Australian Parliament House

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

Australia’s Parliament House is the standout structure in the capital. It’s in the very centre of the city and has an impressive 62 acres (25 hectares)) of floor space. It’s the work of New York-based architectural firm Mitchell and Giurgola, who beat 329 entrants from 28 countries in a competition run by the Australian Government. Construction started in 1981, and it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.

Take in the scale of the building as you make your way over the mosaic forecourt, an artwork in itself. The building is designed to sit below the crest of the hillside and contains 4,500 rooms. Look up to see a 246-ton (220-tonne) flagpole flying a 21 by 42-foot (6.4 by 12.8-meter) Australian flag. Continue up the grassy slopes that cover the roof and look out over the city. There are great views of Lake Burley Griffin and the greater Canberra area.

Make your way through the marble and timber Main Foyer and into the Great Hall. Here you’ll see a tapestry based on a painting by Australian artist Arthur Boyd. It depicts a eucalyptus forest and measures 65 by 29 feet (20 by nine meters), making it one of the largest in the world. Keep exploring the building to admire other artworks and see the rooms from which the country is governed.

Take a free guided tour to learn about the building and its history or visit the House of Representatives and Senate. These rooms are where politicians meet and debate, and are at the heart of Australian democracy. Fans of politics can sit in the public galleries and watch Question Time, a session in which members of parliament grill ministers with questions.

You’ll find Parliament House in the very centre of Canberra on Capitol Hill. It’s open every day except Christmas Day. Tours run throughout the day. Entry and on-site parking is free, and there’s a café and restaurant. ACTION buses from Canberra’s central business district stop here as well as other major attractions.

Parliament Dr, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia | View Google Map

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Australian Parliament House

Capital Hill

The grassy rise of Capital Hill is Canberra’s crowning feature. The perfectly circular hilltop locale is the core from which the rest of the city radiates.

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.

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.

Questacon

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

Hotels near Australian Parliament House

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.

Central Motel & Apartments, Signature

11 Antill Street, 11

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Queanbeyan, this hotel is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Trinculo Place Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Superkarts Go Karts and Queanbeyan Nature Reserve. Cuumbeun Nature Reserve is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away. Queanbeyan Railway Station is 13 minutes by foot.

Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra

2 Hely St. cnr. Canberra Ave.

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Griffith, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Cusack Centre, Manuka Oval, and Lake Burley Griffin. East Basin and Manuka Shopping Centre are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 5 minutes by foot.

Quality Hotel Dickson

Corner Cape & Badham St.

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Chinatown, Kamberra Function Centre, and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. Crace Grassland Nature Reserve and O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Alivio Tourist Park Canberra

20 Kunzea Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in O'Connor, this campground is within a 5-minute walk of Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve and O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve. Link Walk Trailhead and Black Mountain Nature Reserve are also within 15 minutes.