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.

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.

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

Personalised Sightseeing in Canberra, with John

Ultimate Museum Experience | Tour + Dine + Shop (10am daily)

Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines

Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour
Our pick of the best Parkes Hotel Deals

Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Friendly check-in staff. Adequate room with comfortable bedding and blockout curtains. Addition of a microwave would be useful along with updated bathroom, tea and coffee making area. Good discount provided by Wotif.
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Novotel Canberra
Overall good
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Avenue Hotel Canberra
Very big and beautiful apartment, very clean. Staff very friendly I very helpful. Breakfast very delicious. Perfect location
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Pavilion on Northbourne
Clean, great location, great customer service
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Deco Hotel
The room was spotless,
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Rydges Canberra
Great relaxing environment on entrance, smooth check in and check out, clean environment, fantastic breakfast! Love the pool size and depth.
Reviewed on 9 Feb 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.



