The highest court within the land
The High Court of Australia is located on the southern shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin. This imposing building was designed by the winner of a competition which received 158 different design entries. Construction began in 1975 with the first sitting taking place in June 1980. The High Court is one of Australia's national buildings and is one of Canberra's most visited tourist attractions. Situated within the Parliamentary triangle, the 40-metre tall building houses a public hall, three courtrooms, and the justice's chambers.
The large public hall with its 24-metre high ceiling and luxurious imported Italian marble floor is the lead off to the courtrooms. The hall itself is home to occasional musical concerts and cultural exhibitions. Photographic portraits are on show in the great hall and include all Chief justices and Justices of the High Court since inception. It also houses a display case holding historical items reflecting the history and the operation of the court.
Courtroom number one is the focal point in the High court of Australia and this is used for ceremonial occasions and is where the full bench of seven Justices of the Court sit. The courtroom has an outstanding acoustic system, which comprises a sophisticated sound reinforcement system. Court Room number 1 is where the 4.3 metre long woven banner tapestry is hung on display.
In Canberra the High Court normally sits for 2 weeks per month, except during law vacation periods. Higb Court sittings are generally from Tuesday to Friday in the first week of a month, and from Tuesday to Thursday during the second week of the month. Sitting hours are generally from 10-15 am to 12-45 pm and 2-15 pm to 4-15 pm. Members of the public are permitted to view High Court sittings.
Venue Information
- Open Mon - Fri 9:45 - 4:30
- Open Sun 12:00 - 4:00
- Wheel Chair Access
- Public transport close by
- Entry is free
- Cafeteria currently closed
Picture Gallery
High Court Location
How to get to the High Court
Canberra's High Court is sandwiched between the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin and King Edward Terrace. The High Court is easily accessible via Canberra's Action Bus Network. Visitors using Action's bus network will need to catch route number 2 and 3 on weekdays, or 934 and 935 on weekends. Car parking is also available nearby at the National Gallery of Australia car park. Plenty of Canberra visitors also include a short visit to the High Court as part of a walk around Lake Burley Griffin.