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Parkes Area

Must do

Nature around Parkes

Situated on undulating plains west of the Great Dividing Range, Parkes is a great place to uncover the secrets of quasars, galaxies and pulsars at the CSIRO's radio telescope, better known as 'The Dish'.


About Parkes Area

When Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon in 1969, it was the Parkes Observatory's giant radio telescope that broadcast the event around the world. Now visitors travel here to learn about the radio telescope as well as astronomy.

The area also has an interesting bushranger history and a long tradition as a gold-mining centre. At Escort Rock, Eugowra near Forbes, see where bushranger Frank Gardiner and his gang staged Australia's biggest gold heist. Learn about gold-mining history at West Wyalong's Bland District Historical Museum or visit Peak Hill's historic gold mine. Enjoy water sports at Lake Cargelligo or Lake Cowal, near West Wyalong and don't miss the climb up Mt Tilga, near Condobolin.

Events

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    AlertCurrent weather conditions affecting travel in parts of NSW

    Adverse weather conditions are now affecting  large areas of NSW. A number of highways, local roads and rail services to regional centres have been affected. If driving in affected areas, do not drive through flood water. Before travelling in NSW, check Live Traffic NSW for updates and traveller information for NSW roads. For more detailed information about current flood information, go to the NSW Government emergency website. Also, local updates in affected areas can be found at the relevant Visitor Information Centres throughout NSW.