3 Best Sights in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Much of this vast futuristic structure is submerged, covered by a domed glass roof that follows the contours of Capital Hill. You approach the building across a vast courtyard with a central mosaic titled Meeting Place, designed by Aboriginal artist Nelson Tjakamarra. Native timber has been used almost exclusively throughout the building, and the work of some of Australia's finest contemporary artists hangs on the walls.

Parliament generally sits Monday to Thursday mid-February to late June and mid-August to mid-December. Both chambers have public galleries, but the debates in the House of Representatives, where the prime minister sits, are livelier and more newsworthy than those in the Senate. Free 40-minute guided tours take place at 9:30, 11, 1, 2, and 3 daily.

As its name implies, this gleaming concrete-and-glass structure is the ultimate court of law in the nation's judicial system. The court of seven justices convenes only to determine constitutional matters or major principles of law. Inside the main entrance, the public hall contains a number of murals depicting constitutional and geographic themes. Each of the three courtrooms over which the justices preside has a public gallery, and you can observe the proceedings when the court is in session.

The best time to observe the House of Representatives is during Question Time, starting at 2, when the Government and the Opposition are most likely to be at each other's throats. To secure a ticket for Question Time, contact the sergeant-at-arms' office until 12:30 pm on the day you require a ticket.