Located in Central NSW on the major inland motoring corridor, the Newell Highway, Parkes is a thriving commercial centre offering quality accommodation, unique attractions and quirky events.
Parkes and the surrounding smaller towns combine as a progressive regional hub; from our foundations as an early gold discovery settlement, to our roots in the agricultural engine room of NSW and our rich mining landscape.
OVERVIEW OF EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES, SCHOOL EXCURSIONS AND TOURS
Parkes region has a diverse range of educational experiences for the school excursion market.
There are strong educational themes that are depicted at a range of attractions and points of interest in the Parkes region that would definitely align with the school curriculums.
- Motoring & Aviation Heritage
- Agriculture & Mining
- Political History & Periods of War
- Indigineous Culture
- Astronomy & Science
EXPERIENCES
The Henry Parkes Centre
Open 7 days 9am - 4pm, Monday to Friday and 10an - 3pm weekends and public holidays
Charges apply, Group discounts and student rates available.
Experience history and culture at the Henry Parkes Centre which is home to three museums.
Rock back in time in the King's Castle Elvis Exhibit featuring genuine artefacts owned by Elvis Presley. Enjoy the impressive range of antique motor vehicles in the Motor Museum featuring displays from all heritage motoring eras. Wander yesteryear in the Henry Parkes Museum showcasing traditional family history, mining and agriculture exhibits along with an impressive antique machinery and farm equipment display and a collection of historic buildings. Learn about Australia's political history and the significant role Sir Henry Parkes made in the development of public health and education in Australia in the immersive theatre experience in Moat Cottage, a replica of Sir Henry Parkes' birthplace in Coventry England.
For group bookings - Henry Parkes Centre Group Booking Form
CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope
Open 7 days, 8.30am - 4.15pm
Charges apply for 3D theatre.
Tune into the universe at the famous CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope more affectionately known as 'The Dish'. It continues to be at the forefront of discovery and is one of the largest single dish telescopes in the southern hemisphere. Dedicated to astronomy and now operating for over 60 years.
Enjoy interactive exhibits, 3-D theatre and presentation by one of the on-site astronomers. The Dish Café is on-site and can cater for large groups or cook your own BBQ and have a picnic at the site.
For group bookings - Parkes Radio Telescope Group Bookings
Memorial Hill
Open 7 days until 8pm, free of charge
Appreciate the significance of the war memorial monument, stroll the remembrance walk and view the theatres of war gardens. Stay a while and watch the sun set in the West and enjoy a 360 view of Parkes.
Peak Hill Open Cut Mine Experience
Open 7 days.
Charges apply for group tours
The Open Cut Experience offers a rich tourism experience with visitors able to access viewing areas over five open cuts, spectacular 360-degree views from the hilltop, walking trails, and a bridge walk over historic mine workings.
The tour guide will explain the history of the mine and the early mining methods used and reveal eye-opening original gold workings dating back to the 1890s.
Historic Aircraft Resotration Society (HARS) Aviation Museum
Open Thursdays or by appointment.
Charges apply for group tours
View historical exhibits in the HARS Hangar at Parkes Regional Airport. Parkes has a long history in aviation, the first aircraft to land at Parkes was a Sopwith Camel piloted by aviation pioneer Sydney Pickles in 1919.
CONTACT FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES
For all of our Parkes region experiences, let us know how we can help? We have an abundance of knowledge and are happy to work with organisers to assist with accommodation, catering, transport and itineries.
Contact Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 02 6862 6000 or email [email protected]
