Parkes is a modern town in central west New South Wales, located approximately 360 kilometres northwest of Sydney on the Newell Highway. The town was formed following the discovery of gold in 1862 and was then known as ‘Currajong’ due to the many kurrajong trees in the area. It was later renamed ‘Parkes’ in honour of Sir Henry Parkes, who visited the town in 1871.
The town offers a free dump point and potable water for use at Kelly Reserve, located on the corner of Newell Highway and Thomas Street. Spicer Caravan Park provides excellent facilities, and unpowered sites are available for $13 per vehicle per night. Powered sites are available at an additional fee.
Parkes has made a significant contribution to space science and is home to the Parkes Observatory and the national icon ‘The Dish’, which featured in the 2000 film of the same name. Another draw card of visitors to the town is the ‘Parkes Elvis Festival’, held annually in the second week of January.
Tourist/Visitor Centre
Parkes VIC
Henry Parkes Centre, Newell Hwy, Parkes NSW
P: 02 6862 6000
www.visitparkes.com.au
Casual Parking
Bogan St, Caledonia St, Currajong St, Foster St, Bushman St
Short Term Parking
Spicer C/P, cnr Albert, Victoria & Bushman Sts, (time limit neg), pets on lead, shwrs, bins, tlts, c/seating, BBQ, water, $13pvpn unpwr (extra for pwr)
Dump Point
Kelly Reserve, cnr Newell Hwy & Thomas St
Potable Water
Kelly Reserve, cnr Newell Hwy & Thomas St
Hospital
Lachlan Health Service, Parkes Campus, Coleman Rd, ph 02 6861 2400
Doctors Surgery
Clarinda Street Surgery, 335 Clarinda St, Parkes, ph 02 6862 2511, 8.30am – 5.30pm Mon - Fri
Dentist
Tim Baker, cnr Church & Hill Sts Parkes, ph 02 6862 1391; Mike Richardson, 21 Church St Parkes, ph 02 6862 1261
Pharmacy
Dunfords Pharmacy, 280 Clarinda St Parkes, ph 02 6862 1099; Parkes Pharmacy, Shop 6 Metro Plaza Clarinda St, ph 02 6862 2411
Supermarket
Coles, Bogan St Parkes, ph 02 6863 6200; Woolworths, Clarinda St, ph 02 6862 1722
