parkes

Business Directory and Tourist Guide

parkes Attractions

Parkes is a modern town of 12,000 people, with a shire population of 16,000. The Parkes Shire is made
up of the township of Parkes, as well as the smaller towns of Alectown, Bogan Gate, Cookamidgera,
Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore.

From a gold rush town of the last century, Parkes has progressed to become a thriving commercial
centre servicing a rich agricultural district. The Parkes Shire offers a relaxed friendly country way
of life with a full range of services and facilities. Parkes has also developed as an important inland
hub of the nation’s transport network.

CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope,
‘The Dish’

Phone: (02) 6861 1777. Open Daily: 8.30am-4.15pm.

Parkes’ famous Radio Telescope is still at the forefront of international radio astronomy, almost 50
years after it was first commissioned. The Visitor Discovery Centre (free entry) at the Radio Telescope
offers hands-on displays, audiovisual’s (charge applies) and informative staff to answer all of your
questions. The Centre is located close to the Dish, allowing perfect photographic opportunities.
A licensed restaurant and serves a wide range of food and beverages from light meals to large
breakfasts. The scones and home made jam are a real treat.
–same as Telescope Visitor Discovery Centre.


Henry Parkes Centre/Visitor Information Centre

Peak Hill Road, Newell Highway. Phone: (02) 6862 6000. Freecall: 1800 624 365. Fax: (02) 6862 1023

Incorporating:

  • Parkes Visitor Information Centre
  • Kings Castle Elvis Museum
  • Parkes Motor Museum
  • Pioneer Park Antique Machinery Museum


‘The King’s Castle’ Elvis Museum

A Collection of Elvis’ personal memorabilia including clothing and jewellery, owned by former Yellow Wiggle, Mr. Greg Page. Visitors will learn more about Elvis’ life and influences and enjoy a commentary that will guide you through the collection and piece Elvis’ unique story together.

Memorial Hill

Entry from Bushman Street.

One of the highest points in Parkes, offering panoramic views over the Shire. The reserve is home to a war memorial built to honour the local victims of war. This Reserve is also home to the Rotary Arboretum.


Shop & Eat

Parkes has a range of large retailers, smaller specialty shops, boutiques and key services, along with a great selection of cafe’s, restaurants and clubs where all tastes are catered for. Easy parking - with longer vehicles catered for in surrounding streets. Contact the Visitor Information Centre for more details.


Kelly Reserve

Kelly Reserve is home to a steam locomotive, Bushman’s Dam, parkland, free BBQ’s, a playground and toilets, making a pleasant location for a picnic, somewhere to stretch the legs and allow the kids to enjoy the outdoors.

Bushman’s Hill

Entry via Wentworth Street or Newell Highway.

Site of Parkes’ first gold mine over 100 years ago. Walk to the top of the hill, where you will pass relics and a fantastic view over Parkes. There is a sheltered picnic area with easy access.

Parkes Shire Library

Phone: (02) 6861 2309. Open 6 days.

Audio books, newspapers, local studies & history collection, Internet access.

Parkes Olympic Swimming Pool

50 metre pool & kids pool, canteen and BBQ facilites. Open October-April. Public Swimming Pools also located in Trundle, Tullamore & Peak Hill.

Parkes Golf Course

Parkes Golf Course is an 18 Hole course with grass greens and watered fairways and complemented by a welcoming Club House. Open 7 days. Other popular golf courses are located in Peak Hill, Trundle & Bogan Gate.

Goobang National Park

Phone: (02) 6851 4429.

Goobang National Park is located between Parkes and Peak Hill, to the east. It is approximately 42,600 hectares in size, and includes the Hervey, Currumbenya and Bumberry mountain ranges and surrounding valleys. Visitors can enjoy bushwalking, picnicking, free camping, photography, bird watching and nature study.

Peak Hill Open Cut Experience

Located 50km north of Parkes, in Peak Hill. Phone: (02) 6863 8860.
Free self guided tours every day 9.00am - 4.00pm. Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday.

This historic tourist gold mine offers viewing platforms, walking trails and views over 5 spectacular open cut mines. Self guided walking trails across the hilltop offer panoramic views and interpretive information on both historic and more recent mining activities.

Big Fish Fossil Hut at Peak Hill

Located 50km north of Parkes, in Peak Hill. Phone: (02) 6869 1422

This collection includes a wide range of specimens representing ancient wildlife groups that have lived across Eastern Australia over the past 700 million years. It includes groups of trilobites, ammonites, arinoids & seastars. Don’t miss the 4.5m long Big Fish Fossil!

Trundle Hotel & Trundle Main Street

Located 65km north-west of Parkes. Phone: (02) 6892 1009.

This heritage listed pub c.1909 dominates Trundle’s 66 metre wide main street. Its an iconic country pub, well worth a visit. Meals and coffee available.


For more information about any of these interesting, fun, free activities and other great things to see and do in the Parkes Shire contact the friendly team at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre.

Ph: 1800 624 365 or (02) 6862 6000
E: tourism@parkes.nsw.gov.au www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/about/1011/11739.html

parkes Visitor Information Centre

Henry Parkes Centre
Peak Hill Road, Newell Highway, Parkes NSW 2870