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 also 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.
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 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.

C.S.I.R.O.RADIO TELESCOPE - 'THE DISH'

The Parkes Telescope, 'The Dish', 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 20km north of Parkes 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.
Enjoy a coffee stop or a meal at the Dish Cafe onsite, or make use of the free BBQ and picnic facilities.

TYNDALL'S LAVENDER GARDEN

ALPACA COUNTRY SHOP

PIONEER PARK ANTIQUE MACHINERY MUSEUM

MEMORIAL HILL LOOKOUT

SOUVENIRS & CRAFTS

FOOD & FESTIVITIES

HISTORY OF PARKES

ANNUAL EVENTS CALENDAR

JANUARY

• ClubsNSW Parkes Elvis Festival
  MARCH
  
• Australian Marbles Championships
  JUNE
  
• Picnic Races
  
• Parkes & District Kennel Club Champs
  
• Alpaca Country Fiesta
  JULY
  
• Astrofest
  AUGUST
  
• Parkes Agricultural Show
  OCTOBER
  
• 2PK Parkes Country Music Spectacular
  
• Antique Motorcycle Rally
  

• Parkes Radio Telescope 'The Dish'.
• Henry Parkes Historical Museum
• Bushman's Hill Reserve

ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES:
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