Parliament House Brisbane
Brisbane's historic Parliament House, a French Renaissance Revival gem, offers tours, dining, and a glimpse into Queensland's political heart.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More engaging political atmosphere
Parliament House Brisbane
Best Time
More engaging political atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brisbane's historic Parliament House, a French Renaissance Revival gem, offers tours, dining, and a glimpse into Queensland's political heart.
"A significant and beautiful part of Brisbane’s history, evident on every floor and in every room."
🎯 Navigate with Street Names
Female street names (Charlotte, Queen) run north-south, male names (Edward, Albert) east-west. Easy city navigation!
🎟️ Tours are Free!
General tours are free and don't require booking, but check sitting days for more action.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Question Time Debates
Legislative Assembly Chamber
Witness the lively debates between government and opposition parties during Question Time for a glimpse into Queensland's politics.

Heritage Architecture
Throughout the building
Marvel at the French Renaissance Revival architecture and beautifully maintained interiors, showcasing decades of history.

Strangers' Restaurant
Ground Floor
Enjoy a memorable dining experience with delicious food and exceptional service, often praised for special occasions.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Navigate with Street Names
Female street names (Charlotte, Queen) run north-south, male names (Edward, Albert) east-west. Easy city navigation!
🎟️ Tours are Free!
General tours are free and don't require booking, but check sitting days for more action.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Tours
You can often walk into chambers and see parts of the building without a formal tour.
🍽️ Book Dining in Advance
Strangers Restaurant is popular for anniversaries; book ahead to secure a table.
Visiting parliament house
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Navigate with Street Names
Female street names (Charlotte, Queen) run north-south, male names (Edward, Albert) east-west. Easy city navigation!
🎟️ Tours are Free!
General tours are free and don't require booking, but check sitting days for more action.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Tours
You can often walk into chambers and see parts of the building without a formal tour.
🍽️ Book Dining in Advance
Strangers Restaurant is popular for anniversaries; book ahead to secure a table.
📸 Capture the History
Allow ample time to explore and photograph the rich heritage and architecture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors highly recommend Parliament House Brisbane for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and the engaging experience of witnessing parliamentary proceedings. The dining at Strangers' Restaurant is particularly praised for special occasions, with exceptional service and food. While some find the political aspects might not appeal to everyone, the overall consensus is a memorable and enriching visit.
"Highly recommend a visit. A special tour was arranged by Kimmy to celebrate my parents Golden Wedding Anniversary. We had the absolute pleasure of being escorted by Kristen M who has a wealth of knowledge of all things Parliament House and no question was too much for her! 😉 🫖.
If you find yourself in Brisbane, this should be on your to-do list, preferably at the top !
Thank you all once again for a most memorable experience. 10/10 🎉🎉"
Steph Rich
"We are from Adelaide and spent the evening at Strangers Restaurant on Friday 13th!! We are pleased to say the evening was perfect. From the delicious food to the amazing staff. We wanted to mention Amerbell, her knowledge of the building from picking us up in the foyer to delivery to the dining room was very informative, she was very proud of the building and its heritage. Her silver service hospitality was 2nd to non. Secondly a big thankyou to Erin for showing us around at the end of the evening. I think she could tell how much we enjoyed the building and all of its heritage and stories. Can't recommend this experience enough. Perfect way to spend our 27th Wedding Anniversary."
sue and richard brewster
"This is such a significant and beautiful part of Brisbane’s history. The heritage, culture and politics that have shaped the city over the decades is evident on every floor, in every room and in the stories on the walls. There is so much to see that you should allow as much time as you can to take it all in. Sign up for the tour, take part in the high tea events as well as the Christmas in July experience."
A Bohemia Life
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parliament House Brisbane is centrally located. You can reach it by walking from the CBD, taking a bus, or using the free City Hopper ferry service which stops nearby.
Parking can be challenging and expensive in the CBD. It's recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services. If driving, check for nearby paid parking stations.
Yes, the area around Parliament House is very walkable. A helpful tip for navigating Brisbane's streets is that female street names run north-south, and male street names run east-west.
