Old Parliament House
Seat of Federal Parliament for 61 years until 1988, now housing the Museum of Australian Democracy.
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Why it's worth checking out
Explore the building where significant moments in Australian political history unfolded. The Museum of Australian Democracy documents the nation's democratic journey, making it valuable for anyone interested in Australian civics, history, or heritage architecture.
Our take
Old Parliament House is a heritage building in Canberra's Parkes suburb that served as the seat of Federal Parliament for 61 years before moving to the new Parliament House in 1988. Today it operates as the Museum of Australian Democracy, offering visitors insight into Australia's political history and democratic institutions.
Good to know
- The building is located at 18 King George Terrace in Parkes, a short distance from the current Parliament House.
- Entry includes access to the Museum of Australian Democracy exhibitions.
- The venue holds strong visitor satisfaction with a 4.6-star rating from over 5,400 reviews.
Best for
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- Monday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Thursday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- FridayToday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Saturday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Sunday
- 09:00 – 17:00
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 84
- Popularity
- 100
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Frequently asked questions
When did Old Parliament House stop being used?+
Old Parliament House served as the seat of Federal Parliament for 61 years until 1988, when Parliament relocated to the new Parliament House.
What is inside Old Parliament House now?+
The building now houses the Museum of Australian Democracy, which explores Australia's democratic institutions and political history.
Where is Old Parliament House located?+
Old Parliament House is located at 18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, in Canberra.
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