Deep in the heart of the vibrant Central West region, the charming town of Parkes is where you’ll find the true spirit of rural Australia. The sort of place where famous country hospitality, friendly locals, a rich heritage and unique attractions all come together to craft the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Known best for the iconic radio telescope and the oh-so quirky annual Elvis Festival, there is so much more to Parkes than meets the eye. The surrounding regions are full of stunning natural beauty and dotted with historical towns, just perfect for exploring in your Hertz rental car.
Life in the slow lane
After picking up your car at Parkes Airport, you’ll want to start your journey off in town. The centre of Parkes is a bustle of activity - busy enough to have plenty of options and attractions to choose from, but not too busy that it retains its uniquely Australian country charm and laid-back pace of life. In town, you’ll find plenty of boutiques, markets and great local dining options. The centre of Parkes is a very compact and walkable grid, making it perfect for exploring on foot. The best way to experience the culture of the town is by following the Parkes public art trail, which showcases the region’s local culture and icons through murals and sculptures. While strolling the streets, you’ll complete a lap of Clarinda Street, the main street in town, where you’ll also find a selection of excellent cafes and restaurants. Stop in for brunch and a coffee at Roasted Kombi, a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, boasting a prime location where you can sit and watch the world go by.
Next up, you’ll want to jump in your Hertz rental car and make a 5-minute drive up the road to visit the iconic Henry Parkes Centre - a must-see in the Parkes region. The centre incorporates four separate museums which will enlighten you on the history of the region and its past industries. With a rich heritage of pioneering, mining and agriculture, the town of Parkes has a lot of stories to tell - you could easily spend a whole day exploring all four museums. By far the most unique is the Kings Castle, featuring the largest display of Elvis Presley memorabilia outside of the USA. If you happen to be visiting Parkes in January, don’t miss the Elvis Festival, the town’s largest annual event and the only of its kind in Australia. Naturally, the town is very proud of their festival and loves to celebrate all things Elvis!
For a unique country experience, you can’t pass up on a luxury farm stay at the Fleece. Located 45 minutes from Parkes near the historic town of Peak Hill, we can assure you the drive is well worth it. The Fleece is an old shearing shed that has been converted into luxury self-contained accommodation on a beautiful historic property and working farm. With sweeping views over the surrounding countryside, it doesn’t get much more tranquil than this.
Discover icons of the Central West
While you’re visiting the Central West, you’ll want to make time to head out on a road trip to really get the full country NSW experience, and discover the best that the region has to offer. Start your trip at Peak Hill, just a few minutes away from your luxury accommodation. This small, historic gold mining town is known for its antiques, arts and craft, as well as a large open cut gold mine. The views from the top are truly spectacular, and definitely worth a visit.
Of course, we can’t talk about Parkes without mentioning the Observatory and radio telescope array - an icon of the region. This impressive and unique attraction has fascinated and inspired visitors for over 60 years, and it was put on the map in 1969 by its role in the broadcasting of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. The 65m dish, featured in the classic Australian film of the same name, towers above the surrounding landscape and is an absolute must-see. You’ll be able to satisfy all your curiosities about deep space research and the dish at the visitors centre, which hosts some very informative displays and exhibits about the telescope array. While you’re visiting, grab a coffee and a bite to eat at Dish Cafe while enjoying a great view of the heritage listed telescope.
No matter the reason for your visit, Parkes is ready to welcome you with open arms and country hospitality. It may not be a big city, but for so many, that’s where the town's true beauty lies. While you’re here, do as the locals do and embrace a slower pace of life. The town and surroundings definitely have plenty to offer visitors from out of town, so whether you’re staying in one spot or travelling the region, you’re bound to find something unique in this historic town.
