Top of the World
The New Parliament House was built in 1988 and is a marvel of modern architecture overlooking the city from the top of Capital Hill. You can take free guided tours, see the red chamber of the Senate and the green chamber of the House of Representatives, and even observe the democratic process by attending a Question Time session. The roof of Parliament House is formed by a wide grassy walkway from which visitors can see how the building forms the central hub of the city's street layout and enjoy panoramic views over the city of Canberra. Before the building was constructed, the Australian Federal Parliament met in Melbourne until 1927. Between 1927 and 1988, the Australian Parliament met in Old Parliament House. Construction of the new building began in 1981. The design is based on a structure in the shape of two boomerangs, topped by an 81-metre high flagpole.
