Outback Towns

Parkes

Being only four hours drive west of Sydney, Parkes makes for an ideal outback getaway.

About Parkes

Parkes was originally known as Bushmans and developed as a pastoral and mining settlement.  In 1873 the town was renamed following a visit by the "Father of Federation", politician Sir Henry Parkes.

Being only four hours drive west of Sydney, Parkes makes for an ideal outback getaway.  It is famous for the Parkes Observatory which recieved the transmission from Neil Armstong when man first walked on the moon in 1969.  The broadcast was watched by an audience of 600 million people. 

In more recent times, the Observatory was the setting for the highly acclaimed Australian film - "The Dish".  Keen astronomers can visit the Observatory to learn about the radio telescope and general principles of astronomy.

Parkes is abundant in bushranger history and a long tradition as a gold-mining centre, one of the richest in the early colony.  You can explore bushranger country and  relive the excitement of Australia's largest gold heist's that took place at Escort Rock, Eugowra near Forbes.

Bird watchers and nature lovers will also love the tranquility and peacefulness  of the local National  Park.  If you  are lucky, you might see the endangered the squirrel glider and brush-tailed rock wallaby, at Goobang National Park.

There are some great spots to go camping and fishing along the Lachlan River, and Lake Cargelligo, offers a myriad of water sports and adventure.

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