Free public tour of Parliament House
Explore this historically significant building, while learning more about the role, history and work of the Parliament.
- Enter the Legislative Chambers where laws are made, and hear about the mystery of the stolen mace.
- Learn about the Westminster style of Parliament while sitting in a Member of Parliament's chair.
- Have your photo taken with Queen Victoria in the grand hall named after her and admire the portraits of past Premiers that adorn the walls.
- Discover the Library that played a role in convincing the Federal Parliament to occupy the building from 1901 to 1927.
- Our guides are happy to answer any questions you may have about the building, or the work that Parliament does and how you can get involved.
Dates and times
Tours run for approximately 50 minutes, and are held at 9:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm on the following days:
- non-sitting weeks – Monday to Friday.
- sitting weeks – Monday and Friday.
We may alter or cancel tours at short notice due to functions and events at Parliament House.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour starts to secure your spot on the tour, for security screening, and for check-in.
We do not take bookings for the public tour.
Group size
Numbers are limited to 25 people per tour. For groups of six or more you will have to book a group tour.
For more information on our tour for groups of six or more people, please visit our Group tour page.
Identification requirement
Photo Identification is required for public tours at Parliament House.
Audio guides in your language
Free audio guides are available for use on our public tours. Click on the link below to access the guide in your preferred language:
普通话音频指南
Español
Italiano
हिन्दी
한국어
You can listen via the website or download the izi.travel app to your phone for free.
These guides are hosted on an external website and may include advertising or sponsors not associated with or endorsed by the Parliament of Victoria.
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 side entrance on Spring street or the rear entrance on Macarthur Street.
Map
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located on the ground level and level one.
Audio loop & Auslan Tour
Audio loops are available in the chambers. These can be used in conjunction with hearing aids.
Auslan videos are provided at locations on our public tours by scanning QR codes with your smartphone.
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.