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.
High Court of Australia
Observe justice in action at the highest court in the land inside a modern edifice on the banks of a tranquil lake.
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
Rydges Canberra
Hot tub was good, the Sauna especially nice. Room was comfortable and quiet. The breakfast was good - it was good to have poached eggs as one option. The secure parking was ideal.
Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Clean room, nice staff restaurant only Monday to Friday but good range of food options. Very close to the city.
Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025
ibis Styles Canberra
We stayed for one night on our way out of town. The front desk staff were friendly and efficient. Rooms were clean. The bathrooms could do with an update but for the price it was just what you’d expect and need. Breakfast had a good range of hot and cold foods.
Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025
Deco Hotel
Location is ok. In between two dining areas. Facilities are new. Parking spot is a bit narrow. Reception wasn’t super efficient, but was ok. Overall ok.
Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025
Hotel Realm
The hotel was very clean. Bed was comfortable. Food was great but definitely on the more expensive side. The only thing I will say is as we were staying 2 nights we did ask the housekeeping person outside our room when we were leaving for the day to make up our room. She replaced towels, however ...
Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025
Avenue Hotel Canberra
I’m a big fan of nice fresh Asian/American breakfast. So options can be better. I always stay at Avenue hotel. I love how clean, my balcony with mountain view . Very accessible. Met lots of Filipino staff that very friendly, sweet and they work very quick when making up our rooms
Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Parkes
Barton
Barton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Lake Burley Griffin and Merchant Navy Memorial 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.
City East
While visiting City East, you might make a stop by sights like Civic Square and Canberra Theatre Centre.
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.
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.
Canberra City Centre
The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Canberra City Centre. A stop by Canberra Museum and Gallery or Canberra Theatre Centre might round out your trip.
