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
The room was smaller than expected, but it was clean. As it was Summer Nats weekend.there was limited parking.
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
ibis Styles Canberra
Great stay
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Avenue Hotel Canberra
Good facilities
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Meriton Suites Canberra
Excellent apartment in Canberra - central but quiet area. Very comfortable and great sleep. There was a small issue when we arrived but the receptionist dealt with it brilliantly. Excellent service,as always, from Meriton.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Novotel Canberra
Superb location! It doesn't get any better than this. Despite being family friendly and having lots of couples with children staying there, hotel is wonderfully quiet. Combine that with top notch mattresses, comfortable pillows and high quality linen, you'll have the best night sleep. We left the ...
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Rydges Canberra
Staff were friendly when checking in and out. Breakfast was a nice buffet with plenty of selections. Pool was indoors, nice and clean. Room was modern, clean and quiet.
Reviewed on 12 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 Lake Burley Griffin and The Cusack Centre 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.
