Old Parliament HouseOld Parliament House was the seat of the Australian Parliament from 1927 until 1988 and since 2009 has housed the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). It was designed by John Smith Murdoch in a Simplified or “Stripped” Classical style and originally intended to be a provisional building for up to 50 years.
The building sits on the Parliamentary Triangle and, looking across Lake Burley Griffin, is directly in front of Parliament House and aligned with the Australian War Memorial. Its brick facades, domestic-scale proportions and planned gardens reflect the original idea that the building should be neither permanently monumental nor purely temporary.
Inside, major spaces include King’s Hall, the House of Representatives and the Senate chambers, plus courtyards and the former Parliamentary Library; much of the interior timberwork and finishes were selected to represent different Australian states. Today the building operates as a museum and event venue with temporary exhibitions, public programs and displays about Australia’s political history and civic life while being maintained under a heritage management plan.
- King's Hall: A central, light-filled ceremonial space dominated by the larger-than-life bronze statue of King George V and surrounded by portraits and reliefs linked to the nation’s formation.
- House of Representatives chamber: The green-furnished chamber preserves the original layout and furnishings where governments were formed and debates were held until 1988.
- Senate chamber: A richly paneled red chamber with original timber panelling, seating and the ceremonial thrones used for formal occasions.
- Façade and lakeside views: The building’s ordered front façade frames wide views across Lake Burley Griffin to Parliament House and the aligned memorial precinct.
- Temporary exhibitions and programs: MoAD hosts rotating exhibitions, talks and family programs that explore contemporary and historical aspects of Australian democracy.
Nearby Attractions to Old Parliament House#
Best Time to Visit Old Parliament House#
Canberra has distinct seasons; spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for walking around the Parliamentary Triangle and lakeside. Rainfall is moderate year-round with cooler winters and warm summers.
Weather & Climate near Old Parliament House#
Old Parliament House's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (690 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 13° - 27° | 20° | 71 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 3.9 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 14.1h |
| February | Excellent | 13° - 27° | 20° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 3.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.2h |
| March | Excellent | 11° - 24° | 18° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| April | Very Good | 7° - 20° | 14° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.1h |
| May | Very Good | 5° - 16° | 10° | 49 mm | some cloud | 78% | 2.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.1h |
| June | Good | 2° - 12° | 5° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| July | Good | 0° - 11° | 3° | 53 mm | some cloud | 83% | 3.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| August | Good | 2° - 13° | 5° | 53 mm | some cloud | 78% | 3.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.7h |
| September | Very Good | 4° - 16° | 8° | 65 mm | some cloud | 72% | 3.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.7h |
| October | Very Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 3.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.9h |
| November | Very Good | 9° - 22° | 16° | 74 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 3.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.8h |
| December | Excellent | 12° - 26° | 19° | 51 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 3.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.4h |
How to Get to Old Parliament House#
The building is in central Canberra; the nearest airport is Canberra Airport and the city is served by rail and coach services to Canberra railway station and central bus interchanges. The museum sits within the Parliamentary Triangle close to the lake and other national institutions.
From central Canberra the site is an easy short taxi, bus or walking trip; it is within walking distance of Parliament House and linked by pedestrian routes around Lake Burley Griffin to the Australian War Memorial. For the final stretch use local buses, a taxi or a short walk; check local timetables and accessibility options.
Tips for Visiting Old Parliament House#
- Check the museum’s current opening days and any event closures before you travel.
- Allow time to visit both chambers and King’s Hall; some areas may be included in guided tours or temporarily closed for exhibitions.
- Combine a visit with a lakeside walk and nearby national institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia or the National Library of Australia.
- There is limited heavy-traffic parking in the Parliamentary Triangle; public transport or a short taxi ride from central Canberra is often easier.
- If you are interested in architecture or heritage, look for the original fittings and state timbers used throughout the interior.