Parkes, in central NSW was named after the father of Australian Federation, Sir Henry Parkes. Parkes hit the national spotlight with the release of the 2000 Australian film The Dish. This historical comedy-drama tells the story of The CSIRO Parkes Observatory’s role in relaying live TV images of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969. ‘The Dish’ is located 25 kilometres north of Parkes and is open to the public.
Before ‘The Dish’ put Parkes on the map, a small festival had been gaining momentum since starting in 1993. The Parkes Elvis Festival is now an annual 5-day festival full of fun events and fabulous music - a pilgrimage for Elvis fans who come to pay homage to ‘The King.’ The event honours Elvis Presley’s legacy with tribute performances, a street parade, and themed events, attracting fans from across the country.
The CSIRO Parkes Observatory's radio telescope made history by beaming images of Neil Armstrong taking those first infamous steps on the moon. The telescope, affectionately known as ‘The Dish’ is still in operation as a world-leading instrument.
With an impressive diameter of 64 metres, The Dish is one of the largest single-dish telescopes in the Southern Hemisphere. The Observatory welcomes visitors to wander through its astronomy and space science exhibitions and 3D theatre shows.
The Henry Parkes Centre incorporates the Parkes Visitor Information Centre and four museums including the impressive King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit containing a fascinating collection of Elvis artifacts and the Parkes Motor Museum.
In 1861, the Parkes region was struck with gold fever. Visitors can learn about this interesting part of the town’s history on the Newell Gold Trail. A short drive north of Parkes is Peak Hill featuring a heritage open-cut gold mine opened in 1893.
The Parkes Elvis Festival is a must-visit event for music lovers and those seeking a fun, nostalgic experience. Every January, the town of Parkes comes alive over five fun-filled days to celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday and all things Rock ‘n’ Roll. Recognised as one of the top three festivals and events in Australia, The Parkes Elvis Festival attracts 25,000 fans and partygoers.
There are hundreds of themed events featuring dozens of talented national and international artists. Highlights include the crowning of Miss Priscilla, the Elvis Gospel Service and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute show featuring a sensational International Elvis Tribute Artist.
Festival Boulevarde features buskers, all belting out Elvis favourites while the Elvis Wall of Fame honours the King’s legendary career. Classic cars from the era roll into town while rock ‘n’ roll dancers of all ages flock to the dance venues to kick their heels up to lively 50s and 60s music.
The Wiradjuri people are the traditional owners of the Parkes regions and have lived on country for over 40,000 years. The Wiradjuri nation is the largest in NSW, spanning from Albury in the South to Coonabarabran in the North, covering about one-fifth of the state.
The town of Parkes is located 502 kilometres west of Sydney.
The Henry Parkes Centre is a tourism complex situated at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. The Centre incorporates three separate displays. The first is the combined King's Castle Elvis Exhibit and Parkes Motor Museum.
The Henry Parkes Museum covers two acres and contains over 15,000 items of local history and Moat Cottage, a replica of Sir Henry Parkes' childhood home in Coventry, England.
A short drive from Parkes are the townships of Trundle, home of the Trundle Abba Festival, Boorowa, a proud merino town that hosts the annual Boorowa Irish Woolfest as well as Tullamore, Peak Hill and Bogan Gate, each offering something unique for visitors to enjoy.
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