Parliament Shop

The Parliament Shop stands as a unique retail destination nestled within the heart of Australian democracy. Located in the iconic Australian Parliament House on Parliament Drive in Canberra, this gift shop offers visitors and locals alike a thoughtfully curated collection of souvenirs, books, and elegant giftware that celebrate the institution of parliament, Australia’s rich political heritage, and the striking architecture of its most famous building. Unlike a typical souvenir stand, the Parliament Shop is committed to providing high-quality, Australian-made products, partnering with makers and designers from across the country to create a shopping experience that reflects national pride and craftsmanship.

Open every day except Christmas Day, the shop provides an essential stop for tourists exploring Capital Hill and locals seeking meaningful gifts. Its hours adapt to the parliamentary calendar, operating from 9am to 5pm on non-sitting days and extending to 5:45pm on sitting days, ensuring that both visitors touring the building and those attending parliamentary proceedings have ample opportunity to browse. The atmosphere is one of refined civic engagement, where the nation’s democratic story is told through carefully chosen items, from political biographies and Indigenous art to puzzles depicting Capital Hill and the popular Tiwi carvings.

What Customers Will Find at Parliament Shop

The product range at the Parliament Shop is extensive and intentionally Australian. The store is organized into several key collections that cater to diverse interests. The Souvenirs section features classic mementos such as magnets, postcards, and apparel emblazoned with Parliament House imagery, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Canberra. The Bookshop is a standout, housing an extensive collection of political books covering Australian Parliament House, Australian politics, Canberra’s history, Indigenous perspectives, and young readers’ editions, making it a valuable resource for students, history enthusiasts, and anyone keen to understand the nation’s legislative heart.

Beyond books and souvenirs, the shop boasts a dedicated Gifts section with elegant homewares, jewellery, and the exclusive Capital Hill range, which includes the popular Capital Hill puzzles. A significant highlight is the Indigenous collection, featuring ethically sourced artworks and crafts. As stated on the Parliament Shop website, all First Nations artwork is ethically produced, purchased, and sold in accordance with the Indigenous Art Code, giving buyers confidence in the integrity of their purchases. The New Arrivals section keeps the inventory fresh, recently showcasing intricate Tiwi carvings by artists like Thomas Munkanome, John Babui, and Arthur Purantatameri, priced from $182.00 AUD to $545.00 AUD.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

The Parliament Shop currently holds a 4.2-star rating on Google Maps based on 44 reviews, reflecting a generally positive reception with some mixed feedback. Google Maps reviewers often describe the shop as a delightful surprise within Parliament House. One reviewer, Nina Beilby, a Local Guide with over 590 reviews, praised the establishment simply and effectively: “Great. Beautiful, high-quality pieces that a tourist would love to own.” This sentiment echoes through other comments that highlight the shop’s appeal as a source of well-crafted, distinctly Australian items.

Another customer, S Papa, shared a more personal experience, noting the shop’s exceptional care in packaging: “What a wonderful surprise! I ordered something for my daughter's birthday, and the nice staff at the Parliament Shop packed everything so lovingly and carefully.” This attention to service detail, particularly for online and special orders, appears to be a recurring positive theme. However, not all feedback has been glowing. A reviewer named Jingran Li reported a disappointing in-store interaction, recounting that after purchasing two fridge magnets for $2.50 each, a staff member refused to provide a paper bag or even a napkin. The shop owner responded promptly to this review, indicating an active interest in customer satisfaction and a willingness to address complaints, which is a trust signal for potential visitors. The overall review profile suggests a business with premium products and generally good service, though in-person experiences may occasionally vary.

The Story and Values Behind Parliament Shop

The Parliament Shop is not merely a retail outlet; it is an extension of the Australian Parliament House experience. According to the “Our Story” page, the shop is deeply committed to supporting Australian suppliers, collaborating with artisans and designers nationwide to create and source unique products. This commitment extends beyond commerce into cultural respect, with the shop operating on the principle of acknowledging the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia. The shop’s website and footer prominently feature an acknowledgment of country, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that the website may contain images and voices of deceased people, demonstrating a culturally sensitive operational approach.

The shop’s role is to celebrate democracy, the institution of parliament, and the very building in which it resides. By offering products that range from political literature to contemporary Australian design, it serves both as a retail space and an educational touchpoint. The range of official gifts guides—covering categories like Australian Parliament House gifts, homewares, flag pins, baby and child items, art and apparel, books, jewellery, and gift cards—makes it a convenient resource for official delegations, government employees, and anyone seeking a gift with authentic national significance.

Location and Accessibility on Capital Hill

The Parliament Shop is situated inside Australian Parliament House, on Parliament Drive in Canberra, ACT 2601. This places it within one of the nation’s most significant architectural landmarks, a building designed to represent the character of Australia and its democratic spirit. Google Maps attributes confirm the location is LGBTQ+ friendly, and the business offers in-store shopping and in-store pickup, catering to both walk-in tourists and online customers who prefer to collect their orders. While specific parking details are not highlighted, Parliament House provides visitor parking facilities, and the area is well-served by public transport, as is typical for a national capital landmark. The shop’s physical address is M4VF+5X Capital Hill, Australian Capital Territory, and customers can easily access it while touring the public areas of Parliament House.

Directions are readily available through the shop’s website and Google Maps, and the “Plan Your Visit” page encourages visitors to explore the building. The integration of the shop within the parliamentary precinct means that security screenings typical of government buildings apply, but the shop itself is open to the public daily. The connection to the broader parliamentary experience makes a visit to the Parliament Shop more than a quick shopping trip; it becomes part of an educational and civic journey through Australia’s political center.

Common Questions

What are the Parliament Shop's opening hours?

The shop is open from 9am to 5pm on non-sitting days and from 9am to 5:45pm on sitting days. It is open every day except Christmas Day.

Does the Parliament Shop offer online ordering and pickup?

Yes, the Parliament Shop offers both in-store shopping and in-store pickup. You can browse and purchase items online at parliamentshop.com.au and select the