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New South Wales
Parkes
Things to do in Parkes

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Parkes

Things to Do in Parkes

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15 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Observatories & Planetariums
Historical observatory with interactive exhibits and a significant space exploration role, including moon landing communications. Displays, cinema, and a café enhance the visit.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

What travellers are saying

  • Caz134
    Hurstville, Australia81 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Big Dish and the Whispering Dishes
    We visited the Dish on a Wednesday afternoon in September. An excellent time to go - there were only about 10 other parties there. We paid $9.50 to see the 3 x 3D movies, which each run for 10 minutes back to back. Movie 1 about detecting planets was interesting, but I did drop off during movie 2…

    The cafe was still closed during our visit, but there seems to be some construction going on, so maybe it will be revived?

    There is no access to the Dish itself, but good photo opportunities. Kids would enjoy a visit as there were loads of interactive exhibits - and we had a go on the whispering dishes ourselves :)
    Review of: CSIRO Parkes Observatory
    Written 11 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ngcroker
    Sydney, Australia147 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    very informative
    Great place we did the Elvis and car exhibition very interesting a lot to learn about Elvis great memorabilia.
    Good place to pass time.
    Review of: The Henry Parkes Centre
    Written 13 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robyn T
    Hobart, Australia166 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Father's Day Treat
    This is a wonderful no nonsense quirky museum. Great for the man who loves looking at planes in various stages of restoration. Was worth a visit even though a little expensive at $15 a head.
    Review of: Parkes Aviation Museum - HARS
    Written 6 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Susan S
    Noosa Heads, Australia1,043 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fabulous festival celebrating everything Elvis
    This was such a fun event to attend. Everything was so well organised, plenty of free entertainment available over the festival. Easy to walk around to see everything. We attended a couple of paid events and they were excellent. Easy parking just away from the Main Street. The area was clean and tidy. It was such a fun festive extravaganza about Elvis.n
    Review of: Parkes Elvis Festival
    Written 16 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jane J
    Victoria, Australia27 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good View of Town
    Good view of town, incorporates the war memorial and a memorial walk, easy gradient once up there, worth the visit.
    Review of: Memorial Hill Lookout
    Written 11 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brendan W
    Griffith, Australia181 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visit the king
    A great place to see and enjoy some history of a legend in the music industry
    Elvis Presley - The King
    Really enjoyed our stop over here
    Review of: Cooke Park
    Written 5 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C...
    Victoria, Australia86,056 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    (S)636 class 4-6-4T
    This locomotive was built by the NSW Government Railways Eveleigh Workshops and it has finished its journey by being plinthed in Kelly's Park in August, 1975.

    Between September 1940 to April 1957, 28 engines were fitted with superheaters. This work included fitting new cylinders with piston valves and extended smokeboxes. Most of the 28 superheated C30 Tank Engines received riveted on 'drumhead' extensions to their smokeboxes. Some engines were given entirely new extended smokeboxes fully supported by the frames, giving these few a more modern, purposeful look. Superheated locomotives had the further suffix 'S' to their numbers, on official correspondence only.

    In their heyday, they could be found working almost every light branch line in New South Wales. Even in the final years of steam power, they could still be found well spread over the state in such places as Temora, Griffith, Cowra, Dubbo and Narrabri West.

    The first one was withdrawn in 1958 and the last in 1975 from service. It's a nice item to stop and look at, right next to the Newell Highway.
    Review of: Railway Pioneers Of Parkes (Locomotive 3075)
    Written 25 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C...
    Victoria, Australia86,056 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    General H. Gordon Bennett
    This memorial is atop Memorial Hill and it is very prominent, but it's more then the main tower... which is 33 metres tall in case you were wondering. :) There are flagpoles and war trophies up here as well.

    A humbling reminder of those who were left on foreign soil is here ... they have a remembrance walk to remember those individuals. Each garden is to reflect a country that has Australian soldiers buried there.

