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Travel the Newell Highway

Travel the Newell Highway

NSW Route 39 roads & town information

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Parkes & Region

From the heights of Goobang National Park, to the plains of wheat and country villages, Parkes Shire boasts many sights to see – some well-known and others waiting to be discovered.

Parkes Elvis Festival

The Festival is held annually in the second week of January with a spectacular five-day Festival program featuring a dazzling array of more than 150 individual events. Highlights include the Feature Concerts, the ever popular Elvis Gospel Service, the iconic Street Parade, the sashing of Miss Priscilla, the Renewal of Vows Ceremony and much more.
Cooke Park comes alive from Thursday to Sunday with markets and non-stop entertainment on the main stage, including Elvis tribute artists and competitions that the whole family can enjoy.

Visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au for more information.

Parkes-Elvis-festival-dish

Tune into the Universe

Visit the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, star of the movie ‘The Dish,’ (2000), it is one of Australia’s most prominent landmarks and a must-see attraction on every driving holiday through inland New South Wales.

The 64 metre wide dish stands impressively over surrounding farmlands – a sophisticated piece of scientific equipment ironically in the middle of sheep paddocks! Located 20km north of Parkes and just a short 5km detour off the Newell Highway.

Built virtually in the shadow of The Dish, the Visitor Discovery Centre is where visitors can explore the world of astronomy and discover the role The Dish plays in ‘listening to the stars’.

The Centre features many displays and hands on exhibits and a 3D theatre featuring programs on space and astronomy. The Dish Shop features a range of astronomy and space science books, DVDs, science toys and souvenirs. Whilst entry to the Visitor Discovery Centre is free there is a charge to view the 3D theatre. Enjoy a coffee stop or a meal at the award winning Dish Café onsite, or make use of the free BBQ and picnic facilities.

Parkes-Discovery-Centre

History & Culture

Gold & Sir Henry Parkes

The Parkes area remained relatively unsettled until 1862 when the discovery of gold led to a hastily erected ‘canvas’ town known as “Currajong”. There was a further discovery of gold in 1871, and in 1873 the then Premiere of New South Wales, Sir Henry Parkes visited the diggings. On December 1, 1873 the name of the settlement was changed from Bushmans to Parkes in honour of the great statesman.

The Henry Parkes Centre

A major cultural tourism precinct incorporating the Parkes Visitor Information Centre and four unique collections including The King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit, Parkes Motor Museum, Henry Parkes Museum and Antique Machinery collection.

Memorial Hill

Memorial Hill provides the best vantage point for magnificent views over Parkes and the surrounding farmlands. It is the most visible landmark in town, with its 33-metre high Shrine of Remembrance standing tall over Parkes. Also featured here is The beautiful Remembrance Walk and the Theatres of War Gardens commemorating those who have served in conflicts in which Australia has been involved.

Bushman’s Hill

Visit the site of one of Parkes’ first gold mines, which operated over 100 years ago. Bushman’s Hill is an enjoyable place to take a walk, with walking tracks to the top of the hill passing by some interesting historical relics. The site is also home to the Wiradjuri Ampitheatre and Garradyang Garden.

Kelly Reserve

The perfect place to stop and relax with amenities, covered BBQ area, picnic facilities, off-leash dog park, play equipment for the kids and idyllic views of Bushman’s dam and the 3075 ‘S’ Class Steam locomotive.

Fun & Adventure

Explore Parkes, Peak Hill, Bogan Gate, Trundle and Tullamore. There is plenty to discover across the Shire.

Plan your own adventure, a weekend escape, family-friendly getaway or just have a day to explore the Shire.

For maps and itineraries or help planning your getaway, contact the Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 02 6862 6000 or [email protected]

Goobang National Park

Located 30 kilometres north-east of Parkes. It is approximately 42,600 hectares in size, 55 kilometres long and ranges in width from 200 metres to 20 kilometres, forming the largest area of remnant vegetation in the Central West of New South Wales. The Park incorporates Hervey, Curumbenya and Bumberry mountain ranges and surrounding country. Visitors are welcome to undertake passive recreation activities including camping.