From South Bank, you can take a pleasant walk across the Victoria Bridge or use the free City Hopper ferry service to get closer to Parliament House.
While there aren't specific discounts for Parliament House, utilizing the free City Hopper ferry or day passes for public transport can be cost-effective ways to explore Brisbane.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General tours of Parliament House Brisbane are typically free and do not require advance booking. However, for special events or group bookings, it's advisable to check the official website.
Opening hours can vary, especially between sitting and non-sitting days. It's best to check the official Parliament of Queensland website for the most up-to-date information on hours and tour availability.
Entry to Parliament House Brisbane for general visits and tours is usually free. Special events or dining experiences may incur separate charges.
Yes, you can visit on a sitting day, and it's often more interesting as you might be able to observe parliamentary proceedings. Be aware that it can be busier.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to learn about the building's history, heritage, and political significance.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the heritage architecture, learn about Queensland's political history, witness Question Time (if sitting), and dine at Strangers' Restaurant.
Children can find the history and architecture interesting. Special tours or events might be more engaging for younger visitors.
Photography rules can vary. Generally, personal photography is allowed in public areas, but check specific restrictions, especially within chambers or during events.
Question Time is a session where government ministers answer questions from opposition members, offering a dynamic view of parliamentary debate.
Yes, Parliament House hosts various events throughout the year, including high teas, cultural celebrations, and holiday-themed experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Strangers' Restaurant is located within Parliament House and offers a dining experience, often praised for special occasions.
It is highly recommended to book a table at Strangers' Restaurant in advance, especially for weekend dining or special celebrations, as it is a popular venue.
Strangers' Restaurant typically offers contemporary Australian cuisine with a focus on quality ingredients, often with a silver service experience.
While Strangers' Restaurant is the main dining option, check the official website for any information on cafes or lighter refreshment facilities available during public visiting hours.
Yes, you can attend specific events like dining at Strangers' Restaurant or other hosted functions without necessarily taking a formal tour, but booking is usually required.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand architecture, the Legislative Assembly Chamber, and the heritage interiors offer excellent photo opportunities.
Generally, personal phone cameras are permitted in public areas for non-commercial use. Always check for any specific signage or staff instructions.
Restrictions may apply in certain areas or during specific events. It's best to be mindful of signage and ask staff if unsure.
Morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots, while interior lighting is generally good. Consider visiting during an open day for unique access.
Drone usage is strictly regulated in urban areas and around government buildings. It is highly unlikely to be permitted and would require special authorization.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more interactive, you could discuss the roles of different people in government beforehand or point out interesting architectural features. The nearby South Bank Parklands also offer plenty of kid-friendly activities, making it a great complement to a visit to Parliament House for a full day out in Brisbane.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Take your time to absorb the atmosphere and the historical significance of the spaces. Reading the signage throughout the building will provide context, and if you can arrange a guided tour, you'll gain deeper insights from knowledgeable guides. Consider attending special events like those during Brisbane Open House for even more exclusive access and information.
🥂 Couples Celebrating Special Occasions
Beyond dining, the historical grandeur of the building itself provides a sophisticated backdrop. Arranging a private tour or attending a special event can add an extra layer of memorability to your celebration. The combination of historical significance and refined hospitality makes for an unforgettable experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Brisbane's Streets
This system is particularly useful when exploring the area around Parliament House, which is situated in the heart of the city. Whether you're walking from a nearby hotel, a bus stop, or even after disembarking from the free City Hopper ferry, understanding this street naming convention will enhance your exploration and reduce any potential for getting lost.
Experiencing Parliament House: Tours and Dining
For a truly memorable occasion, Strangers' Restaurant within Parliament House is highly recommended, particularly for anniversaries or special celebrations. Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food and exceptional silver service hospitality, with staff like Amerbell and Erin being singled out for their knowledge and attentiveness. Booking in advance for Strangers' Restaurant is essential due to its popularity.
Beyond formal tours and dining, Parliament House also hosts various events throughout the year, from multicultural celebrations to festive holiday gatherings. These events offer unique opportunities to experience the grandeur of the building in a different light and connect with the community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit