Parliament House Tours and Activities
Sydney’s Parliament House is a complex of buildings that has housed the Parliament of New South Wales since 1829. Listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, the site consists of the north wing of the Rum Hospital building (which was built in 1816 as part of the country’s first hospital) flanked by two Neo-gothic buildings.
The Basics
Visitors can get a peek into the workings of the government with a stop at Parliament House. Admire the architecture of the historic Parkes, Wentworth and Jubilee rooms, and take one of the twice-weekly tours to learn about the Parliament’s history and role in the government. The visitors’ galleries also boast art exhibitions and historical displays.
When Parliament is not in session, both assembly chambers are also open to visitors, but when Parliament is sitting, visitors are only allowed to access the visitors’ galleries. Sydney city tours often include a stop at Parliament House along with other local sites.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors must go through a security screening to enter Parliament House.
- There are free guided tours on Mondays and Fridays in the early afternoon; advance booking is not required.
- The Parliament Building is wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcome.
- There is an on-site cafe that is open Monday–Friday and a restaurant that serves lunches on days when Parliament is not in session.
How to Get There
Sydney’s Parliament House is located at 6 Macquarie Street, near the corner of Hunter Street and the Royal Botanic Garden. It is a 25-minute walk from Darling Harbour. The nearest train stations are Martin Place, approximately 2 minutes away, and St. James, which is about 5 minutes away.
When to Get There
Parliament House is open to the public Monday–Friday during normal business hours, all year round, with the exception of most public holidays and the two-week Christmas and New Years break. The building is open on Australia Day. To determine which days Parliament is in session, see the Sitting Days Calendar.
Dining at Strangers’ Restaurant
Visitors can enjoy a meal at the Parliament House’s Strangers’ Restaurant on days that Parliament is not sitting. The restaurant serves lunch, prepared with fresh, seasonal produce, and also offers a popular high tea every Friday, which includes tea and coffee along with handmade bites served on special Wedgwood plates adorned with the Parliament crest.
Address: 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Parliament House
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Private Sydney Half Day Tour including Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach
14
See Sydney’s top sights on a half-day private city tour that still leaves you with time to enjoy the rest of the day on your own. You’ll check off Sydney’s must-see attractions, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and Circular Quay. Hear about the city’s history and modern-day culture from a private guide-driver, and take in daily life around neighborhoods like Paddington and Darlinghurst.
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From
$261.85
Price varies by group size
From
$261.85
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More
Small-Group Sydney City Walking Tour
18
Dig deeper into Sydney’s dark history and multi-cultural heritage on this 3-hour walking tour of the city’s best bits. Learn about Sydney’s Aboriginal roots, convict past and colonial history as you follow your guide around Circular Quay, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour. Stop along the way to admire landmark buildings like the Customs House, Parliament House and St Mary's Cathedral; stroll around Hyde Park; and snap photos of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Tower.
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From
$95.16
From
$95.16
Small Group Essential Sydney Tour Including Lunch
10
Explore Sydney on a 5-hour tour that includes a comprehensive city tour, lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay, and a visit to Bondi Beach. In Sydney, see highlights including the historic Rocks district, Royal Botanical Gardens, Parliament House, Hyde Park Barracks, St Mary’s Cathedral, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. You'll also drive through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, Oxford Street and the suburbs of Paddington, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay, enjoying informative commentary along the way.
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From
$187.77
From
$187.77
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Private Essential Sydney Tour Including Lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
2
Skip the crowds on this private tour of Sydney's highlights. In the company of just your party and a guide, see landmarks including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then enjoy lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia over looking Rushcutters Bay.
…More
From
$432.16
Price varies by group size
From
$432.16
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
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