The High Court of Australia is responsible for the country’s judicial system and often sees cases of national significance. The Grand Hall and the court’s three courtrooms are accessible to visitors, and you can watch proceedings while court is in session. Court Guides are generally available to share information about the High Court. The High Court of Australia is also a stop on some tours of Canberra’s important landmarks, although they don’t usually venture inside.
For high-profile cases and on busy days, visitors may have to wait to sit in on a session, and once inside are asked to stay for at least 10 minutes to avoid commotion.
Members of the public are expected to remain silent while inside, so it's not recommended to bring infants or young children here.
Court etiquette dictates that visitors bow to the court upon entering and leaving as a sign of respect.
Photos may only be taken inside and outside the High Court for personal use when the court is not in session, unless you've been given express permission.
Bags, umbrellas, and unapproved electronic devices are to be stored in the cloakroom before entering a sitting court.
The High Court of Australia is located on Lake Burley Griffin and is within easy walking distance of other popular attractions such as the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery of Australia. The Parkes neighborhood has multiple nearby paid parking lots for visitors driving to the court. The nearest bus stop is a 5-minute walk away, on Parkes Place East Lawns; take the Nos. 2 or 6 bus from the City Interchange in the city center.
Travelers to Canberra won’t find that there’s any best time of year to visit the High Court of Australia. If you’re planning to go inside, first check the court’s calendar to see if you can attend a sitting, as they are only scheduled on certain days each month.
The Parliamentary Triangle of Canberra—formed by Kings Avenue, Constitution Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue—is home to many of the city’s most important national institutions and museums. Among the most popular museums in the area are Questacon, which is the National Science and Technology Centre; National Gallery of Australia; and Old Parliament House, which hosts the Museum of Australian Democracy.
