Blue Flower

Henry Parkes Centre


The Henry Parkes Centre, a tourism complex located on the northern side of town incorporates two lots of museums. The first is The King's Castle Elvis Exhibit and the Parkes Motor Museum as one museum, located within the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. The second located just next door incorporates The Henry Parkes Museum (traditional history) and Antique Machinery Collection with entry via the Henry Parkes Museum.

The King's Castle Elvis Exhibit is a unique collection of original Elvis memorabilia owned by Greg Page. The exhibition displays genuine Elvis artefacts which were owned by Elvis or directly connected to his life and are on display telling the story of the on & off stage life of one of the world's greatest entertainers. Parkes Motor Museum houses an impressive collection of mint condition motor vehicles representing all heritage motoring eras.

The Henry Parkes Museum and Antique Machinery Collection depict early life in Parkes through objects, photos and historical information. The Historical Society volunteers are exceptionally knowledgeable on the history of Parkes, they will insightfully share this knowledge with you upon your visit.

The complex also features an Interactive Henry Parkes Display slide show within Moat Cottage that depicts the life of Sir Henry.

The Henry Parkes Centre - Parkes Motor Museum

Parkes Dining Guide

Downloadable PDF Dining Guide for Parkes

Where to eat in Parkes New South Wales

CSIRO Radio Telescope

The visitors centre at Parkes Observatory is open to the public 7 days a week.

 CSIRO's Parkes Radio Telescope - Attractions in Parkes NSW

Parkes radio telescope is an icon of Australian science, and one part of the Australia Telescope National Facility.

Opening hours

  • 7 days a week from 8.30am to 4.15pm (including public holidays)
  • Extended hours during New South Wales school holidays
  • Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Location

See map and directions to Parkes Observatory.

Getting to the observatory

The Parkes radio telescope is located at Parkes Observatory, 20 kilometres north of Parkes off the Newell Highway (the main highway between Brisbane and Melbourne). The road to the telescope is clearly marked.

Peak Hill Open Cut Experience

Peak Hill Open Cut Experience

Located just 400 metres from the main street of Peak Hill, Caswell Street, this open cut gold mine provides a great example of mining techniques used historically and today.

The historic Peak Hill mine operated between 1893 and 1917 producing about 60,000 ounces from 500,000 tonnes of rock. Alkane re-excavated for gold on the site between 1996 and 2002 retrieving 145,000 ounces gold from 4.9 million tonnes of rock.
 
While most of the historic operations were consumed by the recent mining activity, some of the old workings have been preserved.
The Open Cut Experience includes both the historic works and the more recent mines with several walking paths and viewing platforms having been constructed.
 
The Peak Hill Open Cut gold mine was re-developed in 2002 as a Tourist Mine - a unique attraction located on the Newell Highway in the quaint town of Peak Hill.  In September 2007, Parkes Shire Council signed an agreement with lease-holder Alkane Exploration committing to keep the project running, through Council operating the tourist arm of the mine.
 
Located in an elevated and pleasant bush setting, just 400 metres from the town centre, the Peak Hill Open Cut Experience forms an imposing backdrop to the township.
 
This is a walking experience which requires a low to moderate level of fitness to complete most of the trails but, for less active visitors, there is "easy access" to the main viewing platform and a pleasant, flat return walk along the "low wall" of the main open cut with spectacular views across to the "high wall".
 
General Entry
Self guided tours are now available daily (FREE ENTRY) between 9am and 4pm (closed Christmas Day & Good Friday). 
 
General Entry gives visitors access to picnic areas, and walking trails.
 
Group Guided Tours
Group guided tours (more than 10 people) are offered all year round by appointment (subject to Guide availability). These guided tours allow visitors to gain a greater understanding of the mine, its history and methods used.  Guided tour groups are also able to access gold panning facilities (at a small additional cost).
 
On the Digger Tour the guide will take you across fascinating historic gold mine workings, and around the rim of the open cut pits.
 

Group tours are available to groups of 10 or more people. Must be pre-booked by calling the Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 02 6862 6000. Allow a minimum of 2 hours for guided tours. Cost: Adult $10 Concession/Student $8

 
Conditions of Entry
  • Children aged under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult
  • Concession includes pensioner, senior and student card holders