Orange, Central NSW Region — New South Wales

Parkes is a progressive town in New South Wales, located in its central east region. It is named after Sir Henry Parkes, a noted statesman of the country.

The town is popular as the one nearest to the CSIRO Telescope, located along Newell Highway. There are tours, interactive displays, and exhibits available within the premises, while amenities for picnics and barbecues are also provided. Night viewings can also be arranged on nights with clear skies.

Nearer to the town, at the corner of Tanks and Wellington Roads, is the Tyndalls Lavender Farm. Visitors come here to enjoy the sight of violet rows of lavenders, though rose gardens are also cultivated within the property. Products and plants are also for sale.

Cruising along Bushman Street, at the eastern end of the town, will take visitors to the Memorial Hill, where the Shrine of Remembrance is located. This shrine was dedicated to military personnel who became casualties of the two World Wars. The monument is an ideal place for picnics and bushwalking. Visitors can extend their visit to the nearby Arboretum and the Rotary Park.

Another interesting place to visit in Parkes is the Pioneer Park, along Newell Highway. This park showcases some antique machinery, mostly used in agriculture, and also offers amenities for picnics.

On Bushman Hill, remnants of the town’s gold mining past can be viewed and explored. Relics and memorials are erected within the area commemorating the miners who died during the gold rush days. Picnics and barbecue areas are also provided, and the more observant visitors can discern several Aboriginal artworks made within the area. The hill is also a good vantage point for some of the town’s scenic landscape.

Those interested in vintage cars shouldn’t miss the Motor Museum and Craft Corner. Located on the corner of Bogan and Dalton Streets, this structure houses several automobiles manufactured in the early 20th century. Local crafts and artworks can also be purchased on site for souvenirs.

And when the city’s interior parks do not satisfy the craving for a more significant nature experience, visitors should head out to the Goobang National Park, located north of Parkes.  Recreational facilities are offered for bushwalking, bird watching, animal viewing, and camping. Added attraction is growth and propagation of several species of orchids in the park.

Nearby is the North Parkes Mine, where tours can be organized for visitors with appointments.

For those wishing to engage in some water-based recreation, the Bumberry Dam is the ideal place to go. Amenities for picnics, boating, and fishing are offered in this popular family destination accessed through the Orange Road.

The town is also quite known for its Elvis Presley Festival in October, where impersonators from all over the state and the country come to participate in several related events. Other significant community events include the Parkes Festival of Sport held every Easter and the Jazz Tridium festival which is celebrated with parades, races, and musical presentations in the streets of the town. Come August, the town also comes alive with agricultural displays and exhibitions. In October, the community also organizes the annual Country Music Jamboree.