Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Parkes, Australia

In December 1873, four months following the visit of statesman Sir Henry Parkes, the town previously known as “Bushman’s” was renamed Parkes.

During this period, Parkes was experiencing a significant gold rush, a legacy that continues to influence the region today where mining remains a vital component of life for many residents.

Numerous attractions are sure to captivate visitors, notably the impressive radio telescope of the Parkes Observatory, which was completed in 1961 and remains integral to astronomical research.

Additionally, nearby sites of historic significance can be found at Peak Hill and Forbes, along with the remnants of the forest within Goobang National Park and a popular tourism complex located on the outskirts of town.

1. CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope (Parkes Observatory)

It is remarkable to consider that without this 64-meter steerable radio telescope, the world might not have witnessed the Apollo 11 Moon Landing in the same way.

Now recognized as a heritage site, the Parkes Observatory was constructed in 1961, conceptualized by Welsh physicist Edward George Bowen (1911-1991), a pioneer in radar technology prior to World War II.

Commonly referred to as “The Dish,” it has become an emblem of Australian scientific advancement, playing a crucial role in relaying live images of the Moon Landing as part of a global network of radio antennas.

This telescope, set against the backdrop of the verdant hills west of the Herveys Range, operates tirelessly, 24-hours a day, every day of the year, continuing to facilitate groundbreaking astronomical inquiries.

A visit to Parkes would be incomplete without witnessing the immense size of the dish and enjoying the views from the visitor center’s picnic tables.

2. Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor Centre

Adjacent to the base of the monumental telescope is the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope Discovery Centre, which chronicles the facility’s history and delves into the broader aspects of astronomy.

Interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages, prompting contemplation of profound scientific inquiries such as “What is the Universe Made of?” and “How Old is the Universe?”. The centre also provides insights into the telescope’s origins, highlighting significant milestones and presenting compelling statistics.

Furthermore, an HD theatre offers educational 3D presentations available for a nominal fee.

Visitors can also peruse the shop and enjoy a break at the Dish Café, which features a terrace sheltered by the observatory.

3. The Henry Parkes Centre

Located on the Newell Highway, heading north from Parkes, this tourism complex is a point of pride for the community.

The Henry Parkes Centre combines a visitor information center with four museums divided into two sections.

The first grouping includes the Parkes Motor Museum, showcasing a century-spanning collection of vehicles in immaculate condition, alongside the King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit, which boasts an extensive array of memorabilia and personal items related to Elvis Presley, ranking among the most significant displays outside the USA.

Adjacent is the Henry Parkes Museum, which delves into the captivating history of Parkes, along with the Antique Machinery Collection, which documents the development of agricultural technology in the Parkes Shire.

4. Goobang National Park

Located just outside Parkes, Goobang National Park is an unmissable destination for nature enthusiasts.

Situated thirty kilometers from the town, this national park preserves considerable expanses of remnant forest and woodland in the Central West region.

One notable aspect of this 50-kilometer stretch of wilderness is the unique convergence of coastal and inland flora and fauna.

The park encompasses the Herveys Range, offering opportunities to hike to spectacular lookouts.

One particularly rewarding trail is the 4 km Burrabadine Walking Track, beginning at the Greenbah Campground and leading to a challenging ascent to the summit of Burrabadine Peak, where breathtaking views of the surrounding farmland await.

5. Parkes Aviation Museum

Parkes possesses intriguing connections to aviation history.

Parkes Airport, located just east of the town, served as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) station during World War II and hosted schools for air navigation and wireless air gunners.

Furthermore, in 1919, aviation pioneer Sydney Pickles made history by landing his Sopwith Camel in Parkes.

The airport’s aviation museum, operated by the Historic Aircraft Aviation Society (HARS), is situated within a former RAAF hangar.

Exhibits feature a Convair 580 (VH-PDW), a Bell AH-1 Huey Cobra, a De Havilland DH. 114 Heron (VH – AHB), and a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (A4-275), all well-preserved.

Visitors can also view airframes from various aircraft, including the rare Lockheed Neptune A89-302, which is undergoing long-term restoration.

6. Memorial Hill Lookout

The most advantageous viewpoint for Parkes and its surroundings is located just a few blocks east of the central business district.

This lookout is crowned by a prominent white memorial tower, visible from considerable distances, which we will discuss in the upcoming section.

The hill itself is the most prominent in the vicinity, offering uninterrupted 360-degree views of Parkes and the rolling farmland of the Central West region.

A car park is available near the monument, and visitors can take a bushwalk around the summit of the hill.

On the southern side, picnic tables afford the opportunity to enjoy the stunning vistas to the south towards Back Yamma, while Rotary Park on the north side features additional picnic facilities and an adventure playground.

7. Parkes War Memorial

As you enjoy the expansive views from Memorial Hill, you may also focus on the monument itself.

This fluted column stands 33 meters tall and is constructed from reinforced concrete.

Surrounding the memorial is a square lawn enclosed by a low fence, with a concrete flagpole at each corner.

The structure was originally planned in the 1920s, though construction was delayed by World War II, ultimately being unveiled in 1953. Initially, it honored Parkes citizens who served in the Australian Army during the World Wars, later being updated to include Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam.

