Great Hall

As the doors open, revealing soaring ceilings, polished timber floors and a stunning full-height tapestry, the grandeur of the Great Hall is revealed. Impossible to surpass in terms of sheer impact, there are few more impressive settings for gala events and prestigious dinners.

This striking space showcases the integration of architecture, craft, and art into Australian Parliament House. Pulling focus at the far end of the room, the tapestry depicts towering eucalyptus trees as a homage to the majesty of the bush—quintessentially Australian, it was designed by the great 20th century artist Arthur Boyd and made by weavers at the Australian Tapestry Workshop in Melbourne.

Entry to the Great Hall is past the sweeping staircases and marble-clad columns of the Marble Foyer - an ideal setting for pre-dinner drinks.

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Queen's Terrace, Gallery and Café

The Queen’s Terrace Cafe is a place to relax and enjoy the vista of Canberra’s parliamentary triangle and the view towards Mount Ainslie along Walter Burley Griffin’s land axis. With full kitchen and bar facilities, it is a versatile space which can be transformed at night into a sophisticated cocktail bar or used as a casual dining area for guests.

Ideal for cocktails or small banquets, the Queen’s Terrace Gallery is sometimes home to one of Parliament House’s quirkier artworks, a Lego model of Parliament House. Constructed by Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught, the display is complete with media scrums, money trees and intergalactic space travellers. The adjoining terrace area provides a sunny spot for year-round outdoor dining, as well as sweeping views across the city.

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Mural Hall

Bathed in abundant natural light, the Mural Hall is an elegant and versatile space suitable for a range of occasions. 

Adorned with the glazed ceramic mural River Odyssey which takes you from the coast to the desert, the Mural Hall, with its double-height timber-clad columns, overlooks the reflective pool on the ground floor of Members’ Hall.

The Mural Hall’s central location is convenient for parliamentarians and other VIPs, or to capture the interest of passers-by.

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Alcoves

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the Dorothy Tangney Alcove is a light-filled and airy space in the private area of the building and boasts views across Canberra. The Enid Lyons Alcove also has floor-to-ceiling windows, but with views of the rolling hills to Canberra’s north. 

Both alcoves are versatile spaces—equally suited to evening cocktails or a working lunch.

Rooms

Also located on the second floor of Parliament House, and convenient to both the Senate and House of Representatives wings of Parliament House, the Sir Richard Baker and Sir Frederick Holder rooms are smaller conference areas perfect for working groups and intimate functions.

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Theatrette and Foyer

Rich red upholstery and carpets, and deep blue walls elevate the Parliament House Theatrette into something truly special. 

With space in the foyer for guest registration, refreshment breaks, buffet lunches and pre-screening drinks, the venue is ideal for presentations, conferences and film screenings.

Accommodating 288 guests in fully-tiered seating, and capacity for 30 on stage, the Theatrette also has professional audio-visual capabilities to suit your needs.

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Private Dining Rooms

For intimate dining or larger celebrations, Parliament House has three elegant and adaptable private dining rooms that can be used as single venues or combined to cater to up to 90 people.

Located on the second floor, close to the Mural Hall and the parliamentary chambers, the private dining rooms provide a convenient and central location for a diverse range of events.

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