High Court of Australia

Observe justice in action at the highest court in the land inside a modern edifice on the banks of a tranquil lake.

As you approach the High Court of Australia, look for a large plaque with tall images of a muscly kangaroo and emu on either side of a shield. The Australian Commonwealth Coat of Arms heralds the importance of this institution, which makes decisions that can determine the fate of the nation. This image is repeated in wood-panelled courtrooms within the brutalist architecture structure of concrete and glass.

Admire the court’s collection of art, all depicting important events and concepts in Australian history and society. Three inner courtrooms host proceedings that are frequently open to the public. Sit in on a session for an interesting cultural experience. It’s here that the most important cases in Australia are deliberated upon for hours at a time. Check the Court’s website for information on schedules of open sessions.

Learn more about the institution from the videos and informative installations in the Great Hall, which is also open to visitors. During free afternoon concerts, live music is enhanced by the impressive acoustics of the space. View temporary exhibitions with varied subjects. Enjoy a coffee and cake at the Chambers Café, which has a lovely view of the lake.

The modern-looking High Court of Australia is shaped as a huge 40-metre-tall (131-foot) cube, made of concrete and a wall of green glass. Walk to the front door, passing by a long water feature consisting of cascading pools with small fountains. The huge interior of the court resonates with the sounds of official business.

Find the High Court in the Parliamentary Zone by pretty Lake Burley Griffin. It’s located between the National Science and Technology Centre Questacon and the National Gallery. Ample parklands all around make up a welcoming precinct.

Get to the High Court of Australia easily by bus or ride your bike on the path around the lake. The court is open on weekdays and Sunday mornings with free entry. In place of a structured tour, learn more from a High Court guide who will talk you through the importance of what you’re seeing. Look for one to assist you in most of the rooms.

Parkes Pl, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia | View Google Map

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near High Court of Australia

National Gallery of Australia

Australia’s national gallery has objects from across Asia and the Pacific, European and American works, and indigenous, colonial and contemporary Australian art.

National Portrait Gallery

The vast collection of intimate portraits of people famous and otherwise is illuminated by as much natural light as possible in an elegantly designed setting.

Questacon

Join the kids for a day of learning about the wonders of science and technology at Australia’s national science centre.

National Library of Australia

Explore the collections of Australia’s biggest reference library to find books from all over the world, early European maps and documents from the first explorers.

Old Parliament House

Tour this building to see where Australian politicians met and debated for over 60 years and learn about the history and workings of Australian democracy.

Hotels near High Court of Australia

Novotel Canberra

65 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University and Canberra Centre. National Convention Centre and Commonwealth Park are also within 15 minutes.

Pavilion on Northbourne

242 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Chinatown, Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, and Australian National University. O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve and Canberra Museum and Gallery are also within 2 mi (3 km).

ibis Styles Canberra

203 Goyder Street

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Narrabundah, this golf hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Red Hill Nature Reserve, and Callum Brae Nature Reserve. Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval are also within 3 mi (5 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 29 minutes by foot.

QT Canberra

1 London Circuit

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Burley Griffin, National Film & Sound Archive, and Australian National University. City Hill and Canberra Museum and Gallery are also within 15 minutes.

Pacific Suites Canberra

100 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Canberra Centre and Civic Square are also within 15 minutes.

ibis Styles Canberra Tall Trees

21 Stephen Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Ainslie, this eco-friendly motel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve and within 3 mi (5 km) of Mount Ainslie and Canberra Centre. Kamberra Function Centre and Australian War Memorial are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Crowne Plaza Canberra, an IHG Hotel

1 Binara Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Glebe Park and National Convention Centre. Civic Square and Canberra Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

30 National Circuit

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Parliament House, National Gallery of Australia, and Old Parliament House. Australian National University and Australian War Memorial are also within 6 mi (10 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Canberra Rex Hotel & Serviced Apartments

150 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Braddon, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Canberra Centre and Civic Square are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Dickson

45 Dooring Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Australian National University, Mount Ainslie, and Australian War Memorial. Australian National Botanic Gardens and Canberra Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Garden City Hotel, Best Western Signature Collection

55 Jerrabomberra Avenue

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Narrabundah, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Callum Brae Nature Reserve, and Red Hill Nature Reserve. Manuka Oval and Manuka Shopping Centre are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Mercure Canberra

39 Limestone Avenue

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Braddon, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Canberra Centre, Australian War Memorial, and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. Glebe Park and Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial are also within 1 mi (2 km).

East Hotel

69 Canberra Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Canberra aparthotel is located in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Manuka Oval, Manuka Shopping Centre, and The Cusack Centre. Lake Burley Griffin and East Basin are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 16 minutes by foot.

ANU - University House Hotel

1 Balmain Crescent

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Acton, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Australian National University and National Film & Sound Archive. Lake Burley Griffin and City Hill are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court

74 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Civic Square and Canberra Theatre Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Mantra on Northbourne

84 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University and Canberra Museum and Gallery. City Hill and Civic Square are also within 15 minutes.

Burbury Hotel & Apartments

1 Burbury CloseCanberra, Canberra

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this spa hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manuka Oval, National Archives of Australia, and Manuka Shopping Centre. The Cusack Centre and Museum of Australian Democracy are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Peppers Gallery Hotel

15 Edinburgh Avenue

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Australian National University and Lake Burley Griffin. National Film & Sound Archive and RG Menzies Walk Trailhead are also within 15 minutes.

Hotel Realm

18 National Circuit

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manuka Oval, National Archives of Australia, and Manuka Shopping Centre. The Cusack Centre and Parliament House are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

Commonwealth Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Albert Hall, British High Commission, and Embassy of China. Old Parliament House and Museum of Australian Democracy are also within 10 minutes.

Central Motel & Apartments, Signature

11 Antill Street, 11

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Queanbeyan, this hotel is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Trinculo Place Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Superkarts Go Karts and Queanbeyan Nature Reserve. Cuumbeun Nature Reserve is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away. Queanbeyan Railway Station is 13 minutes by foot.

Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra

2 Hely St. cnr. Canberra Ave.

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Griffith, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Cusack Centre, Manuka Oval, and Lake Burley Griffin. East Basin and Manuka Shopping Centre are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 5 minutes by foot.

Quality Hotel Dickson

Corner Cape & Badham St.

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Chinatown, Kamberra Function Centre, and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. Crace Grassland Nature Reserve and O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Alivio Tourist Park Canberra

20 Kunzea Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in O'Connor, this campground is within a 5-minute walk of Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve and O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve. Link Walk Trailhead and Black Mountain Nature Reserve are also within 15 minutes.