Old Parliament House Gardens Self-Guided Walking Tour

Old Parliament House Gardens: A Heritage in Bloom

About the Gardens

When Parliament first convened in Canberra on 9 May 1927, the city’s landscape was sparse compared to Melbourne’s lush gardens. In those early days, the grounds featured bowling greens, tennis courts, and cricket pitches exclusively for parliamentarians. The transformation began under Robert Broinowski’s vision, supported by Sir Walter Kingsmill and the National Rose Society of New South Wales. 

Between 1932 and 1938, despite the hardships of the Depression, these gardens flourished into a stunning display of patterned rose beds and vibrant annuals. Roses were donated by individuals, companies, rose societies, and even members of parliament. For decades, the gardens served as a serene retreat for parliamentarians and their families. Since their reopening in 2004, the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens now welcome all Australians to explore their beauty and discover the stories behind each bloom.

Explore the Gardens

1. Rex Hazelwood Rose Garden

Showcasing centuries-old varieties, this garden celebrates the history of roses. European roses bloom in the west, Asian varieties in the east, with cross-bred roses like Hybrid-Tea and Floribunda uniting the two at the centre.
 

2. Alister Clark Rose Garden

This garden features roses especially bred for Australian conditions by internationally renowned Australian rose breeder, Alister Clark. Look out for blooms like Nancy Heywood and Squatter’s Dream.
 

3. Broinowski Rose Garden

Named after then Secretary of the Joint House Department, Robert Broinowski, this garden is filled with English shrub roses, many bred by David Austin, renowned rose breeder. Companion plantings like lavender and delphiniums create the charm of an English country garden.
 

4. Susan Ryan Statue

Located in the Senate rose gardens, this statue celebrates Susan Ryan, the first female senator for the ACT. Her groundbreaking work includes the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and Affirmative Action Act 1986.
 

5. Tennis Courts

An original feature of the gardens, the tennis courts are coloured red and green to reflect the Senate and House of representatives.
Once exclusively used by politicians, the courts saw many famous faces over its years in use, such as Bob Hawke and US Vice-
President Bush. Now the courts are now open to everyone and can be booked through Tennis Canberra.
 

6. Dame Dorothy Tangney and Dame Enid Lyons Sculpture

Dorothy Tangney was Australia’s first female senator and the first Labor woman in Federal Parliament. Enid Lyons was the first woman elected to the House of Representatives and the first appointed to federal Cabinet.
 

7. Bowling Green and Clubhouse

The bowling green was a popular spot for parliamentary tournaments. Overlooking the green since 1937, the clubhouse remains a nostalgic feature of the gardens.
 

8. Women’s Suffrage Fountain

The Women’s Suffrage Fountain features a stunning fountain and timeline adorned with a glass mosaic inspired by a wisteria tree. The tile colours reflect those of the women’s suffrage movement, green, white and violet (Give Women the Vote). The timeline highlights significant milestones and achievements of Australian women in Federal Parliament, celebrating their enduring legacy.
 

9. Macarthur Rose Garden

A tribute to John Macarthur’s role in the Australian Merino wool industry, this garden includes Etoile de Hollande and Shot Silk roses donated by his great-granddaughter, Rosa Sibella Macarthur-Onslow. Tea roses and Chinese hybrids add to its rich history.
 

10. Ladies Rose Garden

In the early 1930s at Robert Broinowski’s suggestion, Dame Mary Hughes and Dame Enid Lyons canvassed support from other parliamentary wives to donate funds and contribute roses to establish this garden. During its history much of the garden was taken over for a rubbish tip and squash courts. However, it has been returned to its former glory and now features a range of Hybrid Tea roses and Floribundas, planted in colour groups, red, pink, yellow and white.
 

Getting Around

Walking and Running: Accessible entrances are located on all sides of the gardens.

Cycling: Bike racks are available near Old Parliament House, just a short walk away.

Parking: Available at Old Parliament House, Queen Victoria Terrace, Treasury Building, and John Gorton Building, with accessible parking nearby.

Public Transport: Buses stop near the rose gardens. Visit Transport Canberra for route information. 

Tips for your visit

Getting There: Drive to Old Parliament House for convenient parking.

Accessibility: While wheelchair accessible, be mindful of uneven surfaces, steps, grass, narrow passes, and pools.

Stay Safe: Wear a hat and sunscreen, especially during the warmer months.

Picnic: Bring along your lunch and eat in the various open spaces through the garden.