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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- June
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Saturday 9 June to Sunday 10 June Parkes and District Kennel Club Show
The Parkes and District Kennel Show is held at the Parkes Showground and is always a great opportunity if you ...
- Saturday 9 June Parkes Picnic Races
Local towns
- CondobolinEstablished as a river-crossing stopover for drovers, Condobolin was gazetted in 1859.
- ForbesRich in gold-mining history and the site of the biggest gold robbery
- Lake CargelligoLake Cargelligo is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- ParkesSituated on undulating plains west of the Great Dividing Range, Parkes is
- Peak HillPeak Hill is a peaceful country town with a rich mining history.
- West WyalongWalk the "crooked mile", West Wyalong's unique main street.
Travel tips for driving in NSW
Before travelling by road in NSW, make sure you check Live Traffic NSW for updates and important traveller information. For detailed local visitor information in the towns and regions of NSW, check with relevant Visitor Information Centres. Most Visitor Information Centres will be able to assist you with information about local attractions, advice on accommodation, day trip suggestions, advice on transport and touring, and free Wi-Fi access.
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