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New South Wales and the ACT

Albury
Armidale
Broken Hill
Canberra
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Parkes
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Parkes

Situated in the heart of the Central West of NSW, Parkes has recently been thrust into the spotlight after being the base for the popular Australian movie, “The Dish”. Parkes is a town with strong links to both the past and the future. A gold rush town of the 19th century, Parkes has grown into a modern bustling community of 10,500 linked to the astronomical world through the CSIROs Radio Telescope. Beamed to the world during the Olympic Torch relay in 2000 and then star of the movie, “The Dish”, which told the story of the part the telescope played in the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, this spectacular and elegant 64 metre steel structure is set in a broad shallow valley just north of the town. There are displays and interactive exhibits, a shop and a café. The giant dish of the Radio Telescope can be seen from some kilometres away, from the Newell Highway. Visitors can drive almost right up to it and marvel at the structure. Parkes is named for the great Australian statesman, Sir Henry Parkes, who visited the gold diggings, then named “Bushman’s” in 1873. The name was changed in his honour, and this year Parkes will celebrate the 130th anniversary of that change of name. Gold is still mined in the Parkes shire. Perhaps more important than gold is the area’s rich agricultural production and its position as an inland transport hub. The area boasts some of the richest and most productive agricultural and grazing land in the State and like many western communities; the town’s history is closely linked with the discovery of gold. Situated at the crossroads of the north-south and east-west highways connecting Australia’s capital cities, Parkes is strategically placed to connect with the whole of eastern Australia. It is also a major marshalling centre on the Indian Pacific Railway connecting the east and west coasts. January is a great time to visit Parkes when the Elvis Revival Festival is held. Useful Links
Parkes Shire Council


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