MoAD and the Courtyard Cafe are open. Some exhibitions and rooms will be closed from September 2025 for essential building works. Learn more

Food and dining

Rest tired feet after museum exploring or get your morning coffee fix at the Courtyard Café. 

The Courtyard Café is open. There may be building works during your visit. You will still be able to access the café via both the front (Museum entrance) and rear (Queen Victoria Terrace) of the building.

Enjoy great coffee and tasty food in our cosy lounge or the warm sun in the House of Representatives courtyard.

  • Breakfast items and pastries freshly baked in-house
  • Homemade cookies, scones, muffins and sweet treats
  • Sandwiches, salads, pies and quiches
  • A variety of hot dishes changing daily
  • Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options
  • View our delicious menu, served every day. All items available for dine-in or takeaway.

Please note:

  • We accept card only – thank you for your understanding
  • A 10% surcharge applies on Sundays and public holidays
  • Food and drink is not permitted in the museum.

Hours:

  • 8am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
  • 9:30am – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday

Bookings:

To make a table reservation, email moadophevents@restaurantassociates.com.au or call (02) 6261 7200.

A customer placing an order with the barista at the cafe at the Museum of Australian Democracy.
A barista using milk to create latte art on a coffee.
Pastries from the cafe at the Museum of Australian Democracy arranged in a geometric pattern.
A spread of some main menu options from the Cafe at the Museum of Australian Democracy.
A couple customers enjoying a meal in the outdoor area of the cafe at the Museum of Australian Democracy.
Two people enjoying coffees at the cafe at the Museum of Australian democracy, accompanied by a couple smaller plates of food.

Members' Bar Friday Night Drinks

Embrace the chill and join us for a special winter edition of Friday Night Drinks in our iconic, cosy Members' Bar. Warm up with a glass of mulled wine or choose from our curated selection of wines and seasonal cocktails. Treat yourself with elegant bites, including gourmet cheese and charcuterie platters, crispy rock salt calamari and more.

When: Friday 26 June, 4pm to 9pm

Where: The Members' Bar (Please access via the white footbridges at the rear of Old Parliament House on Queen Victoria Terrace)

Bookings: No reservations required. Walk-ins only.

An espresso martini, margherita and an old fashioned sitting on the bar at Old Parliament House.

Children's birthday parties

The Courtyard Café offers the perfect setting for your child’s birthday festivities. Our fully enclosed outdoor area ensures peace of mind for parents, allowing children to play freely on the grass and enjoy the celebration to the fullest.

Venue Hire: $150, includes exclusive use of the outdoor pergola from 10am to 12pm or 2pm to 4pm

Catering: Party boxes start at $70 per platter

Party games: $300, includes full set up of party games, such as hula hoops, parachute, giant checkers, octoplay, connect 4 and more.

To book your child's birthday party, please call (02) 6261 7200.

A child reading a book with their adult carer on a colourful mat on the lawn.

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Access

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Group tours

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We are located inside Old Parliament House and you can get here by car, bus or bike.

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