CULTURAL PRECINCT

Explore Australia’s political hub and wander around the National Triangle

Taste

THE BOAT HOUSE $$$$

Restaurant: F–Su lunch, Th–Sa dinner

Bar: F 4pm–late, Sa–Su 12.30pm–evening With unmatched views of Lake Burley Griffin, this restaurant provides perfectly executed cuisine. The set menu includes pressed pork belly, coffee-maple duck and a classic iced vovo dessert. Grevillea Park, Menindee Dve, Barton; theboathouse.restaurant

CHAIRMAN AND YIP $$$$

Tu–W 6pm–10.30pm, Th–F 12pm–2pm & 6pm–10.30pm, Sa 6pm–10.30pm

Serving locals modern Cantonese cuisine for more than 20 years, Chairman and Yip has become a Canberra institution. While it is a regular spot for business meetings, this is also the place to celebrate special occasions, thanks to its private dining rooms and fully enclosed balcony garden.

1 Burbury Cl, Barton; chairmangroup.com.au/chairmanyip

CHIFLEY’S BAR & GRILL $$$$ M–Sa 7am–10.30am, 12pm–2pm & 5.30pm–9pm, Su 7am–10.30am & 5.30pm–9pm

Located in Hotel Kurrajong and named after the 16th Prime Minister of Australia, Ben Chifley, this all-day eatery pays homage to the past while incorporating modern elements that extend to the menu – classic cooked steaks and salads appear along with a deconstructed pavlova. There’s also a bar dedicated to Chifley’s favourite drink. Whisky lovers can take their pick from Tennessee whisky, Canadian whisky, rye whisky and single-malt whisky.

8 National Cct, Barton; hotelkurrajong.com.au

LILOTANG $$$$

Tu–F 12pm–3pm & 6pm–late, Sa 6pm–late

Located in the Burbury Hotel, this traditional Japanese restaurant serves up fresh and simple (but mouthwatering) dishes. For starters, choose from the ‘raw selection’ and try the kingfish with yuzu and blood orange. Or opt for a wagyu sirloin from the charcoal grill menu. Burbury Hotel, 1 Burbury Cl, Barton; lilotang.com.au

MAPLE + CLOVE $$$$

M–F 7.30am–3pm, Sa Su 8am–3pm This healthy (and delicious) breakfast destination uses only wholefoods and antioxidant-rich ingredients in its morning fare. You won’t find an artificial colouring in sight, but you will find a menu packed with many delicious morning goodies.

7 Burbury Cl, Barton; mapleandclove.com.au

OSTANI $$$$

M–F 6.30am–late, Sa–Su 7am–late Ostani at Hotel Realm is an all-day eatery that has you covered from breakfast to dinner or even an afterdinner tipple. The menu has a European flair with everything from small-bite tapas to woodfired pizza and hearty burgers to satiate any hunger pang. The drinks list is extensive too, with a seasonal cocktail list that’s perfect for end-of-week drinks.

18 National Cct, Barton; ostani.com.au

RITUAL CAFÉ $$$$

M–F 7.30am–3.30pm

Don’t skip breakfast when you can pick up a freshly baked muffin, a pastry or –if time is on your side – a plate of smashed avocado with goat’s cheese and dukkah. For those on the move, you can be assured of quick coffee without compromising on taste.

21 National Cct, Barton; ritualbarton.com

THE TEA LOUNGE $$$$

Daily 9am–10pm

You’ll find this lounge nestled in the luxurious Hyatt Hotel. Along with an all-day menu, high tea is served from Monday to Friday, but you’ll be rewarded for visiting on the weekend. The Afternoon Tea Buffet is served at 11am and 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Indulge in all the finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cakes and slices you can fit in before the button on your pants pops. 120 Commonwealth Ave, Canberra; hyatt.com

VINCENT $$$$

Tu–F 12pm–10pm, Sa 6pm–10.30pm The team at Vincent is doing things differently. The concept restaurant specialises in pairing exquisite food with unconventional wines sourced from around the world. The laid-back atmosphere features a long communal bar and nooks for couples, making it the perfect date spot or place to take family and friends.

Cnr Macquarie and Broughton sts, Barton; vincentrestaurant.com.au

Shop

Barton Flower Bar

Always in full bloom, this florist has been providing Canberrans with fresh florals since early 2015. Whether you’re marking a special occasion, or need a mid-week pick-me-up or gift, this is the florist for you.

