Parkes

Parkes, a quintessential country town in the Central West of New South Wales, is best known for the iconic Parkes Radio Telescope, famously featured in the film The Dish. But beyond its celestial fame, Parkes offers a warm welcome with classic Australian pub culture, a strong agricultural heritage, and easy access to the surrounding wheatbelt and national parks. It’s a perfect stop on a road trip through rural NSW, where you can soak up outback hospitality and stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the state.

Highlights & What to See

• Parkes Radio Telescope (CSIRO Parkes Observatory): Visit the famous 64-metre dish that tracked the Apollo 11 moon landing. The visitor centre offers interactive displays and a free guided tour – a must for space buffs and film fans.
• The Dish Café: Grab a coffee and a pie at the on-site café while taking in panoramic views of the telescope and the vast plains.
• Henry Parkes Centre: A dual museum complex covering local history, including the Parkes Pioneer Museum and the Elvis Presley Museum (home to an impressive collection of memorabilia).
• Parkes Showground: Check the calendar for the annual Parkes Elvis Festival (January), when the town transforms into a rock ’n’ roll hub, or simply wander the historic grounds.
• Goobang National Park: Just south of town, this park offers walking trails, birdwatching, and a chance to see kangaroos and emus in the wild.
• Lake Endeavour: A peaceful spot for a picnic or a walk, particularly lovely at sunset.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day to a full day in Parkes. If you’re driving through, allow at least 2–3 hours for the radio telescope and a quick town stroll. To fully appreciate the area, consider an overnight stay: enjoy a pub dinner, then head out to the observatory for a night-sky viewing session (check the schedule in advance). Combine with nearby towns like Forbes or Peak Hill for a longer Central West itinerary.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Forbes: 30 minutes west, with a lovely historic main street and the serene Lake Forbes.
• Peak Hill: 20 minutes north, home to an open-cut gold mine experience and a heritage walk.
• Dubbo: 1.5 hours north, with Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the Dubbo Observatory.
• Orange: 1.5 hours south-east, a cool-climate wine region with excellent cellar doors and dining.
• Condobolin: 1 hour west, gateway to the Lachlan River and more outback landscapes.

Please check official sources for current details.