High Court of Australia Building

The High Court of Australia is a courthouse in Canberra designed in brutalist style with concrete and glass surfaces. The structure contains three courtrooms arranged around a central public hall and reaches a height of about 40 meters.

The building came from a 1972 design competition that received 150 entries, with the structure completed in 1980. Architect Christopher Kringas created the plans but died before the work was finished.

The building displays Australian materials throughout its spaces, with red tulip oak paneling and aurisina stone flooring chosen for public areas. These material choices reflect the connection between the place and local identity.

Access to the three courtrooms may vary for visitors, with one space reserved for formal ceremonies and another equipped for remote proceedings. Keep in mind that security measures and access restrictions can differ depending on the day you visit.

The building sits on elevated ground so that the judicial chambers are positioned at the same level or higher than the Prime Minister's office. This placement was a deliberate choice to symbolize legal authority over the executive branch.

Location: Australian Capital Territory

Inception: 1980

Architects: Christopher Kringas

Official opening: May 26, 1980

Architectural style: brutalism

Address: King Edward Tce, Parkes ACT

GPS coordinates: -35.29897,149.13570

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:02