Old Parliament House
18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
Old Parliament House (OPH) was the home of the federal Parliament from 1927 to 1988 and was designed by John Smith Murdoch, the first Commonwealth government architect. The building witnessed many significant events in Australia’s parliamentary and political history and is an iconic landmark in our democratic journey. From royal banquets and official state receptions to corporate conferences and galas alike, OPH has been host to it all. Refurbished to reflect its original grandeur, this renowned heritage-listed venue continues to provide a sophisticated and elegant backdrop for events of all styles.
Old Parliament House Function Rooms

Private Dining Room 2
Private Dining Room 2 has beautiful, original 1927 wallpaper on the walls, and was formerly the Prime Minister’s Private Dining Room. It has stunning views of the Parliament House lawns, its own terrace which can be utilised for your event,...

Courtyards
The Senate Courtyard is a beautiful space, bright and spacious, with an original timber pergola; it is a secluded area reminiscent of a secret garden.

Kings Hall
King’s Hall is a grand space in the heart of the building. The space has original parquetry, high ceilings and a statue of King George V, making for a truly majestic setting.

Private Dining Room 1
Private Dining Room 1 has natural light, a dividable section at the back of the room should you need a break-out space, built-in audio visual equipment, and its own catering area with stunning courtyard views.

Secretariat
The Secretariat is a convenient and private space near the Members’ Bar, with close access to amenities and overlooking the Senate Courtyard.

Members Bar
The Members’ Bar is a fantastic space which retained an original bar from the 1940s and a heritage piano that can be utilised for your event.

Members Dining Rooms
The Members’ Dining Room has direct, stunning and unobstructed views of New Parliament House, its own driveway and terrace which can be utilised for your event, and some lovely bridges that you walk over for a grand entrance off Queen Victo...
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps are involved in booking an event at Old Parliament House?
There are a few steps involved in booking an event at Old Parliament House and the VenueNow team are here to do the heavy lifting for you.
Firstly, contact the VenueNow team by submitting an enquiry or speaking to one of our team members online or over the phone. We'll need to collect a few details from you, such as your:
- Event type
- Number of people attending
- Preferred event date & time (and if this is flexible)
- Budget (per person or total)
- Room layout
- Food and beverage / catering requirements
- Any other requirements
Once we've gathered these details, the VenueNow team will contact the team at Old Parliament House to check:
1) Can they host the event on your preferred date / time? If not, what are some alternate dates / times?
2) What is the estimated cost based on your event requirements?
This process tends to take around 1 business day on average to receive a response from the venue. Once we've received a response, the VenueNow team will contact you as soon as possible.
If you're happy with the proposed price and dates / times, the VenueNow team will connect you with Old Parliament House to finalise your booking (which may include a site visit if you choose to do so).
VenueNow provides this service free of charge to you as we are paid a small fee by Old Parliament House if you book via us.
I have more questions. How do I get in contact?
There are a number of ways you can get in contact:
1) Call the VenueNow team on 1300 647 488 during business hours AEST
2) Contact the VenueNow team via our online chat in the bottom right of the screen
3) Submit an enquiry via the form on the page
The VenueNow team usually reply within a few hours during Australian business.
What catering / food and beverage options are available at Old Parliament House?
The following food and beverage / catering options are available for guests at Old Parliament House:
- Bar Tab
- BYO Drinks
For more information regarding food and beverage / catering options, please contact a VenueNow Event Booking Expert.
How do I find out if Old Parliament House is available for my event date?
The best way to find out if Old Parliament House is available for your event date is to send an enquiry through or get in contact with one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts.
Availability at many venues around the country is limited so if your date is flexible, please let the VenueNow team know and the venue may be able to provide a range of dates that suit your needs.
How much does an event cost at Old Parliament House?
Please enquire for pricing and availability.
This may be subject to change due to seasonality, day of the week, duration and your specific requirements. For an accurate quote for your event please send an enquiry or contact one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts.
What type of events can be hosted at Old Parliament House?
The following types of events can be held at Old Parliament House:
- Birthday Party
- 30th Birthday Party
- 50th Birthday Party
- Conference
- Corporate Function
- University Ball
- School Formal
- Workshop
- Awards Dinner
- 21st Birthday Party
- 18th Birthday Party
- Executive Retreat
- AGM
- Networking Event
- Seminar
- Engagement Party
- Wedding
- Christening
- Bar Mitzvah
- Product Launch
- Trivia Night
- Corporate Retreat
- 40th Birthday Party
- Corporate Offsite
- Residential Conference
- Christmas Party
- End of Financial Year Party
- Gala Dinner
- Function
- Meeting
- Cocktail Party
- Trade Show
If your specific event type is not on the list, contact one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts and they will check if Old Parliament House is able to facilitate your event or will help you find an alternate venue.
What makes the historic Old Parliament House, Canberra Australia a unique events place?
Home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House is a national icon. The magnificent design and historical significance make it the perfect place to explore for history buffs or people who want an insight into Australia's democracy through museum exhibits about our democratic process!
There is plenty to do in this historic location. Take a tour with our experts to discover more about the rich history of Old Parliament House or go at your own pace with our latest exhibitions. Step back in time and explore the extensively restored rooms of historical Old Parliament House, including the House of Representatives Chamber and the Prime Minister's suite. In fact, some of these renowned heritage listed venue locations provide a sophisticated and elegant backdrop for events such as royal banquets and official state receptions, to corporate conferences and galas alike. Visitors will surely be amazed!
Where is the Old Parliament House, Australia located?
The Old Parliament House is located at 18 King George Terrace, Parkes Australian Capital Territory 2600, Australia.
What are the Old Parliament House function rooms for hire?
The Old Parliament House offers various function spaces that are perfect for any size and type of event, from small group get-togethers to 500 guest celebrations. It offers exciting and unforgettable spaces in one iconic building!
Learn more about the Old Parliament House venue hire options below:
Secretariat - The Secretariat is a space that once served as the card-playing room, but it has now become much more than this. The heritage-listed furniture here makes for an elegant setting during meetings or private breaks from work - not to mention its use in media rooms and bridal parties!
Courtyards - The old stone walls and mossy trees make the Courtyard a secluded area that's perfect for special occasions. You'll be able to host your wedding or graduation ceremony in this enchanting space with its romantic ambience, but don't worry if it rains because we have plenty of backup venues ready just in case!
House of Representatives Chamber and The Senate Chamber - The House of Representatives Chamber and the Senate Chamber are very special spaces to experience while at Old Parliament House. Sitting in the room and indeed on those exact seats where generations of MPs shaped Australia can be an introduction or conclusion for conferences, seminars and welcome addresses before formal dinners. However, due to its particular importance, it requires security guards to be present during your event.
King's Hall - The coffered ceiling, white plaster walls with intricate mouldings and highly polished original parquet floor are only some of the features that make King's Hall so beautiful. It also houses a tall statue dedicated to George V for all who enter this space-a truly majestic setting!
Member's Bar - The Members' Bar is one of the last remaining heritage-listed bars in Australia, retaining its original atmosphere. The space features a beautiful skylight and seating area that are sure to make you feel at home with memories from years past!
Member's Dining Rooms - The Full Member's Dining Room (combined space of Member's Dining Room 1, 2 and 3) is a historical space that can be utilised for all events. The large, open room with views to the Australian Parliament House and Queen Victoria Terrace provides an unforgettable backdrop in any setting.