Old Parliament House

The Old Parliament House in Canberra is a remarkable historic gem, wonderfully preserving the essence of Australia's political past. Its rich history is palpable in every room, offering an intimate glimpse into the nation's legislative evolution. The architecture is stunning, blending elegance with the gravity of governance. The museum's exhibits are engaging and informative, perfectly capturing the spirit of Australian democracy. A must-visit for history buffs and tourists alike!

Old Parliament House

March 30th, 2024 updated
It was the first time I've ever attended the Old Parliament House Museum, and I was truly blown away from the moment we entered!

From the day it was built in the early part of 1927, it's been the centre point of all the big decisions that have made Australia to what it is today...

Inside Old Parliament House is a to be seen as there's way too much to write down or way too many pictures that I could add, so if you are around Canberra take the time to visit this amazing place!

There is a cafeteria that serves great coffee, and pay parking is available, toilets facilities inside the Old Parliament House.
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March 4th, 2024
This time of year here in Canberra is the enlightened and balloon festival!

Enlighten Festival 2024 will light up the nation's capital with several buildings being lit up between 1-11 March, with the Canberra Balloon Spectacular filling the sky with wonder starting March 9-17 2024

There is a shuttle bus that is running from the city to the enlightened festival every night...

Go to the enlightened festival website to get all the information you will need to have a great night.

Australian history is much deeper than the tourist brochure tells.
An important part of that history is Old Parliament House, Canberra. For those of us in their sixth or seventh decade we can still feel the vibes of parliaments past and the politicians that haunt them.
Just look at the results, Australia, one of the best countries in the world despite our whingeing and complaining.
Go see the bricks and mortar, feel the vibes, and understand what your relatives have given this country, and you.

Well this was a lovely surprise, Old Parliament House is full of history but also wonderful exhibitions related to Aust politics and history, but done in a superbly engaging, interesting and interactive way.

Make sure you eave plenty of time, we spent over 3 hrs at Old Parliament House and could have spent more.

Something for everyone, there were Discovery Trails, Treasure Hunts and other games to play as you weave your way through this beautiful building. We went with our 7yr old and he loved it.

The volunteers who were available and ready to chat and share snippets of info and answer questions were fabulous.

Thanks for making our visit awesome. And it's free...

If you only have time for one Parliament in Canberra: this is the place to go. The building itself is just gorgeous! The exhibitions are just really great, lots of details, made with love! You should also join a tour: 45 minutes, free! They not only will tell you about the building and the governmental system of the Commonwealth of Australia, they also answer all your questions! Would do it again (which would then be the third time). Highly recommend!

If this review was of any help, please leave a like 👇, it keeps me going!

I’m from an older generation and absolutely loved this building, 55years since I went with School, The atmosphere and architecture is amazing , The gardens have been let go , but inside is 👍

A trip back in time - respectfully preserved !
The Old Parliament House is a must see. So much history of Australian politics and governance. A touch of royalty and nostalgia and pride.

What an amazing museum, I learnt so much and it felt like I went back to the time. I took a highlights tour, and my tour guide, David, was one of the most knowledgeable people I have met. I learnt so much from him and he made it interesting. Overall great experience!

This is a fun and interesting place to visit. It’s great to see the place preserved. You can step into offices and halls and the whole place is really immersive.

Fun bonus: you can have a go at a working typewriter!

most enjoyable revisiting and again understanding how young we are as a nation with the signicant events occuring during the 20th century. It would be well worth developing this ‘House’ into a ‘living’ building for Canberra and visitors to enjoy even more

Such a beautiful old building. Shows well what life was like back then. Ashtrays on desks how we have changed our ways. The beautiful woodwork in the houses of parliament. A must see

This is a really beautiful place to visit. It is very educational for people and shows us how the parliament was in the 1990s. There are free tours occurring in the place and entry is via the reception and you are given the map of the entire place. There are also fun games to play near the shop of the Parliament.

Great place to visit and getting some good information on Australia's history and presence. The kids had fun with the excavation they had.

This museum is free and a great step back in time. I highly enjoyed the fact that I could walk at my own pace and look at all the exhibit & the rooms. The beautiful woodwork throughout the building & period Furniture pieces were delightful.

I really loved it. I felt like I was in scene from movie Bridget Jones Baby. I really loved it. I love that in some rooms the "private" items are there like people just went go a toilet or in some meeting. Jacket, purses, bags, tea cups. That os really amazing. I recomend it.

Great time travel to the past! Had low expectations as I thought it would be old and boring things but the whole place was like frozen in time from the 80’s.

I really enjoyed seeing the little details so posters and food from the past. There were a few education exhibits but it was mostly reading things which I am not about.

It’s free to enter and a great piece of Australian history. Definitely recommend if you haven’t been since you were a kid or never been!

Very educational place. The staff are so welcoming and accommodating. A must see when visiting Canberra!

Highly interesting tour through the centre of political power in Australia up until the late 80s. Many of the offices and chambers have been kept as they were with technology, agendas and memorabilia directly from the politicians and office workers there. Highly recommended.

Very nice to ne back in the old time.
Interesting and funny tour with George.
Thanks

We had a tour with a volunteer guide, Wendy, who did an amazing job explaining to us more about the hidden history of this awesome building. Visit it with time to go through all the exhibitions (I personally loved the one about indigenous reconciliation and "recover the lost art of writing letters"). In my opinion, visit first the old parliament house and then go to the new one.
The entry is free btw.