The great flagpole
A flag half a tennis court in size.
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Parliament House in Canberra is the seat of Australia's Parliament, standing at the apex of the National Triangle on Capital Hill, where the capital's main avenues meet. A large flag flies above it on an 81 m flagpole, visible from far off, and it is one of the city's main landmarks and free places to visit. It was designed by Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp and opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 9 May 1988, at a cost of more than A$1.1 billion. It replaced Old Parliament House, where the federal parliament sat from 1927 to 1988, a move described as going «up the hill». The building also houses the core of the executive government. The design sets much of it into the hill, so from outside you see a straight white front with tall columns and green slopes. The flag measures 12.8 by 6.4 m, about half a tennis court. Inside are a large foyer, the Great Hall, Members' Hall and the two chambers, and the front looks along the axis to the old building. It is 3.1 km in a straight line from central Canberra. It opens from 9 am to 5 pm on non-sitting days and until 6 pm on sitting days. Carry little, as visitors pass through security. If you want to attend a sitting or tour, check the official site, as one source says booking may be needed. This is a working building, so keep your voice down.
A flag half a tennis court in size.
The main way in.
Towards the old building.
Capital Hill, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Yes, though some special exhibitions and events may be ticketed.
One source says booking may be needed, so check the official site.