Canberra Parliament House Tours

Discover the inner workings of the Australian government.

Take a tour of Parliament House and watch democracy in action. Parliament House hosts a range of guided tours that demonstrate the daily operations of the Australian federal government. Go behind the scenes in Capital Hill's landmark building and watch as current issues are explored and debated. Visit Old Parliament House and learn about Australia's political history.

Book your spot on the Welcome to Parliament House tour, which runs daily for free. You might see both chambers of Parliament and other highlights of the building's public areas, as well as the Parliament House Art Collection.

For an in-depth experience, reserve your spot on the Discover Parliament House or Behind the Scenes tours and get a closer look at political procedures. For a customised Parliament House experience, book a private tour and find out more about the building's architecture, gardens or art collection. Parliament House tours differ depending on whether Parliament is sitting on the day of your visit.

Find out about a time of monumental change when you explore Old Parliament House, which was the seat of the federal government until the 1980s. Sign up for a tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy or get spooked on a Ghost Tour.

No place tells the story of Australia quite like Canberra

Go for a wander through the nation’s soul when you check out the stunning Parliament House and National Museum.

Canberra Discovery Tour - Australia's Capital

By Gray Line

Recommended 66% by Travellers

Discover Australia's capital city, Canberra, on this day-trip from Sydney. Offering a mix of city and country, Canberra boasts both an ultra modern exterior

Duration: 13h 20m

Canberra Full-Day Tour from Sydney

By Colourful Trips

Recommended 92% by Travellers

Explore Canberra's best sites on a splendid day tour of Australia's capital city. Experience the charm of this peaceful and historical town by visiting its

Duration: 13h 35m

Canberra Sightseeing Day Trip from Sydney

By AAT Kings

Recommended 82% by Travellers

Explore the Capital of Australia! And no, it's not Sydney, it's Canberra! The city is home to Australia's national parliament and famous historic landmarks.

Duration: 13h

Don’t miss Canberra's top attractions!

Questacon

Join the kids for a day of learning about the wonders of science and technology at Australia’s national science centre.

Australian Parliament House

Admire the scale, architecture and artwork of the building where Australia’s politicians make the big decisions.

Australian War Memorial

Wander the halls of this monument to learn about the battles fought by Australians, see military hardware and admire artworks.

National Library of Australia

Explore the collections of Australia’s biggest reference library to find books from all over the world, early European maps and documents from the first explorers.

Royal Australian Mint

Visit the building where every single coin in the country is made, learn about the production process and browse through a huge collection of coins.

National Gallery of Australia

Australia’s national gallery has objects from across Asia and the Pacific, European and American works, and indigenous, colonial and contemporary Australian art.

National Museum of Australia

Explore the vast collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts, learn about the country’s colonial past, and see maps, vehicles, weapons and jewelry.

National Archives of Australia

Browse millions of immigration records, photographs and old government files at Australia’s national repository of historical documents.

Old Parliament House

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.

Telstra Tower

Climb to the top of this beloved landmark for unbeatable views of Canberra’s cityscape, plentiful parks, Lake Burley Griffin and the green hinterland beyond.

National Dinosaur Museum

Get to know the giants of prehistoric times at this interesting and educational museum, packed with displays about the unique history of the Australian continent.

Manuka Shopping Centre

Make a stop at this suburban shopping oasis in Canberra’s inner south region, for gourmet foods, fashion, coffee and specialty stores.

Mount Ainslie

See Canberra as its designer intended it to be seen, from the dramatic lookout point at the top of this picturesque mountain.

Mount Majura Vineyard

Get outdoors on a tour through the vineyard or stay inside for cozy tasting session with an accompanying cheese platter at this charming boutique winery.

National Portrait Gallery

The vast collection of intimate portraits of people famous and otherwise is illuminated by as much natural light as possible in an elegantly designed setting.

National Capital Exhibition

See the fascinating history of Canberra laid out for you through engaging and interactive exhibits in this modern, family-friendly museum.

First time to Canberra?

Here’s a few helpful deets so you won’t get bamboozled in Canberra.

Make it happen

You can’t just stare at pretty pictures of Canberra forever! When it’s time to fly - or drive! - you’ve come to the right place.

Canberra Car Hire

When we say you can 'zip' around Canberra, we mean it. For a major city, there isn't much traffic except during peak hours, and you'll find plenty of parking. Hire a car and we'll prove it to you.

