Visit Parliament
Victoria's Parliament House is one of Australia's most distinguished public buildings. It boasts a rich history and plays an active part in our democracy. You can witness this by attending a tour, dining at one of our restaurants or attending the public gallery on a sitting day. The Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council public galleries are currently closed to the public on sitting days until further notice.
Something for everyone
Eat and drink at Parliament
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High tea
Experience high tea at Parliament of Victoria – a tradition that members and visitors have enjoyed since 1924.
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Strangers Corridor Restaurant
Enjoy lunch in the restaurant on level one at Parliament. Elegant, with dark timbers, contemporary artworks and accents of gold, red and pink tones shape an ambient sense of taste.
Experiences for schools
We offer free, curriculum-based experiences for school groups. Take a tour of Parliament House with your class, take part in a role-play to learn the parliamentary process or connect with us for an online incursion.
Our venues
Photography and filming at Parliament
The Parliament of Victoria supports the Victorian Film Friendly Guidelines. While no fees are levied for the use of the Parliamentary Precinct for filming or photography, organisers should be aware that use of the building outside business hours will incur staffing and security costs.
Formal approval is no longer required for wedding or other personal photography on the Front Steps of Parliament House. Do not complete this form, but email serjeant-at-arms@parliament.vic.gov.au if you have any enquiries about wedding or personal photography.
Hours
Hours
8.30 am – 5.30 pm
Monday – Friday
Closed on weekends and public holidays
Address
Parliament House
Spring Street
East Melbourne Victoria 3002
Contact
Phone: (03) 9651 8911
Email: info@parliament.vic.gov.au
Getting here
Tours depart from the Vestibule, located inside the main building entrance on Spring Street.
Public transport
By train: exit Parliament station at Bourke Street.
By tram:
- route 35 – stop 0 (Spring St/ Bourke St)
- routes 86, 96 – stop 9 (Bourke St/Spring St).
Parking
There is no public parking at Parliament House.
Street parking and private parking is available in surrounding streets, but please note there is limited parking on Spring Street.
Identification requirement
Anyone wishing to visit the Parliament of Victoria to attend a tour, use our catering facilities, attend an event or watch the proceedings of the two houses in the public galleries, must provide their name and address, and present one of the following forms of identification:
- driver's licence
- learner's permit
- proof of age card
- passport
- Australian birth certificate
- Australian citizenship certificate.
Security
Visitors to Parliament House are required to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the building. This involves a walk-through scanner and baggage scanning. Visitors with pacemakers should ask to be scanned using handheld scanners.
Bags must be left at reception when taking part in a tour or sitting in the public galleries.
Items you cannot bring to Parliament
The following items are not permitted at Parliament:
- weapons
- any types of blades (e.g. Swiss army knives, lock knives, eating utensils), hooks, scissors and other sharps
- liquids over 100ml and glass bottles (except water)
- any alcohol
- 'selfie' camera sticks and camera tripods
- chains and padlocks
- voice recorders, two-way radios and speakers
- handcuffs
- any tools (e.g. screwdrivers, multi-tools, bike tools, measuring tapes, metal rulers)
- helmets (e.g. bicycle and motorcycle)
- whistles
- permanent markers
- aerosols
- jet lighters
- long umbrellas
- balls and balloons
- signs or placards
- studded belts.
Any of the above items will be held by security for the duration of your visit. They will be returned when you leave or may be confiscated permanently in some cases.
More information
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns with security screening, please email security.team@parliament.vic.gov.au or call us on 03 8682 2980 ahead of time so we can accommodate your visit.
Accessibility
Accessible entrance
People with a mobility or physical disability can access Parliament House through the rear entrance on Macarthur Street.
Map
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located on the ground level and level one.
Audio loop
Audio loops are available in the chambers. These can be used in conjunction with hearing aids.
Wheelchair
A courtesy wheelchair is available for visitors attending tours. Please note that we are unable to provide staff to push wheelchairs.
Contact
For any enquiries regarding disability access and inclusion please email disabilityaccess@parliament.vic.gov.au
Social stories
Two social stories are available to accompany a visit to Parliament House. These have been designed for visitors who are neurodiverse who may like to read them in preparation for their visit. One is intended for readers of all ages, the other focuses on the experience of a school visit to parliament house.
Parents
A baby change and feeding room is located on level two on the Legislative Assembly side. Facilities include comfortable chairs, change table, basin with hot and cold water, a fridge, and a microwave.