Parliament House sits on Capital Hill in Canberra, with a public lawn sweeping over its roof and modern architecture designed to blend into the hill. Inside, see the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, the Marble Foyer and the Great Hall, where Arthur Boyd’s 20-metre tapestry brings the Australian outdoors into the building. A LEGO model adds a lighter stop, while the rooftop gives broad views across Canberra. Entry is free, and a guided tour can add context to the building and Australia’s political history.
A building shaped around democracy
Australia’s national parliament building opened in 1988 on Capital Hill. Its design sits into the hill, with a public lawn sweeping over the roof. The building is crossed by north-south and east-west axes, linked to the historical and legislative progress of Australian democracy.
The layout of Canberra also gives Parliament House a place in the city’s plan. It sits at the apex of a triangle whose other points are Russell, associated with defence, and City Hill. The triangle’s base faces the people’s side of the lake, while its apex represents government responding to citizens.
The chambers and public spaces
Inside, visitors can explore the chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate. When politicians are at work, it may be possible to watch proceedings; the chambers are also open to explore when they are not in session. The building’s public spaces include the Marble Foyer, broad interior areas and corridors with exhibits and explanatory text about Australian history.
A free Heart of the House guided tour offers a closer look at the building and its political context. Advance booking is recommended. The building has many rooms, so a short stop will not cover everything; allow extra time if you want to explore beyond the main public areas.
Art to look for
The Great Hall is home to Arthur Boyd’s 20-metre tapestry, a large work designed to bring the Australian outdoors inside. Look closely and you can spot Halley’s Comet, a reference to the year the tapestry was made, 1986. Fourteen weavers worked on it for two years.
Other works include portraits of Australian prime ministers. Gough Whitlam’s portrait, painted by Clifton Pugh in 1972, won the Archibald Prize. Near the committee rooms, Tom Roberts’ large painting depicts the opening of Parliament in Melbourne in 1901. The collection also includes thousands of other works of Australian art.
Views from the roof
The rooftop is a useful place to pause and read Canberra’s planned layout from above. From here, the city’s arrangement and Parliament House’s position on Capital Hill are easier to take in. A visit can combine the views with the chambers, public spaces and exhibits, or focus on a few highlights if you have limited time.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is entry to Parliament House free?
Yes. Entry is free.
How long should I spend at Parliament House?
Allow two to three hours to explore the building, chambers, exhibits and rooftop. A longer visit gives you more time to see the art and public spaces.
Can I take a guided tour?
The free Heart of the House guided tour provides more context about the building and Australia’s political history. Advance booking is recommended.
Where is Parliament House?
It is on Parliament Drive, on Capital Hill in Canberra.
