Old Parliament House Canberra, ACT Reviews Australia www.oldparliamenthouse.gov.au

Old Parliament House

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Old Parliament House made headlines for more than sixty years as home to Australia's Federal Parliament from 1927 to 1988. Today, this much-loved heritage building offers tourists a unique glimpse into Australia's fascinating past - a time when this magnificent building was the centre of political controversies and drama. Today the House is a museum with a changing and exciting program of exhibitions, tours and special events. Visitors can experience an atmosphere steeped in history, revisit dramatic events, get behind the scenes on a tour of the original Parliamentary Chambers and Prime Minister's Suite, and enjoy the 1920s architecture and fine design. Old Parliament is also home to Australia's National Portrait Gallery where you can see the faces of people who have made major... Read More

Today the House is a museum with a changing and exciting program of exhibitions, tours and special events. Visitors can experience an atmosphere steeped in history, revisit dramatic events, get behind the scenes on a tour of the original Parliamentary Chambers and Prime Minister's Suite, and enjoy the 1920s architecture and fine design.

Old Parliament is also home to Australia's National Portrait Gallery where you can see the faces of people who have made major contributions to Australian life. Visitor can also enjoy dining at the Café in the House and find a unique souvenir at the Old Parliament House Shop.

Old Parliament House
King George Terrace
Parkes ACT 2600
3 kms from the city centre
Tel: 02 6270 8222

Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm (closed Christmas Day)
Guided tours: yes. Tour times - 9:30am, 10:15am, 11:00am, 11:45am, 12:45pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm.
Duration: minimum 1 hour
Bookings: Groups only including schools - call 02 6270 8282
Cost: $2 adult, $1 child/concession, $5 family

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Date

Comments

Rating

July 28th, 2010

Pros: Much more interesting than the new Parlialment House from a historical perspective. Beautiful gardens. Educational.

Cons: The cafe is over-priced and the food is not that good.

Overall: As with new Parliament House, if you are not interested in politics or history then it is not more interesting, but at least it is less sterile and has more ambience than the new building.

Reviewer: NatDe
Member since: Jul 4, 2010

July 24th, 2010

Pros: Brings history alive.

Cons: None.

Overall: This is a great place to visit in Canberra, and although I don't go there virtually every trip like I would to the new Parliament House or the War Memorial I still have been here a few times over the years and always enjoy going back. It is great that you can wander all around the corridors and see the behind the scenes areas that you wouldn't have been able to see when the old building was still in operation. To walk through the Prime Minister's office and the cabinet room is a great opportunity to think about the history that happened in those very places many years ago.

Reviewer: ajayvius
Member since: Oct 13, 2009

April 13th, 2009

Pros: Accessibility, history, brilliant volunteer tour guides.

Cons: You have to go to Canberra to see it.

Overall: This is the best thing in Canberra, and I'm not a fan of the city at all. If you go to Canberra and miss this place then you've really let yourself down! You can wander pretty much everywhere within the building and the volunteer tour guides are full of useful and quirky information that makes Australia's political history very interesting (who would have thought). Photos are allowed throughout the house and you can even have your photo taken sitting on the speaker's chair.

Reviewer: lilypie
Member since: Mar 10, 2009

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