    It's really worth parking your car and wandering around here... it's a very impressive war memorial.
    Review of: War Memorial
    Written 28 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • aldavril
    Wollongong, Australia1,487 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    History lesson here.
    Wow! Right in the centre of town. What a majestic figure he is. Great read about this amazing man who was premier 5 times of NSW. Responsible for so many reforms in our history. A great read about him right beside the statue.
    Review of: Sir Henry Parkes Statue
    Written 15 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • WoodgateFamily
    Brisbane, Australia344 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting museum
    Greeted by friendly locals who are happy to point out things for you. The main building has an area dedicated to Henry Parkes, but there is also a lot of general antique items to look out, including some costumes from one of the first Elvis impersonators to become involved with the festival and the famous Emanuel brothers. Outside there are sheds full of antique farming machines, and an old train carriage you can walk through. Step into the replica house of where Henry Parkes was born for an interesting video presentation about his life.
    Review of: Henry Parks Museum
    Written 5 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C...
    Victoria, Australia86,056 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bushman's Dam
    If you are arriving from Dubbo direction on the Newell Highway, this is on your right going into town. You will see the old steam engine and if you pull into the street next to it ... there is plenty of parking.

    The reserve has covered barbecue area and picnic facilities, off-leash dog park, open-air gym equipment, playground and toilets. Also there is Bushman's Dam here that has lots of birdlife to view. There is plenty of parking available as well.

    When I was there I also noted that there was a cafe operating in the area near the old engine... so this has everything you need to break from driving, or to spend a day out .
    Review of: Kelly Reserve
    Written 25 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C...
    Victoria, Australia86,056 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Clerestory window
    This Courthouse was designed by colonial government architect Walter Vernon. It was built in 1896. Like many courthouses it has a clerestory window in the roof to let in light.

    Colonel Walter Vernon was an English architect who migrated to Australia and pursued his career as an architect in Sydney. In his role as the New South Wales Government Architect he is noted for designing multiple government buildings, many of which are extant with listings on national and state heritage registers.

    Vernon favoured what were later known as the Federation styles, such as the Free Classical, Arts and Crafts, and Free Style.

    This part of town has several stunning buildings- this is just one of many...but it is an exceptionally beautiful building with wonderful lines. Arches into the entry area... it is quite magnificent. That it is still being used as a court house is a testament to how well it was built.
    Review of: Court House
    Written 26 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C...
    Victoria, Australia86,056 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Methodist School Hall
    This is quite stunning to behold, the two buildings side by side... exceptionally well kept which would indicate that they are well used.

    Foundation stone on the church indicates that "This stone- was laid - by- Rev W G Taylor - President of Conference - Feb 3rd 1897 - Rev W Pearson - Minister."

    A stone on the hall indicates that "this stone was laid by - Owen J Howard Esq JP - April 17th 1912 - This building was opened by - Mrs H Bowditch - Nov 27th 1912."

    But what's interesting about the hall is that it is labelled on the front as "methodist school". It's an interesting way to label the Sunday school.

    When they went to build this church, various tradesmen in the town submitted tenders but RB Keast was successful with a bid of £798. It was the second lowest bid at the time, but it won the most votes.
    Review of: Uniting Church
    Written 25 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C...
    Victoria, Australia86,056 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    To the Glory of God
    The Anglicans built a wooden church in 1875 but it burnt down in 1876. A parish hall was not built until 1889 and it was then used as a church until the new St George’s was completed in 1927.

    Interestingly enough the building of this church was commenced in 1926, but because of financial constraints was not completed until 1956. The church is quite prominent which is how I found my way there to look at it ... it's hard to distinguish the different stages of building which indicates how well done the build was.

    Hard to capture in a photo because of its size, it is impressive and rather elegant. This area of town has several buildings that are well worth stopping to look at... particularly if you like architecture or history.
    Review of: St George’s Anglican Church
    Written 26 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pomlea
    Bathurst, Australia775 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's one of the best golf courses in regional Australia
    Wow. The new development of the golf course is amazing. Rather long course from blue markers. New green's sensational.Now one of three best courses in regional AUSTRALIA . The bar is great with cold yummy beer friendly locals and a well run pro shop with amazing staff. meals friday and Saturday and courtesy bus. newell highway bypass will run next to course when opened, with on off ramp. Conveniently located halfway between Melbourne and Brisbane, if you love your golf, be prepared to be wowed. The parkes open is on the 3rd weekend in september and is the run tournament i have played at This course is now a must plat.
    Review of: Parkes golf club
    Written 5 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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