If you’re even slightly interested in space, science, or history, Parkes Observatory is an absolute must-visit. Known affectionately as “The Dish,” this iconic radio telescope has played a major role in space exploration, including helping relay live television of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The site is incredibly well-maintained and offers a great balance between scientific significance and visitor-friendly facilities. The Visitors Centre is informative and thoughtfully laid out, with plenty of engaging exhibits explaining how radio telescopes work and the important discoveries made here. There’s also a short documentary playing regularly that gives great historical context and makes you appreciate just how important this place is. The outdoor area is just as impressive—standing under the towering 64-metre dish is truly awe-inspiring. You can get great photos and there’s plenty of signage explaining what you’re looking at. The staff and volunteers are knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about sharing the Observatory’s story. The cafe on site, Dish Café, is also a lovely spot to relax with a coffee or meal while taking in the view of the telescope. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and the food is surprisingly good for a tourist spot—try the scones if you get a chance! Overall, Parkes Observatory is a fascinating blend of science, history, and natural beauty. It’s well worth the drive and a great stop whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, or in a group. Highly recommended!

A great little stop over, greeted by a lovely lady filling us in on all the goings on related to the Elvis festival. Elvis rhino out the front and a new feature, a replica of Gracelands Gates. Stop in for a photo and see what's happening in Parkes and the surrounding area.

If you’re even slightly interested in space, science, or history, Parkes Observatory is an absolute must-visit. Known affectionately as “The Dish,” this iconic radio telescope has played a major role in space exploration, including helping relay live television of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The site is incredibly well-maintained and offers a great balance between scientific significance and visitor-friendly facilities. The Visitors Centre is informative and thoughtfully laid out, with plenty of engaging exhibits explaining how radio telescopes work and the important discoveries made here. There’s also a short documentary playing regularly that gives great historical context and makes you appreciate just how important this place is. The outdoor area is just as impressive—standing under the towering 64-metre dish is truly awe-inspiring. You can get great photos and there’s plenty of signage explaining what you’re looking at. The staff and volunteers are knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about sharing the Observatory’s story. The cafe on site, Dish Café, is also a lovely spot to relax with a coffee or meal while taking in the view of the telescope. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and the food is surprisingly good for a tourist spot—try the scones if you get a chance! Overall, Parkes Observatory is a fascinating blend of science, history, and natural beauty. It’s well worth the drive and a great stop whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, or in a group. Highly recommended!

So very impressed at this site. Quite simple but very moving and in a scenic vantage point that overlooks Parkes and surrounding districts. This 33 meter high Shrine Of Remembrance is fitting to pay respects to all the locals who participated in conflict Also is lit up at night which would be quite a sight to see under the night skies. Good parking. And a walk which I didn’t do but looked interesting.

Great lookout over Parkes. Educational on history for kids

This museum exceeded all expectations. The best thing about the museum is that you can actually climb into and explore the exhibits at your leisure. Most museums these days are limited to look, don't touch. It was eye opening to experience the cramped conditions that many pilots endure and great fun to crawl through the fascinating interiors. So many dials and switches to play with!! Was particularly chuffed to see (and touch!) one of the engines from Mad Max 3, and to be able to sit in the Cobra military helicopter. Huge props to the staff member who was knowledgeable, laid back and friendly - and on top of all things, a non-paid volunteer giving up his time on a 40 degree day.

The town of Parkes was named after Sir Henry Parkes (1815 -1896), who was a Premier of NSW. He is sometimes called the "Father of Federation". This statue stands in the centre of Parkes, at the junction of Clarinda Street, Welcome Street and Dalton Street.

Cooke Park is a lovely, family-friendly place which is located at Clarinda St & Short St Parkes NSW 2870. After enjoying an overnight stay in Young, we had driven to Grenfell & onto Forbes & then onto Parkes, where we intended to stop off for a short break 😀 To our delight, we had arrived in Parkes where the Elvis Festival Street parade was in full swing. We couldn't get over the fact that Cooke Park was one of the major meeting places where the Elvis Tribute Artists performed on the state of the art stage. What a lovely place to enjoy the atmosphere & excellent food outlets that cater to the masses of people who were in Parkes enjoying the Parkes Elvis Festival. Cooke Park is a well established public area with plenty of shaded areas & toilet facilities, which also provide wheelchair access 👍 There was plenty of green space available if you were having a picnic 😀 Dogs 🐕 are welcome, but it is advisable to have them on a leash as there is no fencing 😉 My wife & I were impressed by the security staff on the day that maintained a great service at Cooke Park during this busy period in Parkes. The street parade was a definite highlight & success for everyone who was in attendance. The classic cars, what a treat, & the Elvis impersonators were outstanding, the Pricillas, who were beautiful dressed for the occasion 😀 What a wonderful nostalgic time we had at Cooke Park watching all the Elvis Festival tribute & street parade 😀