Courtyard Café at Old Parliament House

Nestled within the heritage-listed walls of Old Parliament House, the Courtyard Café at Old Parliament House offers a unique dining destination in Parkes, ACT. More than just a cafe, it is a place where history and hospitality meet, providing a tranquil escape for museum visitors, local workers, and families exploring the Parliamentary Triangle. The café is operated by the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) and is located at 18 King George Terrace, making it a convenient and atmospheric spot for a meal or a coffee break amid a day of discovery.

Whether you're looking to rest your feet after touring the museum's exhibitions or simply seeking a quality coffee in a magnificent setting, the Courtyard Café delivers. Diners can choose to sit indoors in the cosy lounge area or enjoy the fresh air in the picturesque House of Representatives courtyard, a fully enclosed outdoor space that provides a peaceful backdrop for a leisurely meal.

The menu is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, with a focus on fresh, in-house baked goods and classic café fare. Everything from a morning pastry to a hearty lunch is available for dine-in or takeaway, making it a flexible option for any schedule. According to Google Maps reviewers, the café holds a 3.4-star rating based on 138 reviews, with customers often highlighting the excellent coffee and the beautiful, historic setting, though some have noted variability in food preparation.

Menu Highlights at Courtyard Café at Old Parliament House

The café's menu strikes a balance between fresh-baked comfort and daily variety. All items are crafted to be enjoyed in the heritage surroundings or on the go. The daily focus ensures there is always something new to try alongside tried-and-true favourites.

Freshly Baked Goods: A standout feature is the in-house bakery. The café is known for its breakfast items and pastries, alongside homemade cookies, scones, muffins, and a selection of sweet treats. One Google Maps reviewer, Gregory J Hernon, specifically noted the "excellent" quality of the coffee.

Lunch and All-Day Options: The menu includes a range of sandwiches, salads, pies, and quiches. A variety of hot dishes change daily, providing a robust lunch selection. The café proudly offers gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options to accommodate various dietary requirements.

Special Events Catering: The café hosts special events like the Mum's High Tea Treat, featuring a menu of freshly baked scones with whipped cream and jam, a selection of finger sandwiches including poached chicken and smoked salmon, mini sausage rolls and quiches, and a selection of petite desserts. A High Tea Picnic Box for four people is also available for collection, offering a gourmet experience to be enjoyed anywhere on the grounds.

The Dining Experience at Courtyard Café at Old Parliament House

The Courtyard Café offers two distinct and charming dining environments. The interior provides a cosy lounge atmosphere, perfect for a quiet coffee or an intimate catch-up. However, the true draw is the House of Representatives courtyard, a sun-drenched, fully enclosed outdoor area. This space allows children to play safely on the grass while parents relax, and it serves as a stunning venue for events and casual lunches alike.

The service model is flexible, with full dine-in and takeaway options available. It is important to note that the café operates on a cashless basis, accepting card payments only, and applies a 10% surcharge on Sundays and public holidays. The café also provides a unique venue for children's birthday parties, with a designated pergola area available for hire, along with catering and party game packages.

Customer reviews on Google Maps paint a picture of an experience defined by its location and coffee. Gregory J Hernon, a Local Guide, remarked, "The coffee we had here was excellent. It was a bit noisy because of the small children, but the excellent quality of the coffee raises our rating from 4 to 5 stars." In contrast, a review from Jessica Menace expressed disappointment, stating that her food "was heated in the microwave, which completely ruined the croissant I ordered!" This feedback highlights a divide between the praised coffee program and potential inconsistencies in food service. Another reviewer, Malcolm Snelgrove, described the venue as a "beautiful location with lots of tables and sofas," and noted the courtyard was partially under renovation during his visit.

Courtyard Café at Old Parliament House in Parkes, ACT

The café is situated inside Old Parliament House at 18 King George Terrace in Parkes, a key part of Canberra's Parliamentary Triangle. This prime location places it directly within one of Australia's most significant heritage buildings, a structure that served as the home of the federal government from 1927 to 1988. The venue is accessible to the public, including visitors with accessibility needs, as the Museum of Australian Democracy is committed to making its building, exhibitions, and events accessible for all.

Being located in the heart of the Parliamentary Triangle, it is near other national attractions, making it a strategic stop for tourists and locals exploring the area. Visitors can easily access the café from both the front museum entrance and the rear entrance on Queen Victoria Terrace. Information on getting to the site by car, bus, or bike is available through the MoAD website.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Planning a visit is straightforward, with clear operating hours and multiple ways to book a table or an event. The café's opening hours vary by day, so it's recommended to check the schedule before heading over.

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Table reservations can be made by emailing moadophevents@restaurantassociates.com.au or by calling the venue directly at (02) 6261 7200. For special events like children's birthday parties, which include exclusive use of the outdoor pergola, phone booking is also required. The café operates on a credit/debit card-only basis, with no cash payments accepted. A 10% surcharge applies on Sundays and public holidays.

Common Questions

Does Courtyard Café at Old Parliament House take reservations?

Yes, table reservations can be made by emailing moadophevents@restaurantassociates.com.au or by calling (02) 6261 7200.

What are the opening hours of Courtyard Café at Old Parliament House?

The café is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Does the Courtyard Café offer gluten-free or vegan options?

Yes, the café's menu includes gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

Is the Courtyard Café at Old Parliament House wheelchair accessible?

The Museum of Australian Democracy, which houses the café, is committed to making its building, exhibitions, and events accessible for all visitors, suggesting accessible facilities are available.

Can I host a children's birthday party at the café?

Yes, the café offers a dedicated children's party package. This includes venue hire of the outdoor pergola for $150, catering platters starting at $70, and optional party games for $300. Bookings can be made by phone.

Does the café accept cash payments?

No, the Courtyard Café at Old Parliament House is a card-only venue and does not accept cash.