Australian Parliament House Tours and Tickets

The Australian Parliament House is the building where the Australian legislative body (or the Parliament) meets. There are several rooms, including the Senate and House of Representatives. The current building was opened in 1988 by Queen Elizabeth II and is known for its huge flagpole waving the Australian flag.

Australian Parliament House is open to visitors every day except Christmas Day. Opening starts from 9am daily, while it closes at either 5pm or 6pm, depending on whether parliament is sitting. It’s often busy with school groups; aim for early morning or later afternoon if you’d like a quieter experience.

Yes, you can go inside the Australian Parliament House and entry is free for all. Be aware that you’ll need to go through a security screening on entry, which includes a check of any personal possessions you’re carrying. The building is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, allows guide dogs, and has hearing loops for those using hearing aids.

Canberra day tours often visit the Australian Parliament House. Once you’re there, there are various tour options to choose from or you can look around independently. There are tours focussing on different areas of interest, including architecture, art, political events, and more.

Factor around two hours for a thorough exploration of the Australian Parliament House. If you’re joining a tour, times vary depending on the subject matter, but tend to last from 25–45 minutes. You can wander at your leisure, plus there’s the chance to grab a bite at the Queen’s Terrace Café or browse the gift shop.

Yes, the Australian Parliament House is worth a visit—you can even see parliament in action by watching Question Time, a committee inquiry, or bills being debated. You can combine a visit with a trip to the science museum Questacon, the National Gallery of Australia, or the National Library of Australia.