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Australia/Things to Do in Canberra, couple trip

Old Parliament House (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Old Parliament House?

85%Couple-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 85% Couple-Friendly: Couples can combine romantic garden walks, joint tours, and café breaks in a compact site that is fully accessible, making it a relaxed half-day date with shared learning moments.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 5,083 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free Admission: All permanent exhibitions and basic guided tours are complimentary.
  • Easy Access: Flat paths and wide corridors suit most mobility levels.

Challenges:

  • Fixed Tour Times: Tours run at set times; arriving late means waiting for the next one.
  • Limited Seating: Senate Chamber tours have few seats; stand times can be long.
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🏖️ Explore Old Parliament House with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Old Parliament House. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

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?

  1. Complimentary guided tours reveal unique political stories
  2. Manicured rose gardens and flat lawns create a romantic picnic spot
  3. Midday Mystery Tour uncovers hidden facts in 20 minutes
  4. Home Away From Home tour shows period furnishings and domestic touches
  5. Courtyard Café offers coffee and cakes for a refreshing break

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for a guided tour, garden stroll and a café break without rushing.

(View Old Parliament House on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Old Parliament House

Garden picnic & stroll:

Explore formal rose beds and wisteria-arched paths on flat lawns.

Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and water; paths are accessible and mostly shaded.

Highlights of Old Parliament House tour:

Join a 45-minute guided tour to hear stories in the original Senate Chamber.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to secure prime seating in the chamber.

Midday Mystery Tour:

Enjoy a 20-minute surprise topic tour on hidden tunnels, raw materials or dignitaries.

Tip: Check the daily topic at reception and meet in King’s Hall five minutes before start.

Home Away From Home tour:

Discover politicians’ domestic spaces in a 20-minute walk through King’s Hall.

Tip: Stand near period furniture displays; corridors have no seating so plan accordingly.

Courtyard Café break:

Relax with coffee, light meals and house-made cakes in the outdoor courtyard.

Tip: Order early to avoid the lunchtime queue; try seasonal specials.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Old Parliament House

  1. Download the Tour Schedule: Pick up or download the daily tour timetable before arrival to plan your visit.
  2. Picnic Prep: Bring light snacks to enjoy in the gardens and avoid café peak hours.
🏖️ Tour Old Parliament House like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Old Parliament House. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Old Parliament House

Powered by Google
Warren Baird

Warren Baird

Sep 2025

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

Gail Joordens

Aug 2025

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

Evalyn Venture

Jul 2025

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

Malcolm Snelgrove

May 2025

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)

Sara Gradwohl (Saranger)

Mar 2025

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...

When is the best time to visit Old Parliament House (Canberra, Australia)?

In spring, wisteria in the gardens blooms in pale purple arches. In summer, visit gardens before noon to avoid heat. Winter rain drives activities indoors—ideal for touring exhibits.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Canberra on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Old Parliament House entryAUD 0
Chifley’s Tour for twoAUD 20
Café refreshmentsAUD 30
SouvenirsAUD 10
Total EstimatedAUD 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

Map of Old Parliament House

Address: 18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Old Parliament House (Canberra)?

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About Old Parliament House

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+61 2 6270 8222

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