Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre
Highlights
- See the iconic 64m 'Dish' still used for cutting-edge space research
- Explore interactive exhibits and a 3D theatre at the Discovery Centre
- Dine at the award-winning Dish Café with views of the famous telescope
Overview
The Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre is the place to learn more about Australia's role in radio astronomy. Discover what makes this part of the world a great place to explore the Universe!
See the iconic Murriyang, the Parkes radio telescope, plus interactive exhibits, out-of-this-world souvenirs, accessible playground and picnic area, and a ticketed 3D theatre.
Murriyang operates every day, all day, capturing radio light from distant galaxies, pulsars and fast radio bursts. It even occasionally supports space missions, most famously the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
Regular upgrades means it is still one of the best telescopes in the world and the largest single-dish radio telescope in the southern hemisphere dedicated to astronomy research.
Accessibility
Allows a person's carer free entry into participating venues and events
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Have a step free main entrance to the building and/or reception area (includes ramps or slopes with a maximum gradient of 1:14, otherwise are too steep for wheelchairs)
Have a wheelchair accessible toilet / shower and change room
Have accessibility information and photos, including of a bathroom, room and/or floor plan on your website (can be emailed on request)
Have an accessible public toilet which is unlocked
Have at least one wheelchair accessible parking space with wheelchair accessible signage clearly displayed (International standards are 3200mm wide x 2500 mm high)
Have doorways which are easy to open and have lever handles (doorways 850mm or wider when open and not heavy)
Have grab rails in the bathroom
Have step free outdoor pathways (includes picnic areas, barbecues and shelters)
Offer a range of contact methods for receiving complaints
Offer multiple options for booking - web, email, phone
Provide seating in common areas including reception area
Train your staff in disability awareness
Use floors/coverings which are slip resistant, firm and smooth
Use non-slip tiles in the bathroom or slip resistant matting