfortunate. But otherwise very well equipped.
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Avenue Hotel Canberra
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Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Pavilion on Northbourne
great price and breakfast
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
Deco Hotel
Great modern hotel in an excellent location
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
In a good quiet location, nice grounds with plenty of free parking. The apartment was well equipped but it would have been nice to have two dinner plates the same size. The standard apartment we were in requires repainting. Staff friendly. We would stay here again but would probably upgrade to an ...
Reviewed on 11 Apr 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 Old Parliament House might round out your trip.
Kingston
Kingston 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.
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.