48 Macquarie St, Barton; bartonflowerbar.com.au

Barton Grocer

So much more than just a grocer, this gourmet supermarket stocks a large selection of fresh produce and pantry items and has an in-house café, bakery and flower shop, so you can choose to dine in or take your freshly made food with you.

48 Macquarie St, Barton; facebook.com/bartongrocer

National Gallery Of Australia Shop

The National Gallery of Australia shop stocks a range of beautiful gifts and art merchandise, including posters, cards, books and handmade jewellery. If you’re feeling inspired, purchase a colouring book to create your own works of art. Parkes Pl, Parkes; nga.gov.au

National Library Of Australia Bookshop

The National Library’s bookshop is home to the best of Australian writing, with many new editions and titles covering history, biography, fiction, cookbooks and children’s books, plus cards, gifts and souvenirs. Parkes Pl, Parkes; nla.gov.au

Explore

National Gallery Of Australia Sculpture Garden

Sitting between the National Gallery of Australia and Lake Burley Griffin, the gallery’s garden, planted in 1996, features sculptures from local and international artists. Parkes Pl, Parkes; nga.gov.au

Old Parliament House Gardens

The Old Parliament House Gardens are located on either side of Old Parliament House. The gardens feature seating pavilions, pergolas, four rose gardens, hedges, rose arbours, gateways and refurbished tennis courts. King George Tce, Parkes; nca.gov.au

Reconciliation Place

Linking the High Court and the National Library is a monument marking the reconciliation process between Australia’s Indigenous people and the settler population. It was officially opened in 2002, following a national design competition; the winning entry was by architect Simon Kringas with Indigenous cultural advisor Sharon Payne. The promenade features artwork displaying images and text on various themes of reconciliation. Parkes; nca.gov.au

Experience

High Court Of Australia

This striking building was added to the National Heritage List in 2007. Join a tour and learn about the High Court’s functions and features.

When court is in session, visitors are welcome to watch proceedings. Parkes Pl, Parkes; hcourt.gov.au

Museum Of Australian Democracy At Old Parliament House

Discover authentically restored heritage spaces and fascinating contemporary exhibitions at MoAD. Explore the stories of the people who created our democracy at Democracy DNA: the People, the Prime Ministers and the World, be inspired by female trailblazers at Changemakers or see how Australia’s best political cartoonists interpreted the goings-on of the past year at Behind the Lines 2022: Off the Planet.

18 King George Tce, Parkes; moadoph.gov.au

National Archives Of Australia

Add the unexpected to your day with a journey through the memory of the nation. Uncover hundreds of stories about ordinary and extraordinary Australians. Visit exhibitions from the permanent collections including Voices/Dhuniai and Connections/Mura gadi. Kings Ave, Parkes; naa.gov.au

National Gallery Of Australia

Set aside at least half a day to peruse the artworks that have defined the Australian nation, as well as international works. The gallery has a constant rotation of blockbuster temporary exhibitions. Check the website for the most up-to-date schedule of events and exhibitions. Parkes Pl, Parkes; nga.gov.au

National Library Of Australia

The country’s largest reference library is also the repository for all kinds of treasures and information about Australia’s history. The landmark building features significant works of art and there are regular public lectures featuring prominent writers. Check out the collection’s diverse range of Australia’s past and contemporary Indigenous culture. Parkes Pl, Parkes; nla.gov.au

National Portrait Gallery

Visit old friends and new faces at the National Portrait Gallery in an award-winning building. Look into the eyes of artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, athletes, scientists (and more!) created by superstar artists like Charles Blackman, Bea Maddock, Albert Tucker, Polly Borland and Warwick Thornton, to name a few. Gain a greater understanding of Australia’s identity, history, creativity, culture and diversity via portraiture, stories and a myriad of programs.

King Edward Tce, Parkes; portrait.gov.au

Parliament House

See federal parliament at work in the meeting place of the nation. This iconic building is known for its impressive architecture, gardens and art collection. All parliamentary proceedings are open to visitors. Take a free tour to view historic documents and impressive Australian art, or visit the roof for one of the best views of Canberra.

Parliament Dr, Canberra; aph.gov.au

QUESTACON – THE NATIONAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

With more than 200 handson exhibits in eight themed galleries, the young and the young-at-heart will enjoy all the educational fun at Questacon. The interactive shows change daily and feature demonstrations and audience participation that will have you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss experiencing the power and beauty of our planet in Awesome Earth.

King Edward Tce, Parkes; questacon.edu.au