8. Bushmans Hill Reserve

When visiting this public park located north of the CBD, you will be standing on the site of one of Parkes’ earliest gold mines, which last operated over a century ago.

Several remnants from that era can still be found, including a preserved square chimney stack.

On the southern side of Bushmans Hill, the newly constructed Wiradjuri Amphitheatre honors the traditional owners and is adorned with indigenous art created by Wiradjuri artists from the area.

The summit of the hill provides a pleasing view of Parkes and can be accessed from near the Visitor Information Centre.

9. Peak Hill

To deepen your appreciation of the region’s gold-mining history, a visit to Peak Hill is recommended.

This town, located within the Parkes Shire, is approximately half an hour north of Parkes.

What distinguishes Peak Hill from many other gold rush locales in New South Wales is that its gold mining activities have persisted well into the 21st century.

The mine here remained operational until recently, and visitors can explore the Peak Hill Open Cut Experience, where guided or self-guided tours provide stunning views over the mine’s extensive terraces, accompanied by intriguing narratives about the gold rush.

As a delightful diversion, the Big Fish Fossil Hut features a remarkable Xiphactinus, a massive fish species that reached lengths of 4.5 meters.

10. Kelly Reserve

While planning your next excursion, you may consider retreating to this serene public park surrounding the Bushmans Dam reservoir.

Kelly Reserve integrates standard park amenities, including picnic tables, a covered barbecue area, and an off-leash dog park, along with notable monuments that warrant a few moments of appreciation.

Among these is the Elvis Wall of Fame, featuring plaques commemorating legends of the Australian music scene, from Glenn A. Baker to Noeleen Batley.

Throughout the Parkes Elvis Festival held annually, a new inductee is honored.

Additionally, the park is home to a historic steam locomotive, which will be detailed further in the following section.

11. Cooke Park

This meticulously maintained green space, dotted with trees, is located at the southern end of Parkes’ CBD.

If you procure lunch from one of the eateries along Clarinda Street, you might wander over to Cooke Park for a delightful picnic.

The park features mature hardwood trees, well-adapted to the temperate climate of Parkes, shedding leaves in autumn that transform into hues of gold and brown.

Moreover, on the north-western side, along Welcome Street, there stands a newly constructed multimillion-dollar multipurpose center, complete with an events stage and event hall.

A notable annual event hosted at this facility is the Parkes Elvis Festival, which takes place every January.

12. Forbes

Situated along the banks of the Lachlan River, Forbes is an excellent choice for a day trip, located less than thirty minutes southwest of Parkes.

This town invites walking tours, showcasing its rich 19th-century heritage highlighted by the Italianate Post Office, completed in 1881. It is no surprise that Forbes served as a significant filming location for The Dish (2000), a film featuring Sam Neill that narrates the Parkes Observatory’s role in transmitting the Moon Landing in 1969.

Forbes also holds fascinating tales from the gold rush era: it was in this vicinity, in 1862, that the Hall-Gardiner Gang executed the Lachlan Gold Escort robbery, the largest gold heist in Australia’s history.

At Billabong Creek, visitors can pay a visit to the site of bushranger Ben Hall’s death, while his resting place is located in Forbes Cemetery.

13. McFeeters Motor Museum

A compelling reason to venture south to Forbes is to explore one of Australia’s distinguished private vehicle collections housed within a large, dual-level showroom.

This collection features numerous rarities that may be unfamiliar, spanning an extensive range of production years from 1902 to recent times.

Each vehicle is accompanied by informative labels that share its unique history, all presented in pristine condition.

Where feasible, the cars, motorcycles, or trucks are displayed with mannequins dressed in period attire.

Noteworthy vehicles include the 1905 Minerva, a variety of Holdens from the 1950s and 60s, the 1958 Porsche 356, and the 1968 E-Type Jaguar.

14. Railway Pioneers of Parkes

Parkes contributed to enhancing the accessibility of Australia’s vast regions by rail.

The town was initially connected to a branch line of the Orange-Molong railway in 1898. Over the years, this branch was extended throughout New South Wales and into South Australia’s expansive arid areas, ultimately forming part of the Orange-Broken Hill line, which was completed in 1927.

Within Kelly Reserve lies a testament to the achievements of Parkes’ railway pioneers: a preserved 3075 “S” Class Steam Locomotive, constructed at Eveleigh Workshops, NSW, and entering service in 1912. Acquired by the Parkes Apex Club in 1975, this locomotive has recently undergone a fresh restoration.

15. Sir Henry Parkes Statue

Prominently situated in the center of the CBD is a statue of Sir Henry Parkes, who served multiple terms as premier of New South Wales between 1872 and 1891.

In his time, Parkes was recognized as “the most commanding figure in Australian politics” and is often referred to as the “Father of Federation.” His influence on the emerging nation included advocating for the expansion of the national rail system, opposing the transportation of convicts early in his career, and championing the federation of Australia’s six colonies.

According to local legend, the residents of Parkes (previously Bushman’s) petitioned the statesman to honor him by adopting his name, thereby ensuring that the new east-west railway line would stop in their town.