1 / 2Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
📍 Parkes, ACT
The 1927–1988 Parliament House with preserved Senate and House of Representatives chambers, Cabinet Room, and historical library. Free entry, guided Dismissal tours available. Suits school-age kids who can absorb political history.
This place is absolutely brilliant. Artwork displayed in the middle that is topical to the moment, and then surrounding that the incredible 70s - as i personally recall them too - brought to life, and of course before and after that decade. The tupewriters, the cabinet room, the offices, the furniture - and ashtrays of course! Those were the days. Its superb. So worth seeing. And the gift shop is lovely with the nicest gentleman, we had s great chat. Such a great place!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with school-age children who can engage with Australian political history. The Cabinet Room and chamber visits hold genuine attention for curious kids. Toddlers will find less to interact with, and the open spaces and friendly staff keep visits manageable. Allow two to three hours for a thorough visit.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →5,334 Google reviews
JGLS
3 months ago
“This place is absolutely brilliant. Artwork displayed in the middle that is topical to the moment, and then surrounding that the incredible 70s - as i personally recall them too - brought to life, and of course before and after that decade. The tupewriters, the cabinet room, the offices, the furniture - and ashtrays of course! Those were the days. Its superb. So worth seeing. And the gift shop is lovely with the nicest gentleman, we had s great chat. Such a great place!”
Simran Grover
3 months ago
“Came here on new year's eve and was surprised at how nicely the place is built. There was so much to see and could easily take few hours of your day. The place was well maintained with a lot of information in every corner. The people at reception were quite good. Overall it was a great experience coming here and will be back next time hopefully with more time.”
Matthew Horsfall
3 months ago
“Was in town visiting my daughter for a couple of days, decided to come and do the Dismissal tour. It did not disappoint, presented in a non-biased context, although I may have had some of my own entering the building already. Great tour, beautifully maintained historic building and items on display.”
Babs
a month ago
“The old Parliament is well worth a visit. You can have a look around, free of charge. Take a wander through the library (many interesting facts and photos), visit the Senate chamber and the House of Representatives chamber. All the staff were friendly and informative. Very interesting.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Australia original Parliament House served as the seat of government for 61 years. Families explore the preserved Senate and House of Representatives chambers, the Cabinet Room with original furniture, typewriters, and period offices recreated in 1970s detail. The historical library holds archival photos and parliamentary records. Guided tours cover specific events including the 1975 Constitutional Crisis. Free admission, with rotating contemporary art installations at the entrance.
