Parliament House | Canberra

Information

Landmark: Parliament House
City: Canberra
Country: Australia
Continent: Australia

Parliament House, Canberra, Australia, Australia

Parliament House is the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia, located in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

It is a large, modern building situated on Capital Hill.

Visual Characteristics

The building is constructed primarily from polished Australian granite and sandstone. Its design features a distinctive grass-covered roof, which forms a large mound. The structure is semi-circular, with two large curved walls extending outwards. The main entrance is marked by a large flagpole. The building's height is approximately 70 meters from the ground to the top of the flagpole.

Location & Access Logistics

Parliament House is located at Capital Hill, Canberra, ACT 2600. It is approximately 4 kilometers southwest of the Canberra city center. Access is via Commonwealth Avenue, turning onto Capital Circle. Ample parking is available in designated visitor parking areas directly beneath the building, accessible from Capital Circle. Public transport options include ACTION bus routes 31, 32, and 57, which stop at the Parliament House bus station on Commonwealth Avenue.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the current Parliament House began in 1981 and was completed in 1988. The architect was Romaldo Giurgola. The building was designed to house the Parliament of Australia and to be a symbol of Australian democracy. The site itself is part of the Canberra urban plan, designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe Question Time from the public galleries in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Guided tours of the building are available daily. The Australian Parliament House Art Collection, featuring over 3,000 works, can be viewed throughout the building. The forecourt offers views of Lake Burley Griffin and the city.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located on all public levels. Shaded areas are available within the building's interior courtyards and under the roof overhang. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the building. Food and beverage services, including cafes and a restaurant, are located within Parliament House.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal natural light within the building, visiting between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM is recommended. The best months for weather in Canberra are generally September through November (spring) and March through May (autumn), offering mild temperatures. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A unique feature is the 81-meter flagpole, which supports a 12-meter by 6-meter Australian flag. The flagpole is made of stainless steel and weighs 100 tonnes. The building is designed to be largely self-sufficient in terms of energy and water usage.