At the heart of country New South Wales, the charming and iconic country town of Parkes welcomes visitors with its famous country hospitality, friendly locals, rich heritage and unique local attractions. This town truly epitomises the true spirit of rural Australia, with a certain rural charm and relaxed ambience that makes it 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, the town of Parkes has plenty to offer for visitors, with so much more to it than meets the eye. If you’re looking for a truly unique and authentic country escape, read on as we discover all that Parkes and beyond has to offer.
Big city culture, small town charm.
Parkes downtown is where you’ll find all the action - the heart of town 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. The centre of Parkes is a compact and walkable grid, making it perfect for exploring on foot. A leisurely stroll down Clarinda Street will reveal the town’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, an abundance of delightful boutiques, lively markets and excellent local dining options. The local’s pick for brunch and coffee is Bella’s Italian. Located on a prominent corner in town, Bella’s serves up hearty cafe-style breakfasts and pours exceptional quality, Italian style espresso and coffees that are on-par with what’s on offer in the big city.
If you’re into the arts and look to seek out the finer things while travelling, the best way to experience the culture of the town is by following the Parkes public art trail. This popular short walk showcases the region’s local culture and icons through inspiring murals and sculptures. The route conveniently starts and ends right across from Hertz Parkes Downtown at the top of Clarinda Street, the next stop on your Parkes journey. Being a regional centre, you’ll want to continue from here on four wheels to be able to get the most out of your visit to Parkes.
After securing your rental car from Hertz, make the short five-minute drive up the road to visit the iconic Henry Parkes Centre - a must-see in the Parkes region. The fascinating complex houses 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!
Finish off your day in Parkes with a leisurely bushwalk and serene sunset from the top of Memorial Hill. Providing sweeping views over Parkes and the surrounding farmland, this hill is the most visible landmark in town - a shrine of remembrance, a symbol of Parkes’ wartime history. Back in town, you’ll want to make yourself at home at the Station Motel. This contemporary and unpretentious motel is the ideal base for your time in Parkes, just a stone’s throw away from the amenities of town. For an elegant evening out, the on-site restaurant, Station Steakhouse, is one of the top rated in town. On the menu - a delicious selection of hearty mains, from juicy steaks to fresh seafood, paired perfectly with an extensive wine list.
Exploring 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.
Starting your journey in Parkes, you can’t miss the giant telescope array just north of town. An icon of the region, this impressive and unique attraction has fascinated and inspired visitors for over 60 years, and 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.
If you’ve got a bit more time up your sleeve, a visit to the historic mining town of Peak Hill will fascinate and inspire. Here you’ll find a selection of antiques, wares, arts and craft stores, as well as a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Peak Hill open cut gold mine. The nearby landscapes of Goobang National Park are another highlight of the region - we can assure you, the drive is well worth it.
No matter the reason for your visit to this delightful town, Parkes is ready to welcome you with open arms and true-blue 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.
