Mid west NSW town with plenty to see and do. Famous for the large radio telescope north of town. The city of Parkes began with the discovery of gold in the 1862 and developed into a grain producing area harvesting some of the richest agricultural land in the state. Roughly at the geographical centre of New South Wales it was originally called 'Currajong', but was renamed after an early Governor of the state, Sir Henry Parkes, who visited the gold diggings in 1873 after additional discoveries at the Bushman's Goldmine. Sir Henry Parkes was born in 1815 near Coventry, England, Parkes' Sister City. The main street name was later changed to Clarinda St. in honour of his wife. The Peak Hill open cut gold mine can still be seen from viewing points and gives some idea of the determination of the early miners in their endeavours. Strategically located, it is at the crossroads of the north-south Newell Hwy (39), and the rail link between Sydney and the western states. Parkes enjoys an average maximum temperature of 29.8 degrees during summer and 15.8 during winter. The Parkes Radio Telescope, north of the town, enjoys international significance using a 64 metre steel parabola as part of a world wide link tracking satellites, heavenly bodies and recording radio signals from space. It was built in 1961 and was the first large dish antenna in the Southern Hemisphere. Several significant discoveries have been made with the telescope and a visitor centre open 7 days from 8.30 to 4.15 except Anzac, Christmas and Boxing Days and Good Friday. A 30 minute audio-visual presentation, 'The Invisible Universe', screens every half hour from 8.30a.m. to 3.30p.m. for a small fee. Admission to the Centre is free. Over 1.5 million people have visited the facility. In recent years Parkes has enjoyed an enviable reputation as a popular N.S.W. convention centre. Sporting facilities, accommodation and licensed clubs are equal to anywhere in country N.S.W.. Exhibition venues such as the showground and Police Youth Club, have ensured the success of major car rallies and other exhibitions and conventions. Parkes is the centre of a rich gold / copper resource. In addition to existing mining operations, North Broken Hill - Peko is developing a resource valued at over $2 billion. It will be the largest metal mine in N.S.W., producing an estimated 12 per cent of Australia's national copper production. Over $13 million will be injected annually into the regional economy from the mining operation, providing employment for 300 people for 20 years. Visit an Australian icon - the world famous CSIRO Radio Telescope "The Dish", or enjoy a weekend of fun at the Parkes Elvis Festival. Whatever your reason to visit, you'll find Parkes and the surrounding villages ready to welcome you with a smile. The CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, star of the movie 'The Dish,' is one of Australia's most prominent landmarks and a must-see attraction. As portrayed in the movie, the giant dish stands impressively over surrounding farmlands - a sophisticated piece of scientific equipment ironically in the middle of sheep paddocks! Located 20km north of Parkes, The Dish is a short 5km detour off the Newell Highway. You can walk almost right up to it and marvel at the 64 metre steel paraboloid, elegantly balanced atop a three storey concrete tower. Built virtually in the shadow of The Dish, the Discovery Visitors Centre features displays on the telescope and astronomy, as well as hands on exhibits. The Centre has two theatres which operate on demand and show a range of astronomy related films, including a popular 3D movie. Enjoy a coffee stop or a meal at the Dish Café onsite, or make use of the free BBQ and picnic facilities. Enjoy a stroll amongst the lavender fields and a browse through the lavender products at Tyndall's Lavender Corner. While the harvest occurs November to mid January, there is plenty to be seen and learnt all year round. Bob and Marion Tyndall take joy in sharing with visitors how their lavender is cut, stripped and distilled to make lovely lavender products. Visit the unique Alpaca Country Shop & Café and you'll soon discover why Alpaca wool has been named the "Fibre of the Gods"! Located 10kms south of Parkes, this farm runs a herd of 60 alpacas. Baby alpacas (crias) are often seen amongst the herd - a particular delight for visitors. You'll be pleasantly surprised when you step inside to see the range of items made from the soft alpaca wool. The Pioneer Park Antique Machinery Museum features a range of tractors, harvesters and equipment used in days gone by on many of the region's farms. The pride and joy of the collection is the 'Fowler Reins Driven Tractor'. There were only ever 2 of these made and this is the only one in Australia. Other unique tractors in the collection are the 'Ermerson Brantingham Big Four' and the old '1914 Mogul'. The new Museum and Henry Parkes Moat Cottage are also under construction on-site. Memorial Hill provides the best vantage point for magnificent views over Parkes and the surrounding farmlands. Also, visit the site of one of Parkes' first gold mines on Bushmans Hill, which operated over 100 years ago. Bushman's Hill is an enjoyable place to take a walk, with walking tracks to the top of the hill passing by some interesting historical relics. If you're looking for a quality souvenir of your visit to Parkes, Craft Corner features a huge range of locally produced hand-made arts, craft, paintings, pottery, jewellery and knitwear. Located in the town centre, Craft Corner is well worth a look. The passion for arts continues at Parkes' Garden Bower Studio. The studio is open most days by appointment and features a whole range of arts including mosaics, bead jewelry, pottery and art supplies. Parkes has a surprising range of quality coffee shops. With a nursery, cafe and art gallery all onsite, Greenparkes Garden Centre offers an inviting veranda setting for a relaxing afternoon. Parkes hosts an incredible line up of events. A highlight on the calendar is the ClubsNSW Parkes Elvis Festival, held on the second weekend in January every year. History of Parkes Parkes area saw it's beginnings 1862 when the discovery of gold led to a hastily erected 'canvas' town known as 'Currajong'. A further discovery of gold in 1871 at the nearby Bushman's Gold Mine helped the district to become one of the richest gold producing areas in the colony. In 1873 the then Prime Minister of New South Wales, Sir Henry Parkes, showed his interest in the district by visiting the diggings. On December 1, 1873 the name of the settlement was changed from Bushmans to Parkes in honour of the great statesman. As mining diminished in importance, the plough, the combine and the harvester became the new symbols of progress. Main Events Calendar JANUARY Parkes Visitor Information Centre Kelly Reserve Corner Newell Highway & Thomas Street, Parkes P: (02) 6862 4365 P: 1800 624 365 F: (02) 6862 1023 E: tourism@parkes.nsw.gov.au W: www.visitparkes.com.au Open: Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm. Sat to Sun 10am to 4pm. After hours: 24 hour tourism touchscreen Radio: tune in to FM88 for Visitor Radio PLACES OF INTEREST: ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES: |