Parkes
ACT 2600 • Australian Capital Territory
About Parkes
Parkes is a prestige diplomatic and institutional suburb in the heart of Canberra, postcode 2600, forming part of the Parliamentary Triangle between Lake Burley Griffin and Capital Hill. The 2021 Census recorded zero permanent residents across its 3 square kilometres, reflecting Parkes' function as the home of Australia's most significant national institutions and diplomatic missions rather than a conventional residential suburb. The locality is named after Sir Henry Parkes, a founding father of the Australian federation.
Parkes is home to a remarkable concentration of national assets, including the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, the High Court of Australia, the National Library of Australia, Questacon (National Science and Technology Centre), and numerous foreign embassy buildings. The suburb sits between Lake Burley Griffin's northern shore and the slopes of Capital Hill, with grand boulevards, wide open spaces, and formal parkland creating one of Australia's most architecturally distinctive streetscapes. It is a major visitor and tourist destination for Canberra.
Parkes falls under postcode 2600 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Murrumbidgee electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Transport Canberra Route 3, 9 — Canberra City (Civic) 8-15 min
Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)
🛣️ Excellent walking and cycling links via Lake Burley Griffin paths; bus connections to CBD
Extensive walking paths and cycling routes around Lake Burley Griffin; no local shops but nearby CBD and Kingston accessible
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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New South Wales Crescent
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Melbourne Avenue
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Denison Street
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Denison Street
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6142 3250 Loftus Street
