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.
CSIRO Radio Telescope
The visitors centre at Parkes Observatory is open to the public 7 days a week.
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.
General Entry
Group Guided Tours
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