Parliament House Tours and Activities
Home to the Parliament of the state of South Australia, Parliament House is a landmark of downtown Adelaide. Behind grand columns it houses the state’s two legislative chambers: the House of Assembly (lower house) and the Legislative Council (upper house). Designed as early as 1872, it wasn’t completed until 1939.
The Basics
There is no charge to visit Parliament House. Visitors are welcome to watch lawmakers in action when the House is in session; outside those times, tours are given twice daily on weekdays. Most travelers choose to experience Parliament House entirely from the outside, taking it in with Adelaide’s other historic architecture on a scenic stroll. Parliament House is an occasional stop on Adelaide city tours; guides will explain how it arose from the much less impressive Old Parliament House next door.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Parliament House sits on North Terrace, on the north side of downtown Adelaide, a stone’s throw from Rundle Mall and an easy walk from other city center attractions. It’s a stop on the free City Connector bus service, routes 98A and 98C, and is directly opposite Adelaide Railway Station, which is also a tram stop.
When to Get There
If you’d like to see inside Parliament House, you’ll need to visit on a weekday. When Parliament is sitting, you can watch the action from the “Stranger’s Galleries.” Question time, immediately after lunch, is a popular time to visit. Free tours are offered twice daily when parliament is not in session, one in the morning and one in the early afternoon. The building is inaccessible on weekends.
Adelaide’s Heritage Architecture
Parliament House is just one Adelaide architectural landmark. A British naval officer named William Light laid out the city, surrounded by parklands, around the time South Australia was created, in 1836, and a wealth of early buildings have been preserved. Other city landmarks include Town Hall, Government House, and the State Library of South Australia.
The Basics
There is no charge to visit Parliament House. Visitors are welcome to watch lawmakers in action when the House is in session; outside those times, tours are given twice daily on weekdays. Most travelers choose to experience Parliament House entirely from the outside, taking it in with Adelaide’s other historic architecture on a scenic stroll. Parliament House is an occasional stop on Adelaide city tours; guides will explain how it arose from the much less impressive Old Parliament House next door.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parliament House is a must for fans of heritage architecture.
- All bags are scanned in security machines on entry. Avoid bringing sharp objects.
- There is limited wheelchair access to Parliament House.
How to Get There
Parliament House sits on North Terrace, on the north side of downtown Adelaide, a stone’s throw from Rundle Mall and an easy walk from other city center attractions. It’s a stop on the free City Connector bus service, routes 98A and 98C, and is directly opposite Adelaide Railway Station, which is also a tram stop.
When to Get There
If you’d like to see inside Parliament House, you’ll need to visit on a weekday. When Parliament is sitting, you can watch the action from the “Stranger’s Galleries.” Question time, immediately after lunch, is a popular time to visit. Free tours are offered twice daily when parliament is not in session, one in the morning and one in the early afternoon. The building is inaccessible on weekends.
Adelaide’s Heritage Architecture
Parliament House is just one Adelaide architectural landmark. A British naval officer named William Light laid out the city, surrounded by parklands, around the time South Australia was created, in 1836, and a wealth of early buildings have been preserved. Other city landmarks include Town Hall, Government House, and the State Library of South Australia.
Address: North Terrace and King William Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Parliament House
Sort by:Featured
Be an Adelaide local: intimate walk
8
This small-group walk allows those with a curious nature to step into the shoes of a local, showing intimate locations around the main part (northern end) of Adelaide's city centre.
Wander through the beautiful North Terrace and Riverbank precincts, then discover hidden architectural gems and a garden oasis. Areas all frequented by locals, but not always noticed. Be inspired by quirky stories, varied architecture and new perspectives!
This is an Adelaide walking tour with a difference - you will gain more than just facts about monuments. You'll have a local understanding of how Adelaide became the city it is today, and how it's still evolving!
The walk is designed for maximum four people, creating an intimate group environment focused on giving detailed, in-depth insight to this wonderful city.
You also get a recommendation list for continuing your exploration of Adelaide.
…More
From
$35.66
From
$35.66
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Adelaide Self-Guided Audio Tour
2
Save money and travel at your own pace at whatever time you’d like on this self-guided audio tour of Adelaide. It’s simply a matter of downloading an mp3 audio guide with a map of the area of your tour. Each point on the audio tour—from markets to beaches, churches, and museums—can be completed at your leisure.
…More
From
$15.35
From
$15.35
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Learn More
Things to do near Adelaide
- Things to do in South Australia
- Things to do in Ballarat
- Things to do in Great Ocean Road
- Things to do in Melbourne
- Things to do in Yarra Valley
- Things to do in Mornington Peninsula
- Things to do in Phillip Island
- Things to do in Burnie
- Things to do in Victoria
- Things to do in Tasmania
- Things to do in New South Wales
- Things to do in Queensland
- Things to do in Northern Territory