Visit Parliament – Parliament of Australia

Parliament House, Enlighten 2011, Photo by AUSPIC, Courtesy of the Department of Parliamentary Services

The home of Australia’s Parliament and the meeting place of a nation, Parliament House is located on a 32-hectare site on Capital Hill and is the focal point of Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The building is open to the public every day of the year except for Christmas day.

A visit to Parliament House offers you the chance to be a part of democracy in action. Parliament House offers a variety of ways to experience the Parliament. These include access to the Chambers, Question Time and the ability to view historic documents like the Magna Carta.

Although it is primarily a working building, the unique blend of impressive architecture, a stunning art collection and beautiful landscape makes Parliament House one of Australia’s most significant and popular cultural attractions.

Get the most out of your visit

Planning a visit

Visitors are welcome when Parliament House is open (9.00am – 5.00pm on non-sitting days and 9.00am to House rise on sitting days). There is a free guide service which assists visitors. On sitting days, Question Time in both chambers is held at 2pm.

Conditions of Entry

Chamber Public Galleries

When you get here

Parliament House offers a variety of ways to experience the Democratic process, including Question Time, Chamber access or a guided tour of the building.

Tours

Exhibitions on display

Visit the Magna Carta and other displays on parliamentary representatives and the work of the Parliament.

Visitor Events

Each year numerous events are held at Parliament House.

Events Calendar

Chamber Public Galleries

Visitors to Parliament House may view the proceedings of both the House of Representatives and the Senate from the Public Galleries in the Chambers whenever the Houses are in session. At other times when Parliament House is open visitors may visit the Public Galleries

Chamber Public Galleries

Experience Parliament House online

Art Collection

The Parliament House Art Collection is a public collection of significant heritage value, created specifically for Parliament House.

Parliament House Art Collection

Photo gallery

Online exhibitions

Visit the current and former exhibitions on the first federal parliament and the law-making functions of the Parliament.

Parliament House History

The Australian Parliament which met for the first time in May 1901 was the most democratic in the world.

History of Parliament House

Virtual Tour

While at Parliament House

Inside Parliament House

Parliament House provides a number of services to people who visit the building. They include the following.

Environmental Actions

The focus of environmental management activities at Parliament House is to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use and waste generation. Click on the links below for more information:

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