Old Parliament House
Old Parliament House things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Old Parliament House, formerly known as the Provisional Parliament House, was the seat of the Parliament of Australia from 1927 to 1988. The building began operation on 9 May 1927 after Parliament's relocation from Melbourne to the new capital, Canberra.
attractions: Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre, National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, Parliament House, Canberra Nara Peace Park, Lennox Gardens, National Library of Australia, Sculpture Garden, Beijing Garden, Canberra Centenary Trail, restaurants: Bookplate, Ottoman Cuisine, Little Bird, Vincent Restaurant, Yogis Kitchen, Portrait Cafe, Queen's Terrace Café, Double Drummer, Nakha chhe, The Tea Lounge
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Old Parliament House, formerly known as the Provisional Parliament House, was the seat of the Parliament of Australia from 1927 to 1988. The building began operation on 9 May 1927 after Parliament's relocation from Melbourne to the new capital, Canberra.
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If you are looking for a truly exceptional experience in the heart of Australia's capital city, Old Parliament House is a must-visit destination. The historic building has stunning architecture. Every detail of this magnificent building is sure to impress. But it's not just the building itself that makes Old Parliament House such a special place to visit. During my recent trip there, I had the pleasure of being guided around by Bianca, who despite being new to the role, did an absolutely fantastic job. Her passion for the building and its history was evident in every word she spoke, and she had a wonderful way of bringing the stories of the past to life. I can confidently say that Old Parliament House is a must-do for locals and anyone visiting Canberra. Not only is it a fascinating insight into the political history of Australia, but it is also a stunning architectural gem that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a unique and memorable experience, Old Parliament House is the perfect destination. So why not take a tour and discover the rich history and beautiful architecture for yourself? You won't be disappointed!
Yvette HopperYvette Hopper
10
Old Parliament House March 30th, 2024 updated It was the first time I've ever attended the Old Parliament House Museum, and I was truly blown away from the moment we entered! From the day it was built in the early part of 1927, it's been the centre point of all the big decisions that have made Australia to what it is today... Inside Old Parliament House is a to be seen as there's way too much to write down or way too many pictures that I could add, so if you are around Canberra take the time to visit this amazing place! There is a cafeteria that serves great coffee, and pay parking is available, toilets facilities inside the Old Parliament House. _______________ March 4th, 2024 This time of year here in Canberra is the enlightened and balloon festival! Enlighten Festival 2024 will light up the nation's capital with several buildings being lit up between 1-11 March, with the Canberra Balloon Spectacular filling the sky with wonder starting March 9-17 2024 There is a shuttle bus that is running from the city to the enlightened festival every night... Go to the enlightened festival website to get all the information you will need to have a great night.
Matt IslesMatt Isles
00
The Old Parliament House, home to Australia’s Parliament from the 1920s to 1988, is a fascinating combination of preserved historic building and modern museum. You can sit on the benches of the old House of Representatives and Senate, appreciating how cramped they must have been by 1988 and how much more closely they resembled Westminster than their modern replacements down the road, with helpful guides on hand to talk about the chambers. The old Prime Minister’s, Speaker’s and Senate President’s offices are presented in their 1980s state. But in addition to this interesting insight into history, there are exhibitions in the Museum of Australian Democracy about the Australian system, presented in an interactive and engaging way, as well as a an annual exhibition downstairs of political cartoons. With a very good café-restaurant, this deserves at least a couple of hours, and could easily occupy most of a day. Definitely worth visiting in combination with the replacement Parliament House to get a real feel for Canberra as a political and administrative capital city.
Phil BradfordPhil Bradford
10
MOAD - Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House is an absolute "must do" for anyone visiting Canberra. Set aside a few hours because it's jam packed with interactive exhibits for you to voice your views and recreations of rooms so detailed, it feels as if someone just stepped away from their desk to grab a coffee. Make sure you take advantage of the free tours with debatable "scientific" facts like "smart thinking comes from cold climates". Then spend the rest of your visit wandering the halls of Australia's colourful political history. If the door is open you are welcome to go in .. and there are lots of doors wide open. Personally I loved visiting Howard's Library and found 'How will you change the world' creative space inspiring. With the recent passing of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, there was a fitting tribute and heartfelt condolence book to sign. Suitable for all ages and all sides of politics .. MOAD is well worth your time and the small $2 entry fee. Enjoy.
SoozSooz
00
Lots of interesting historical information about how Australia has been governed. Presented really well, with plenty of interactive displays and activities for young and old. We started on the House of Representatives Wing. It had a lot of photos, displays, furniture, pre-historic admin equipment and information on how the parliament operated. By the time we walked across to the Senate Chamber side, 90 minutes later, we were starting to wear out. Was fortunate there was slightly less to see. Sitting in a Chamber chair is ego-lifting, though. The shop near the exit has political cartoon books for sale, amongst other items. The original drawings are currently on display on the Lower Floor, super funny. Allow plenty of time, it’s a gem of a place to visit for a couple of hours.
Ian LIan L
00
Old parliament house was an awesome experience. I remember going there when I was young and now taking my family there was a great experience. They have the set up when bob hawke was in the government and that was awesome fun with a touch dial phone, and the old television and recordibg equipment used at that time. My sons loved this, and the style of the furniture and the fittings. As well as everyone smoked and all had ash trays for there stationary on their desks. This was a proper walk back through that era which was great. Will have to make another trip to the Australian capital ACT to experience a few other things. This was free and a great place to visit. If you liked my review please tick the blue hand of excitement to get more information on any of my reviews...
Leslie TullyLeslie Tully
10
Nearby Attractions Of Old Parliament House
Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre
National Gallery of Australia
National Portrait Gallery
Parliament House
Canberra Nara Peace Park
Lennox Gardens
National Library of Australia
Sculpture Garden
Beijing Garden
Canberra Centenary Trail
Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre
4.6
(2.8K)Click for details
National Gallery of Australia
4.6
(2.8K)Click for details
National Portrait Gallery
4.5
(914)Click for details
Parliament House
4.5
(815)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Old Parliament House
Bookplate
Ottoman Cuisine
Little Bird
Vincent Restaurant
Yogis Kitchen
Portrait Cafe
Queen's Terrace Café
Double Drummer
Nakha chhe
The Tea Lounge
Bookplate
4.1
(396)$$
Click for details
Ottoman Cuisine
4.5
(293)$$$
Click for details
Little Bird
4.3
(295)$$
Click for details
Vincent Restaurant
4.5
(193)$$$
Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(2.3K reviews)
Phone
+61 2 6270 8222
Call
Website
moadoph.gov.au
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Old Parliament House
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