📅 Saturday 11 May 🕙 10am to 2pm 📍 Assembly building, Civic Square
Come and explore your local parliament!
As a public building and the heart of Canberra's local democracy, the Legislative Assembly is always open to the public. Yet, few Canberrans know where it is, and even fewer visit (not helped by us only being open on weekdays).
That's why once an Assembly term we throw open the doors on a Saturday, put on lots of things to do and see, and invite all Canberrans to come and visit their parliament.
This year, it's happening on Saturday 11 May which is the same day the first Assembly sat 35 years ago in 1989 - so, happy birthday to us!
Program is indicative and may change. Performance groups will be announced later - keep an eye on our Facebook page.
There's so much to see and do at Open Day 2024! We've listed these all below. Find out more about some of the best things on offer in the Highlights section further down the page.
Step onto the blue carpet and explore the heart of our local democracy. Be sure to get your photo taken in the Speaker's chair - a special offer for Open Day only!
Chamber exploration runs between 11.15-11.45am and 12.30-1.00pm. Access to the floor outside of these times is as part of a guided tour.
The Assembly is a public space and what better way to emphasise that than by inviting in local community groups to perform:
Click the image below to download the Open Day colouring-in competition sheet!
We're running a colouring-in competition to celebrate Open Day 2024! There are three categories - Under 7, 8-13, and 13 and above - catering to the young (and young of heart). On Open Day, Joy Burch MLA - Speaker of the Legislative Assembly - will select one entry from each category to win a $40 Dymocks Books voucher!
Print out the PDF here, colour it in, and fill out your details! Then, send your masterpiece to us:
Entries must be received by 12 noon on Friday 10 May. We'll put all entries along the London Circuit side of the building on Open Day (Saturday11 May), so be sure to come and see yours on display! Winning designs will also be put on the Assembly's social media!
The fine print: Entries must have a name, email address, and age category completed and be received by 12 noon on Friday 10 May 2024 to be eligible to win. One entry from each of the three categories will be selected by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly as the winner of a $40 book voucher during Open Day on Saturday 11 May 2024. Winners will be notified by email and the voucher sent to a postal address nominated by the winner or their guardian. An alternative winner may be selected if we do not hear back from a winner or their guardian within 7 working days of contacting them.
The Assembly is located at 196 London Circuit, Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory. The public entrance to the Assembly is accessible from Civic Square, on the eastern side next to the Canberra Theatre Centre.
The Assembly is a 6-minute walk from the Alinga Street light rail station and Civic interchange. There are also three bus-stops outside the Assembly building (stops 3003, 3004, and 3356) serviced by Transport Canberra routes R2 – R7, R10, 54 – 59, 180 – 182, and CDC Canberra routes 830, 840X, 842, 843 and 844X.
Plan your journey using the websites below:
(for cross-border travel)There is no parking at the Assembly building. The closest paid short-stay parking options are:
(access off London Circuit) (access off Constitution Avenue)Southbound cycle routes C1, C3 and C6, and northbound routes C2 and C5 connect all town centres to Civic. There are two public bike stands in Civic Square where you can lock your bike.
(select the cycle option)Want to get in touch with the team behind Open Day? You can contact them by emailing laeducation@parliament.act.gov.au or calling (02) 6205 3016 between 9am-4pm weekdays.