Our nation’s capital is full of rich culture, democratic history and heritage. I encourage travelling to Canberra to explore the fantastic sites listed below.
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See democracy in action at Australia’s iconic Parliament House high on Capital Hill. Parliament House is open to visitors every day of the year, except Christmas Day, and admission is free. On Parliamentary sitting days it is open to the public from 9.00am (Monday and Tuesday) and 8.30am (Wednesday and Thursday) until 6.00pm. The Public Galleries in the Chambers are open whenever the Houses are in session. On non-sitting days Parliament House is open to the public from 9.00am until 5.00pm.
If you wish to watch Question Time in either the House of Representatives or the Senate you can skip the queues by requesting tickets through my office. Guided tours are available to help you get the most out of your visit.
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Old Parliament House is open to visitors every day of the year, except Christmas Day. Opening hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm daily The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House celebrates the stories and spirit of Australian democracy and the power of our voices within it.
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The War Memorial is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10.00am to 5.00pm, with free admission. It is both a shrine, museum and archive that holds impressive displays and exhibitions on the Australian experience of war and in honour of those who have served. All visitors require a free-timed ticket to enter the Memorial Galleries and attend the Last Post Ceremony.
Visitors should book their free ticket in advance to guarantee entry. If you are likely to require longer than the 2-hour session time, please speak to staff upon arrival.
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The National Museum is open to visitors every day, except Christmas Day. Opening hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm daily and admission is free. The Museum offers a variety of exhibitions, some change from time to time. Guided tours are available.
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The National Gallery is open to visitors every day, except Christmas Day. Opening hours are 10.00am to 5.00pm daily and admission is free. The Gallery holds in impressive collection of Australian and international artworks with some exhibitions on limited display. Guided tours are available.
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The National Portrait Gallery is located next to the National Gallery and is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Admission is free. The Portrait Gallery is one of the more recent institutions and contains collections of iconic Australian portraits, following in the strong popularity of the Archibald Prize.
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The Australian Mint is open to visitors every day, except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Opening hours are 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, and 10.00am to 4.00pm weekends and public holidays. Admission is free. The Mint produces Australia’s coins as well as coins for other countries, along with medals, medallions, tokens, and seals for private clients, both national and international. The Mint has an impressive exhibition of Australia’s currency.
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At Questacon, we strive to promote greater understanding and awareness of science and technology within the community. We’re committed to making that experience fun, interactive, and relevant.
Travel from the centre of an Earthquake to the heart of a beehive, all the way to outer space in a single visit. Questacon is open 7 days a week, with general admission sessions starting every half an hour from 9 am to 3 pm, pre-booked tickets are advised for all visitors, including infants.