Old Parliament House (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Old Parliament House?
Stroller-friendly corridors, lifts and a parents room aid feeding and changing; however, some chambers are tight and tour narration needs silence, so caregivers must time visits around naps.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly paths: All main exhibitions and gardens use flat, paved routes suitable for prams.
- Parent facilities: Accessible bathroom and parents’ room are located near the craft area.
Challenges:
- Limited seating on tours: Some guided tours have no seating; consider a baby carrier for comfort.
- Skip Senate Chamber: This area has steps and tight spaces, making it hard with a stroller.
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 with baby?
- Explore stroller-friendly tours with minimal walking effort.
- Enjoy flat, paved gardens ideal for pram stroll and breaks.
- Discover hands-on craft area with nearby baby-changing facilities.
- Follow self-guided Family Trails for gentle, engaging challenges.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: A few hours lets you join tours, stroll gardens and rest with the baby without rush.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Old Parliament House
History of Old Parliament House tour:
Join the 20-minute guided tour at 10 am or 3 pm on flat, stroller-friendly paths.
Tip: Bring a stroller with good wheels and arrive 5 minutes early to find seating in the model room.
Family Trails self-guided adventure:
Pick up a map at reception and follow themed puzzles around the building on stroller-friendly routes.
Tip: Use the built-in pram tray or bag to hold map and snacks for the baby.
Gardens stroll:
Walk the east and west formal gardens on paved, flat paths dotted with roses and wisteria.
Tip: Plan a mid-visit break on the lawns for baby’s snack and playtime.
PlayUP craft area:
Visit the indoor craft zone with adaptable activities and a nearby parents’ room.
Tip: Use the accessible bathroom and changing table next to the exhibition.
Home Away From Home tour:
Explore King’s Hall on a 20-minute accessible tour at 2 pm showing domestic touches.
Tip: Carry the baby in a front carrier as there is no seating on this tour.
When is the best time to visit Old Parliament House (Canberra, Australia)?
In summer, bring sun hats and sunscreen for the gardens. In winter, enjoy indoor craft activities and dress the baby in layers for cooler halls.
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 Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Chifley’s Tour (2 adults) | AUD 20 |
| Courtyard Café snacks | AUD 30 |
| Souvenir from gift shop | 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
- Early arrival: Start at 10 am to join the first history tour and avoid midday crowds.
- Lunch on lawns: Pack a small picnic and relax on the garden lawns to skip café lines.
- Combine trails and tours: Use Family Trails map between guided tours to keep the baby engaged.
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
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