Which building took 10,000 people to build, features a roof covered in turf the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground and a flag mast which is one of the largest stainless steel structures in the world?
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Australian Parliament House will throw open its doors for its 30th Anniversary Open Day on October 6, promising a fun-filled day of activities and entertainment. There will be something to suit everyone, from the political tragic to the architecture buff, with food and musical entertainment on tap, all day.
More than 30 million people have visited Parliament House since it opened in 1988.
The day starts with a community yoga session on the lawns at 8am, before the doors open at 9am, giving you behind-the-scenes access to areas of the building not normally open to the public.
Walk in the shoes of a parliamentarian as you experience the House of Representatives Chamber and the Senate Chamber up close and chat to elected parliamentarians.
Channel your inner politician in the glare of the Parliament House Broadcasting team’s cameras, get a glimpse of the ancient traditions behind the jobs of the Serjeant at Arms and Usher of the Black Rod, during a role play, and learn how Hansard editors work as a relay team to record the busy daily life of the Chambers.
Find Shawn the Prawn on our all-new kids’ trail, and be among the first in the country to see the amazing LEGO Parliament House, created by the Brickman, Ryan McNaught.
Vote on a matter of public importance (should every Australian visit Parliament House at least once?) and take a peek into the Cabinet Room, where decisions are taken that affect the whole country.
Look skyward for a flyover by the Royal Australian Airforce Roulettes and watch the Federation Guard go through its paces.
There will be entertainment across the day, with the Paverty Bush Band, Indigenous musician and violinist Eric Avery, The Po Boys, RMC band and the Music for Canberra choir.
Make a day of it, and enjoy a lunch menu designed by our Hatted Chef in the Queen’s Terrace Café, with its uninterrupted views over Canberra, or enjoy an al fresco snack in one of our delightful courtyards, which are in full spring bloom.
Don’t forget to enter the draw to win a gold ticket for two to experience Australian Parliament House like never before.
Transport: A free bus service will run throughout the day, every 15-20 minutes. The loop will take in Parliament House, Government House (also open to the public on 6 October), Floriade (Commonwealth Ave, Regatta Point), Civic (bus exchange) and the Treasury Building carpark (park-n-ride).
Highlights of open day include:
- Yoga on the lawn (8am start)
- See the Senate and the House of Representatives Chambers up close.
- Don the robes of the Serjeant at Arms in a parliamentary role-play
- Channel your inner politician in the intense glare of the cameras
- See LEGO Parliament House by Brickman
- Hear from journalist Paul Kelly at the inaugural Speaker’s Lecture
- Help put the AFP dogs through their paces
- Find Shawn the Prawn on the all-new kids trail
- Enjoy a BBQ in one of the pretty courtyards.
