Parkes is a modern town of nearly 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 in the 1800’s, Parkes has progressed to become a thriving commercial centre
servicing a rich agricultural and mining 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.
Parkes Visitor Information Centre is located on the northern approach to town on the Newell Highway at the Henry Parkes Centre. The Centre provides information on accommodation, facilities and attractions, souvenirs, maps, refreshment, free Wi-Fi and is open daily.
Parkes’ famous Radio Telescope is still at the forefront of international radio astronomy, 50 years after it
was first commissioned.
The Visitors Discovery Centre (free entry) at the Radio Telescope offers hands-on displays, audiovisuals (charge applies) and informative staff to answer all of your questions. The Centre is located close to the
Dish, allowing perfect photographic opportunities.
The Dish Café is 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. Opening hours - same as Telescope Visitors Discovery Centre.
This unique complex houses the Visitor Information Centre, along with 4 Museum collections:
One admission gains access to all museums. Tickets valid for two days.
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.
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.
Kelly Reserve is home to a steam locomotive, Bushmans Dam, parkland, free BBQs, a playground and toilets, making a pleasant location for a picnic, somewhere to stretch the legs and allow the kids to enjoy the outdoors.
Parkes has a range of large retailers, smaller specialty shops, boutiques and key services, along with a great selection of cafes, 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.
Offers a range of locally produced hand-made arts, craft, paintings, pottery, jewellery, knitwear and regular exhibitions of specialised items.
Audio books, newspapers, local studies & history collection, Internet access.
Parkes Golf Course is an 18 Hole championship course with grass greens and watered fairways and complemented by a welcoming Club House. Other popular golf courses are located in Peak Hill,
Trundle & Bogan Gate.
Goobang National Park is located between Parkes and Peak Hill, to the east. It is approximately 42,080 hectares in size, and includes the Hervey, Curumbenya and Bumberry mountain ranges and surrounding valleys. Visitors can enjoy bushwalking, picnicking, free camping, photography, bird watching and nature study.
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. Free self guided tours every day 9.00am - 4.00pm. Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
This collection includes a wide range of specimens representing ancient wildlife groups that have lived across Eastern Australia over the past 700 million years. Don’t miss the 4.5m long Big Fish Fossil!
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.
Located at Ootha near Condobolin at Burrawang West Station (access from Parkes-Condobolin Rd),
This quirky project celebrates Australia’s outback culture. Iconic Holden utes take on new life as a
tribute to life in the outback by a variety of well-known artists. Enjoy a meal and cold drink at the Bogan Gate Pub on the way.
Twisted River Wines is an award winning vineyard located on the edge of the cool climate boundary of the Central Ranges wine region. Nestled on the edge of Goobang National Park, it produces low yielding, high quality grapes such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Viognier. Cellar door open 10am - 5pm weekends and public holidays, other times by appointment.
Erected in honour of the “Father of Federation”, Parkes was named after this great statesman on 1 December 1873, the then Premier of New South Wales. He visited Parkes in 1887 and gave the town the Fontana Bust, which is displayed at Parkes Shire Council. In the same year, Parkes’ main street was changed to ‘Clarinda’ which was Lady Parkes’ Christian name.
Accommodation - Facilities and Attractions - Souvenirs - Maps and Refreshments