National Rose Gardens

The National Rose Gardens are heritage-listed formal gardens located in Parkes, Canberra, directly in front of Old Parliament House. Established in 1933 as Australia's first national rose garden, they comprise two symmetrical gardens flanking the parliamentary axis. The gardens display thousands of rose bushes including historic and modern cultivars within structured lawns, hedges and pathways. They are notable for their horticultural design, heritage value and association with Australia's early federal parliamentary history.

Visitors can expect two large, symmetrical formal rose gardens set on flat lawns in front of Old Parliament House. The gardens feature structured beds with thousands of roses, manicured hedges, paved and gravel pathways, lawn areas and benches. The setting is open and tranquil within the Parliamentary Triangle, surrounded by heritage buildings and Lake Burley Griffin precinct. Visitors can walk through the beds, view labelled rose varieties, photograph blooms and enjoy quiet picnicking and sightseeing.