Old Parliament House (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Old Parliament House?
Shared guided tours plus quiet rose gardens, wisteria walks and the courtyard café give couples a balance of history and romance; compact layout lets partners linger without tiring.
Positives:
- Free Entry: Entry to the museum and most guided tours is free.
- Easy Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps and flat garden paths make strolling simple.
Challenges:
- Fixed Tour Times: Guided tours start at set times; plan your schedule around them.
- Sun Exposure: Some garden areas lack shade; bring sunscreen in summer.
What is Old Parliament House?
- A heritage-listed building that served as the seat of Australia’s federal parliament from 1927 to 1988.
- Home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, charting the nation’s political history and evolution.
- An interwar Stripped Classical structure, distinguished by symmetrical colonnades and formal rose gardens.
What is so special about Old Parliament House for couple trip?
- Free guided tours reveal Australia’s political history.
- Romantic rose gardens and wisteria walkways set a scenic mood.
- Short mystery tours uncover hidden building secrets.
- Paid Chifley’s Tour offers an intimate 1940s office experience.
- The courtyard café provides a relaxed spot for coffee and cakes.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Covers garden stroll, two guided tours and a café break without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Old Parliament House
Garden Picnic and Stroll:
Wander formal rose beds and wisteria-arched paths.
Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and local snacks from Canberra markets.
Highlights of Old Parliament House Tour:
Join the 45-minute guided tour at 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 1:45 pm or 2:45 pm.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to secure front-row seats in the chambers.
Midday Mystery Tour:
Attend the daily 20-minute 12 pm tour on hidden tunnels and spy stories.
Tip: Check the day’s theme at reception to match your interests.
Chifley’s Tour:
Explore Ben Chifley’s 1940s office on a 45-minute paid tour.
Tip: Book online in advance; tours fill fast on weekends.
Courtyard Café Break:
Enjoy coffee, light meals and cakes in the sunlit courtyard.
Tip: Try the lamingtons and grab a table under the wisteria.
When is the best time to visit Old Parliament House (Canberra, Australia)?
Spring (Sep–Nov) brings peak rose and wisteria blooms; pack a camera. In summer, start early to avoid heat and use shaded paths. In winter, focus on indoor tours and the courtyard café.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Old Parliament House (Canberra)
Warren Baird
the building itself is beautiful and walking the halls you could feel the history of the many policy's and decisions that came out of this place ...very interesting and informative displays and information ..definitely worth a visit and free to enter ..also a cafe on-site
Gail Joordens
Interesting to visit having seen it on the news since I was a child. You can freely move around the building and read signs, visit chambers and offices. I highly recommend a free guilded tour from a volunteer, to bring it to life.
Evalyn Venture
A great trip down memory lane for both kids and adults. The place is essentially a time capsule from the 80’s, and is largely as it was when parliament relocated up the hill. You can access all the chambers, offices, cabinet room, etc. There are specialised display areas focusing on elections, the APS, etc. Entry is free, and there is plenty of information available for self guided tours (I believ...
Malcolm Snelgrove
A lot to see here, I haven't been since the new Parliament opened, but they have done a good job. Offices & time have been restored to how they were in different decades, Lots of exhibitions on, several daily tours, and worth multiple visits. And it is free!
Sara Gradwohl (Saranger)
So glad we visited the Old Parliament House and Museum of Australian Democracy! Greeted at the entrance by Angel who helpfully suggested a pathway through the “rabbit warren” that is the building. Fascinating exhibits on democracy and a kind of “frozen in time” look to the former offices of the House and Senate. It looks like the staff were all just out on lunch break. Nicely done. Combine this v...
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Chifley’s Tour (2 adults) | AUD 20 |
| Café break (2 adults) | AUD 30 |
| Souvenirs | AUD 10 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 60 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Old Parliament House
- Book Tours in Advance: Reserve paid tours online before visiting to secure spots.
- Start in the Gardens: Begin with a morning stroll in the rose garden before tours.
- Pair Tours with Café Break: Schedule a coffee break right after a guided tour in the courtyard café.
Map of Old Parliament House
Address: 18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
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About Old Parliament House
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 2 6270 8222See available options
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