Contact NPWS Lachlan Area Office P: 02 6851 4429
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Back Yamma State Forest

Located approximately 25kms south of Parkes, the Back Yamma State Forest has a selection of single track and fire trail riding. Free camping, Gas BBQ, pets and horses allowed.

The Black Range

Located in Trundle and is an ideal spot to go bush walking or bird watching. It offers a peaceful and quiet place to enjoy the picnic ground facilities.

Bumberry Dam

Located 13 Kilometres east of Parkes towards Orange. Open to the public for recreational activities and free camping.

Stay, Shop & Eat

Accommodation

Parkes offers quality accommodation options with approximately 1500 bed spaces across a range of motels, hotels, bed & breakfasts, serviced accommodation, cabin and caravan parks. From affordable 3 star motels to brand new modern 4.5 star establishments along with disabled rooms and pet friendly options, there is something to suit all tastes and requirements.

Stay | Visit Parkes Region

RV Friendly Facilities

Parkes Shire welcomes RV Travellers with plenty of affordable overnight parking, dump facilities and services.

Shops

The Parkes town centre is always bustling with activity, as visitors and locals alike enjoy Parkes shopping.  Browse through Clarinda Street and its side streets to check out the boutique, gift and variety stores. 

Taste it all

Parkes Shire offers a great selection of quality dining options that cater to a diverse range of tastes. Whether you desire a hearty meal from a first class restaurant or a simple yet satisfying snack from one of our stylish cafes and coffee shops.

Map & Directions

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newell-highway-information
Parkes Visitor Information Centre

Henry Parkes Centre, Newell Highway, Parkes

P: 02 6862 6000 or 1800 624 365

E: [email protected]

W: www.visitparkes.com.au

Top Five
PARKES RADIO TELESCOPE

Marvel at the iconic Dish, get hands-on in the Discovery Centre and enjoy great coffee and scones at the on-site Café.
Open daily, free entry. 20 mins north of Parkes on Newell Highway.

HENRY PARKES CENTRE

Head to the Parkes Visitor Information Centre for all you need to know about the area and explore 4 unique museums, including Elvis exhibit, antique cars, local history and antique machinery. Newell Highway (north), Parkes.

SIR HENRY PARKES STATUE

Walk the main street, grab a coffee and have a photo with Parkes’ namesake, the impressive Sir Henry Parkes statue on the corner of Clarinda & Dalton Streets.

MEMORIAL HILL

Enjoy the panoramic views and vista from the top, explore walking trails or let the kids enjoy the impressive play equipment. Make your way to Memorial Hill, at the corner of Bushman Street & East Street.

VILLAGE COMMUNITIES

Explore the delightful villages of Bogan Gate, Trundle, Tullamore and Peak Hill and enjoy quintessential country landscapes and hospitality.

Bogan Gate is an impressive village featuring a quaint Pub. Plan a counter lunch there on route via the Tourist Drive which will continue onto Trundle. Here you can stand on New South Wales’ widest main street measuring 66 metres across, then head onto Tullamore, another small village community, rich in Irish heritage. Continue on the Tourist Drive to Peak Hill which will guide you to explore treasures such as the Peak Hill Open Cut Mine and Australia’s first vertical cement wheat silos (1918) which are still operating today. 

Parkes Region

Bogan Gate

Bogan Gate is an impressive village featuring a quaint Pub, so plan a counter lunch after taking a trip to see Utes in the Paddock at Ootha.

Tullamore

Tullamore is situated on the Bogan Way, an alternate north south route to the Newell Highway

Peak Hill

Peak Hill has endeavoured to preserve a proud and colourful history. The town is rich in arts and crafts resources with all venues situated in the main street (Caswell Street)

Trundle

If you’re looking to capture a classic photo of an Aussie country town, look no further than Trundle.

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