Parkes is a charming town that is known for its beautiful countryside, rich history, and vibrant culture. This town is located approximately halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, making it an ideal stopover for travellers exploring the eastern coast of Australia.
66945 Windmill at Parkes
One of the biggest attractions in Parkes is the Parkes Observatory, affectionately known as ‘The Dish’. It is one of the world's leading radio telescopes. The antenna is a 64-m diameter parabolic dish used by the CSIRO for radio astronomy. Built in 1961 it featured in the first moon landing, relaying television pictures to a waiting world. The telescope functions both day and night but is probably best viewed under a starry sky.
66943 A view of the CSIRO radio telescope in Parkes NSW. You can see the constellation of Orion in the top left.
I can highly recommend the visitors centre where you can learn about the history of the observatory and the science behind radio astronomy, as well as take a guided tour of the facility. If you have kids, there’s plenty to keep them amused.
66946 Tree in Farmland
Another must-see attraction in Parkes is the Henry Parkes Museum, named after one of Australia's most famous politicians and pioneers. This museum showcases the life and achievements of Henry Parkes, as well as the rich history of the town itself.