IN THE AIR PARKES

The impressive Henry Parkes Centre, a tourism complex located on the northern side of town, incorporates the Parkes Visitor Information Centre, the King's Castle Elvis Exhibit, the Parkes Motor Museum, Henry Parkes Museum (traditional history) and Antique Machinery Collection. The King's Castle Elvis Exhibit is a unique collection of original Elvis memorabilia owned by Greg Page. The exhibition displays genuine Elvis artefacts which were owned by Elvis or directly connected to his life and are on display telling the story of the on (and off) stage life of one of the world's greatest entertainers. Parkes Motor Museum houses an impressive collection of motor vehicles representing all heritage motoring eras. The Henry Parkes Museum and Antique Machinery Collection depict early life in Parkes through objects, photos and historical information. The complex has recently opened the new Henry Parkes Interactive Museum located in Moat Cottage telling the story of Sir Henry Parkes.

The Modern Mining Trail is a self drive tourism experience that takes visitors on a journey to see the world class gold and copper mines where advanced technology and a pursuit of excellence has enabled NSW to be on the world map in mining. Spanning over 43,000 kilometres across Central New South Wales, the Modern Mining Trail features six mines as the signature attractions: Northparkes Mine and the Peak Hill Open Cut Experience (Parkes), Newcrest Mining's Cadia Valley Operations (Orange), Barrick Cowal Gold Mine (West Wyalong), Great Cobar Mine and Peak Gold Mines (Cobar). A range of tour experiences are available at each of the major sites with booking information available from website. Visit the many associated attractions along the way including the Henry Parkes Centre, Peak Hill Open Cut Gallery, historical village of Ophir, Golden Memories Museum Millthorpe, West Wyalong Gold Tour and the Great Cobar Heritage Centre.

In the period from 1851 onwards, people rushed to make their fortunes on a series of goldfields that were found in NSW. The new finds significantly impacted the early agricultural towns and villages. New settlements were established to service thousands of prospectors and miners who came and went. Many came from Australia and overseas to win the gold, many set up businesses to feed and supply the miners, while some chose to steal. Today, this golden heritage vein underpins the story of nearly every major town and village across central and south west NSW. Every goldfield has its own trail to follow. Follow the Gold Trails and discover for yourself the heritage riches underpinning the towns, villages and landscapes of NSW. The stories of those who won the gold and those who stole the gold are brought to life by communities committed to conserving and sharing their heritage.

Located 20 kilometres north of Parkes off the Newell Highway the CSIRO's Parkes observatory is home to the world famous 'Dish'. At 64 metres in diameter, it was the first fully steerable large antenna in the Southern Hemisphere. This impressive structure is still a world leading scientific instrument and is operated 24 hours a day. Since commissioning in 1961, Parkes Observatory has been responsible for many world firsts in radio astronomy. The visitors centre - built virtually in the shadow of the Dish - has a range of interactive displays, an excellent astronomy resource centre with souvenirs, posters, science toys and books. The educational 3D theatre showcases awe inspiring adventures across the Universe. Enjoy a coffee stop or a meal at the award winning Dish Cafe or make use of the free gas barbecues. School excursions and special interest groups are welcome.

Parkes Craft Corner features local arts and crafts and wares from talented local residents and hold a monthly themed exhibition. Why not pop in for a visit and see the many interesting and lovely gift ideas available from the many talented local crafty folk at Craft Corner? You will be pleasantly surprised!

The Parkes International Motor Inn is situated north of the Parkes central business district. Enjoy quality accommodation in a quiet and friendly atmosphere. All are ground floor, non smoking rooms with king, queen and family suites. One disabled room is available with queen and single bed and room for a roll-away bed. Facilities include a salt water swimming pool and free guest laundry. Buffet breakfast available Monday to Friday. The fully licensed cocktail bar and restaurant is open Monday to Saturday, seating 110 people. The Inn is located opposite Kelly Reserve and well maintained playground. Airport transfers are available by taxi....

The perfect place to stop and relax with amenities, covered barbecue area and picnic facilities, off-leash dog park, play equipment for the kids and an idyllic view of Bushman's dam and wildlife. Get some great photos with the 3075 'S' Class steam locomotive which stands as a memorial to the magnificent contribution made by the railway pioneers of Parkes. Reminisce at the Elvis Wall of Fame, showcasing a history of Australia's most iconic entertainers....

Visit the site of one of Parkes' first gold mines, which operated over 100 years ago. Bushman's Hill is an enjoyable place to take a walk, with walking tracks to the top of the hill passing by some interesting historical relics. Access the Hill via the Newell Highway near the Visitor Information Centre, or from Wentworth Street. The site is also home to the Wiradjuri Ampitheatre....

Wander through the Parkes Rotary Peace Precinct, a place for contemplation and reflection about world peace. Explore the five carved timber sculptures along the trail which are carved with Wiradjuri iconography to acknowledge the First Peoples and local history. Explore the five carved dendroglyphs along the trail which stand for peace, respect and value diversity, acknowledge the past, strong families strong community, and Yindymarra Winhanganha - a Wiradjuri phrase meaning ‘respect and learning through listening and thinking’. They should remind that respect, rejection of violence, resolution of conflict, reconciliation of differences, and freedom of expression and cultural diversity, contribute to a state of peace. Themes for Peace The five timber dendroglyphs are carved with Wiradjuri iconography. Reconciliation with Australia’s First Peoples is a priority acknowledged by the Peace Precinct. Metal art works are installed on the first two dendroglyphs along with the word 'Peace' (Gulbananha in Wiradjuri). Then each dendroglyph has a plaque that carries a theme....

Located 20 kilometres north of Parkes off the Newell Highway the CSIRO's Parkes observatory is home to the world famous 'Dish'. At 64 metres in diameter, it was the first fully steerable large antenna in the Southern Hemisphere. This impressive structure is still a world leading scientific instrument and is operated 24 hours a day. Since commissioning in 1961, Parkes Observatory has been responsible for many world firsts in radio astronomy. The visitors centre - built virtually in the shadow of the Dish - has a range of interactive displays, an excellent astronomy resource centre with souvenirs, science toys and books. The educational 3D theatre showcases both informative and awe inspiring adventures across the Universe. Enjoy a coffee stop or a meal at the award winning Dish Cafe or make use of the free gas barbecues. School excursions and special interest groups are welcome. ...

Location: access from Wentworth Street Learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Wiradjuri people at the newly built amphitheatre facility at the southern side of Bushman Hill (access from Wentworth Street). Marvel at the Indigenous artwork created by local Wiradjuri artists, take in the ambience and spirituality of the site. The traditional land owners of the Parkes Region are the Wiradjuri people who have lived in these lands for more than 40,000 years. The Wiradjuri tribe was the largest in the state, ranging from Albury in the South to Coonabarabran in the North covering approximately one fifth of NSW. The Wiradjuri lands were signposted with carved trees which marked burial grounds....

Wander the Parkes CBD and marvel at the public art installations representing the region's local culture and icons. Take a drive and explore the Parkes Shire townships which also feature unique public art installations. Local artists have been commissioned by Parkes Shire Council to provide the works which all reflect elements of Parkes Shire's character through sculptures and murals covering themes of history, astronomy, pop culture, literacy, agriculture and indigenous heritage, each depicting the essence of our thriving country community....