Parkes & surrounds

Tune in to a slower frequency

There are usually two things that draw people to Parkes in the Central West region of NSW. First is ‘The Dish’, the giant radio telescope that played an integral role in the 1969 Moon landings. The second is the iconic Parkes Elvis Festival, a rollicking annual event where pompadours and pomade rule. But there’s so much more to explore here, including a world-class sculpture trail.

Highlights

Things to do

The CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, nicknamed 'The Dish', helped broadcast the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing to the world and is a must-see. It inspired the Australian movie The Dish, and you can spot many of the heritage buildings featured in the film in nearby Forbes, a picturesque town on the banks of the Lachlan River.

The 64-meter radio telescope residing at Parkes Observatory in Parkes, Country NSW

Parkes Observatory, Parkes

Sculpture Down the Lachlan is an outdoor sculpture trail inspired by Bondi Beach's famous Sculpture by the Sea, stretching along the river from Forbes to Condoblin. Another quirky outdoor gallery, Utes in the Paddock features Holden Utes painted by famous Australian artists.

Lake Cargelligo is a beautiful waterway for kayaking, waterskiing, fishing, sailing and spotting protected black swans, while historic Peak Hill is home to a heritage open-cut gold mine. The Henry Parkes Centre houses four fascinating museums, including the King’s Castle Elvis Museum, dedicated to Elvis Presley, and the Parkes Antique Motor Museum.

Woman enjoying the sculptures on a visit, Peak Hill Open Cut Gold Mine in Peak Hill, Parkes Area

Peak Hill Open Cut Gold Mine, Peak Hill - Credit: Five Hours West

Festivals and events

The Parkes Elvis Festival has become a world-famous annual pilgrimage for Elvis impersonators and fans alike. More than 200 events are held over the five days with performances, parades, dances and more. Slip on your blue suede shoes and see if you can shake your hips with the best of them.

Parkes Elvis Festival, Parkes - Credit: Stephen Ostini

Grazing Down The Lachlan, held in September in Forbes, is an annual food festival that celebrates the local produce of the Central West region. Check out the events calendar for more festivals and fun, such as the annual Tullibigeal Picnic Races in Condobolin.

Guests enjoying their meal in a natural bush setting during Grazing Down the Lachlan in Forbes, Parkes, Country NSW

Grazing Down the Lachlan, Forbes

Where to stay

The Buchanan 1894 is a beautifully restored guesthouse set in an elegant Victorian mansion. The plush apartments have period features and are surrounded by lush gardens with a saltwater swimming pool. Top Paddock Silo Stay is a unique self-contained property on a working cattle farm outside of Forbes, built from two original grain silos.

The Buchanan 1894, Parkes - Credit: Steve Lindsay | Parkes Shire Council

Getting there

The Parkes region is just under a five-hour drive from Sydney, almost eight hours' drive from Melbourne and around three hours' drive from Canberra. You can also travel by train direct from Sydney to Parkes. Parkes Airport is 5km from the town centre and Regional Express services the airport with regular flights from Sydney.