You will find much to enjoy in Parkes an ideal destination for an overnight stay or a weeklong visit. Parkes is a great place to stop and explore what the Central West of New South Wales has to offer.

No visit to Parkes would be complete without a visit to its star attraction, the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope - star of the Australian hit movie 'The Dish'.

The purpose of the mysterious looking dish can be described as listening to the stars. Astronomers, curious about the features and working of the universe have used the telescope for more than 40 years. Parkes Radio Telescope is one of Australias most prominent landmarks and part of our scientific and engineering heritage.

For fantastic views of Parkes, take a drive up Memorial Hill (Bushman's Street), one of the highest points in Parkes offering great panoramic views over the shire. Bushman's Hill is the site of one of Parkes' first Gold Mines, in operation over 100 years ago. Walk to the top of the hill, where you will pass some historical relics and a memorial to those few who have lost their lives to mining in the area.