Reserve your car now

Where to stay in Canberra

From five-star to art-house, heritage to business, you’ll find the perfect place to crash and relax here.

Novotel Canberra

65 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University and Canberra Centre. National Convention Centre and Commonwealth Park are also within 15 minutes.

Pavilion on Northbourne

242 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Chinatown, Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, and Australian National University. O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve and Canberra Museum and Gallery are also within 2 mi (3 km).

ibis Styles Canberra

203 Goyder Street

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Narrabundah, this golf hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Red Hill Nature Reserve, and Callum Brae Nature Reserve. Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval are also within 3 mi (5 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 29 minutes by foot.

QT Canberra

1 London Circuit

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Burley Griffin, National Film & Sound Archive, and Australian National University. City Hill and Canberra Museum and Gallery are also within 15 minutes.

Pacific Suites Canberra

100 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Canberra Centre and Civic Square are also within 15 minutes.

ibis Styles Canberra Tall Trees

21 Stephen Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Ainslie, this eco-friendly motel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve and within 3 mi (5 km) of Mount Ainslie and Canberra Centre. Kamberra Function Centre and Australian War Memorial are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Crowne Plaza Canberra, an IHG Hotel

1 Binara Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Glebe Park and National Convention Centre. Civic Square and Canberra Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

30 National Circuit

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Parliament House, National Gallery of Australia, and Old Parliament House. Australian National University and Australian War Memorial are also within 6 mi (10 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Canberra Rex Hotel & Serviced Apartments

150 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Braddon, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Canberra Centre and Civic Square are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Dickson

45 Dooring Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Australian National University, Mount Ainslie, and Australian War Memorial. Australian National Botanic Gardens and Canberra Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Garden City Hotel, Best Western Signature Collection

55 Jerrabomberra Avenue

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Narrabundah, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Callum Brae Nature Reserve, and Red Hill Nature Reserve. Manuka Oval and Manuka Shopping Centre are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Mercure Canberra

39 Limestone Avenue

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Braddon, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Canberra Centre, Australian War Memorial, and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. Glebe Park and Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial are also within 1 mi (2 km).

East Hotel

69 Canberra Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Canberra aparthotel is located in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Manuka Oval, Manuka Shopping Centre, and The Cusack Centre. Lake Burley Griffin and East Basin are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 16 minutes by foot.

ANU - University House Hotel

1 Balmain Crescent

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Acton, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Australian National University and National Film & Sound Archive. Lake Burley Griffin and City Hill are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court

74 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Civic Square and Canberra Theatre Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Mantra on Northbourne

84 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University and Canberra Museum and Gallery. City Hill and Civic Square are also within 15 minutes.

Burbury Hotel & Apartments

1 Burbury CloseCanberra, Canberra

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this spa hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manuka Oval, National Archives of Australia, and Manuka Shopping Centre. The Cusack Centre and Museum of Australian Democracy are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Peppers Gallery Hotel

15 Edinburgh Avenue

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Australian National University and Lake Burley Griffin. National Film & Sound Archive and RG Menzies Walk Trailhead are also within 15 minutes.

Hotel Realm

18 National Circuit

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manuka Oval, National Archives of Australia, and Manuka Shopping Centre. The Cusack Centre and Parliament House are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

Commonwealth Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Albert Hall, British High Commission, and Embassy of China. Old Parliament House and Museum of Australian Democracy are also within 10 minutes.

Canberra Parliament House Tours

Discover the inner workings of the Australian government.

No place tells the story of Australia quite like Canberra

Don’t miss Canberra's top attractions!

First time to Canberra?

Make it happen

Canberra Car Hire

Where to stay in Canberra

Novotel Canberra

Pavilion on Northbourne

ibis Styles Canberra

QT Canberra

Pacific Suites Canberra

ibis Styles Canberra Tall Trees

Crowne Plaza Canberra, an IHG Hotel

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Canberra Rex Hotel & Serviced Apartments

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Dickson

Garden City Hotel, Best Western Signature Collection

Mercure Canberra

East Hotel

ANU - University House Hotel

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court

Mantra on Northbourne

Burbury Hotel & Apartments

Peppers Gallery Hotel

Hotel Realm

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

While you're in town...

Canberra Museums

Things to do in Canberra with Kids