Parliament House (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Parliament House?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can join frequent 25–60-minute tours, roam art galleries at own pace, use free Wi-Fi and cafés, and move easily through secure, accessible halls without worrying about other parties.
Positives:
- Free Access: Most tours and galleries are free, making it easy to customize your visit without spending.
- Central Location: Located on Capital Hill with easy bus and parking access, you can reach it quickly from the city centre.
Challenges:
- Security Screening: Expect queues at security checkpoints; allow an extra 15 minutes for bag checks.
- Tour Timing: Key tours run at fixed times; plan ahead to avoid long waits between sessions.
What is Parliament House?
- The seat of Australia's federal legislature, housing both the House of Representatives and the Senate under one roof
- A monumental structure crowned by an 81-metre stainless-steel flagpole anchored at the apex of Capital Hill
- An expansive complex of red granite and white marble that integrates modern architecture with the natural contours of its hilltop site
What is so special about Parliament House for solo trip?
- Free and paid guided tours offer both overview and in-depth art and parliamentary insights.
- Self-guided audio walks let you explore at your own pace.
- Rooftop terrace gives panoramic views of Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin.
- The Great Hall houses one of the world's largest tapestries.
- Easy public transport access with flexible food and café stops for breaks.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for two guided tours and a leisurely self-guided walk around the galleries and gardens.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Parliament House
Heart of the House Tour:
Join a small group for a 25-minute tour of the building’s design, key artworks and how it functions.
Tip: Book online at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot.
Self-Guided Art & Architecture Walk:
Use a free map and audio guide to explore over 7,000 artworks and the building’s architectural highlights at your own pace.
Tip: Download the audio guide app on your phone before you go to skip the desk queue.
How Parliament Works Tour:
Learn the law-making process, visit both chambers and see the interactive Lego® Parliament model on a 45-minute guided tour.
Tip: Purchase tickets online early for weekend and holiday slots to avoid sell-outs.
Rooftop Terrace & Flagpole View:
Walk up to the 81 m high flagpole base on the roof terrace for 360° views over Canberra’s lake and districts.
Tip: Visit 30 minutes before closing to enjoy sunset views with fewer people.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Parliament House
- Use Public Transport: Take the free Blue or Yellow Canberra Connector bus to stop 4 at Parliament House and skip parking hassles.
- Combine Tours: Start with the free Heart of the House tour, then self-guide through the art before joining a paid session.
Reviews of Parliament House
ThuyBich NGO
Dropped by Parliament House for a quick visit during our trip to Canberra. Really impressed by how grand it is and the beautiful surroundings. The building’s design is pretty cool, and I love that it’s open for tourists to explore. Nice to see democracy up close like that!
Luke S
A must-visit if you are on a trip to Canberra. The building itself was imposing and majestic, serving as a reminder of our nation’s grandeur. Staff were friendly and helpful, even at the security screening in the entrance. Most of the Parliament House was open for visitors, including the incredible rooftop lawn. The panorama seen from the top of Parliament House is another attraction which makes i...
Mandeep Singh Khalwara
I visited Parliament House in Canberra and was impressed by the building's architecture and the guided tour. Here's my review: *Highlights:* - *Impressive Architecture:* The building's design is stunning, with a unique blend of modern and symbolic elements. - *Informative Tour:* The guided tour was engaging and provided valuable insights into Australia's political history and the functions of Pa...
Solly
Visited Canberra how come we can miss this place. Had a wonderful experience of visiting parliament house and being a migrant it's very important to indulge in the history and observe the political culture so whats better then can be of visiting parliament house. Had the opportunity to watch a documentary which showed the efforts it was made to construct this amazing structure. Viewing role of ...
Sunil Francis George
A must-visit landmark when in Canberra! The Parliament House showcases outstanding architecture that impressively blends with its surroundings. Walking through the building offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia's political history. The facilities are absolutely top-notch throughout, with attention to detail evident in every space. I highly recommend taking a guided tour - it truly enhances ...
When is the best time to visit Parliament House (Canberra, Australia)?
Canberra’s summers can exceed 35 °C; visit early morning and carry water. Winter days are crisp—layer up to stay warm during outdoor exploration.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| How Parliament Works Tour | AUD 14 |
| Coffee at Queen’s Terrace Café | AUD 10 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 24 |
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 Parliament House
Address: Parliament Dr, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
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About 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 6277 711110 BEST nearby Activities
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