Fast facts
- Progressive country town, home to 'The Dish' radio telescope
- Situated on undulating plains west of the Great Dividing Range
- 265 km west of Sydney, population 10,500
Why go there
Parkes is a thriving rural and commercial centre and is an excellent base for exploring the Central West region. The town has a rich agricultural and mining history displayed in the town's museums and at various historic sites.
History
Established as a goldmining settlement in 1871, the town was originally called Bushmans, but was renamed Parkes in 1873 after a visit by the then Governor of NSW, Henry Parkes. Agriculture gradually took over from gold as the area's business focus during the 1900s, but today, crops, wool and livestock are supplemented by revenue from the copper and gold deposits at the extensive North Parkes mine, which has been operating since the 1990s.
Things to do
- See Parkes historic civic buildings in the area around Currajong and Court streets.
- Remember the gold rush era on a walk through the remains at Bushmans Hill goldmine.
- Take a hike through Goobang National Park. Find your way to Caloma Trig for great views over the surrounding countryside.
- Test your pulse on the 14-km Parkes Heart Smart walk, created for people recovering from heart problems.
Events
- The Parkes Elvis Festival, held annually on the second weekend in January, attracts Elvis impersonators from far and wide.
- Parkes Country Music Spectacular, held on the October long weekend, features guest artists, talent quests and busking.
- Parkes Picnic Races held on the June long weekend.
Don't miss
- A visit to the CSIRO's radio telescope, better known as 'The Dish', after its outing in the Australian movie of that name.
- The spectacular views of Parkes from Memorial Hill.
- Smelling the roses on a visit to the lavender and rose gardens at Tyndall's Lavender Corner.
- A visit to Pioneer Park Antique Machinery Museum to see some great examples of early farm machinery, including the only Reins tractor in Australia.
