Parkes is best known for its
Elvis Festival which attracts tens of thousands of Elvis fans to the Country NSW town each year. Five fun-filled January days are set aside annually to celebrate the life and music of the rollicking king. But, there are other things to discover in the Parkes area too including a radio telescope, a heritage open-cut gold mine and a sculpture trail.
CSIRO Parkes Observatory
CSIRO Parkes Observatory
Millions of people saw Neil Armstrong step onto the moon because of
CSIRO Parkes Observatory's radio telescope. Well, that was one of the reasons at least. In July 1969, this 64-metre parabolic dish actually helped broadcast the
Apollo 11 moon landing! It has also tracked interplanetary space missiond and received data from spacecraft since then.
CSIRO Parkes Observatory
You'll find the observatory as well as its radio telescope, visitor centre, 3D theatre and science garden approximately 20 kilometres from the town centre. Visitors are most welcome, however, please ensure that all phones have been switched to aeroplane mode before arriving.
CSIRO Parkes Observatory
Peak Hill Gold Mine Experience
Gold was discovered in
Peak Hill in the late 19th century and its open-cut mine operated for many years. Today, the site offers members of the public a chance to see the old mines for themselves via multiple viewing platforms along a 1300-metre walking trail.
Peak Hill Gold Mine Experience
Although a bit rough and steep in some places, the track is worth exploring if your fitness level allows it. For those who prefer not to do the walk, you can still catch a glimpse of one of the mines from the southern lookout near the toilets. Peak Hill is located just 40 minutes drive north of Parkes.
Sculpture Down the Lachlan
Eternity
Stretching from Forbes to Condobolin,
Sculpture Down the Lachlan features over twenty impressive outdoor art installations along the Lachlan River. The 100-kilometre sculpture trail was inspired by Sydney's famous
Sculptures by the Sea, but this 'bush' version also showcases the stunning rural landscape on which these sculptures are installed.
Arhab Bik Bialhabi
Among my favourites are
Eternity by Lachlan Ross which symbolises strength, courage and peace and
Arhab Bik Bialhabi by Ayad Alqaragholli which represents loyalty, love and welcome. Forbes is located just 30 minutes drive southwest of Parkes. For all the latest on the trail including any closure due to flooding, do check out their
Facebook page.
