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 Capital Exhibition
See the fascinating history of Canberra laid out for you through engaging and interactive exhibits in this modern, family-friendly museum.
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.
Things to do
Canberra Day Trip from Sydney
Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines
Pizza Paddle - Dinner Kayak Tour in Batemans Bay
Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour
Badass Women of Canberra: Meet the Women Who Shaped the Nation
Top hotels in Parkes
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Exceptional value and close to Manuka if you are there for a sporting event. Clean tidy and warm.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
The Sebel Canberra Civic
Clean room, pet friendly
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Rydges Canberra
As there were a lot of guests on Sunday, the buffet breakfast hot dishes were cold and there were a lack of staff cleaning tables and making coffee. Seemed disorganised. The following breakfast was better with warner food and not so busy. The room was satisfactory, but shower did not drain very well ...
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Avenue Hotel Canberra
Great location
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Pavilion on Northbourne
The room was spacious, the bath was a luxury and the bed was very comfortable. We really enjoyed our stay.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Meriton Suites Canberra
Clean spacious apartment in convenient location. A challenge with no car/luggage drop off when checking in on a busy street. Kitchen cooking equipment very basic.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 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 Merchant Navy Memorial 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.
