Old Parliament House (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Old Parliament House?
What makes it 79% Baby-Friendly: Pram-friendly entries, free stroller loans, baby-change rooms, quiet room and short 20-minute tours allow caregivers with infants to visit, but no dedicated nursing room lowers convenience.
Positives:
- Free Entry and Facilities: All exhibitions and baby-friendly tours are free, including stroller hire and baby-changing facilities.
- Pram-Friendly Layout: Wide corridors, ramps and lifts let you navigate every area with a stroller.
- Quiet Room Availability: Ask staff for the calm space (Room M103) if your baby needs a rest away from crowds.
Challenges:
- Limited Seating on Some Tours: Home Away From Home tour has no seating; bring a baby carrier for comfort.
- Senate Chamber Steps: Avoid the Senate Chamber with a stroller due to small steps and narrow doorways.
- Peak Midday Crowds: Tours at 11 am and 2 pm can be busy; try early or late slots for more space.
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?
- Free, 20-minute stroller-friendly history tours at 10 am or 3 pm.
- Self-guided Family Trails with no steps and easy pram access.
- Flat, paved rose gardens perfect for morning walks with a pram.
- Dedicated craft area and quiet room for baby-friendly breaks.
- On-site café seating for feeding, changing and light meals.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for two stroller-friendly tours, a garden stroll and a café break without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Old Parliament House
History of Old Parliament House Tour:
Join a 20-minute guided tour at 10 am or 3 pm on a flat, stroller-friendly route.
Tip: Use the accessible entry and pick a morning slot to match your baby’s nap time.
Family Trails Self-Guided Adventure:
Follow map-based challenges around the building at your own pace.
Tip: Collect the trail map at reception and keep the pram close to avoid leaving it unattended.
East and West Gardens Stroll:
Walk paved paths past roses and wisteria arches beside the House.
Tip: Visit in the morning for cooler temperatures and softer light for photos.
PlayUP Craft Area:
Drop into the children’s craft space with a nearby parents’ room and accessible bathroom.
Tip: Bring a change of clothes for messy play and use the quiet room if your baby needs a calm break.
Courtyard Café Feeding Break:
Relax in covered seating to feed or change your baby.
Tip: Order light meals early to avoid lines and use the pram-wide path into the café.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Old Parliament House
- Borrow a Pram on Arrival: Pick up a complimentary stroller at the Accessible Entry desk to save carrying yours.
- Align Tours with Nap Times: Schedule the longer tour during your baby’s usual nap window to keep them calm.
- Pack a Picnic: Bring a nut-free picnic to enjoy in the rose gardens and reduce café wait times.
Reviews of Old Parliament House
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...
When is the best time to visit Old Parliament House (Canberra, Australia)?
In spring, enjoy wisteria blooms in the gardens. In summer, schedule shaded tours and pack sun hats.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Courtyard Café snacks (2 adults) | AUD 30 |
| Optional Chifley’s Tour (2 adults) | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 50 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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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 822210 BEST nearby Activities
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