The magnificent gardens locked in the high-security walls of Parliament House are like an oasis, a sharp contrast from polished wooden floors and heavy concrete of the corridors of power.
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The secret courtyards, usually reserved for politicians and their staff, are being opened to the public during spring as part of the guided Spring Glory tours.
For 14 years, tour guide Rosie Bruce has wandered the interior passageways of Parliament, and now she's turned her attention to the courtyards, providing anecdotes to visitors from across Australia during the one-hour walking tour.
"We generally tell people the things that might be in the press, so it is common knowledge. We still try to protect the dignity of the members of parliament and parliament itself," Rosie said.
Despite this, there are plenty of snippets of interesting information on offer, including that the courtyards are actually on the roof of the hidden basement and although each courtyard is unique, they flow with the general design.
Secrets are well-kept in the courtyards, and not just by the tour guides, with the architects including a running water feature in 14 of the 17 courtyards, to muffle voices and dampen the chance of an eavesdropper.
The Spring Glory Courtyard Tours coincide with Floriade, and will run nominated weekdays and every Saturday until October 11. The tour costs $18 for adults and $13 for children with concession and family prices available.
For further information or booking details, visit www.aph.gov.au/VisitParliament
