Parkes Travel Guide
Canberra
Popular places to visit
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.
Questacon
Join the kids for a day of learning about the wonders of science and technology at Australia’s national science centre.
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.
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
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.
National Capital Exhibition
See the fascinating history of Canberra laid out for you through engaging and interactive exhibits in this modern, family-friendly museum.
Things to do
Personalised Sightseeing in Canberra, with John
Canberra Discovery Tour - Australia's Capital by Gray Line Sydney
Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour
Top hotels in Parkes
The Sebel Canberra Civic
Positioned central to city. Clean and good value.
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Rydges Canberra
This hotel is now getting a little dated. My shower wa pretty old. The reality is that it was cheap to stay here and for the cost it was excellent. I am happy to have affordable nice accomodation. At the end of the day it is somewhere to sleep. The breakfast was dry md pretty ordinary.
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Deco Hotel
10/10
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Pavilion on Northbourne
Very good
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Avenue Hotel Canberra
Good hotel to stay in Canberra. Well positioned for bars and restaurants in the area. Breakfast was good with choices for all tastes. Restaurant wasn’t flexible in allowing my wife to order off the bar menu as she didn’t fancy the à la carte. Too bad as it meant they lost the business
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Meriton Suites Canberra
Pool was closed for to maintenance when we stayed here but the hotel was just fine. Sound travels in the hallways - typical of Meriton build quality. Otherwise fine and very good location.
Reviewed on 8 May 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.
