A Day of Fun in Parkes

The Parkes Region offers is the perfect destination for a fun, memorable and safe regional adventure. Explore our wide open spaces, iconic attractions, quirky experiences, engaging play spaces and fabulous local eateries and shopping outlets.

Top reasons why your family should visit Parkes:

1. For music and pop culture

Parkes is an Australian epicentre of music, hosting the internationally renowned Parkes Elvis Festival celebrating the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ every second week in January. All year round you can see things from ‘the King ‘ at the Henry Parkes Centre home to an Elvis Exhibit and impressive car display. You can also strike a pose with Elvis at his statue in Cooke Park or the public artwork in the CBD which forms part of a cultural art trail across the Shire.

2. For interactive learning

Are your little ones interested in all things astronomical and aviation? Stop by the iconic CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, made famous by the hit movie The Dish, and be amazed by the 3D theatre. Afterwards, head back into town and wander around Parkes Aviation Museum, housed in a former RAAF hangar from the airport’s time as a World War II Air Force base.

3. For great accommodation

Parkes offers a great collection of quality accommodation options for all budgets, including bed and breakfasts, motels, hotels and cabins. If your family prefers to breathe in the fresh country air, pitch and unhitch with RV-friendly facilities and quiet, spacious caravan parks and campgrounds.

4. For outdoor adventure

Feeling adventurous? Nature-based experiences abound in the area, including bushwalking, hiking, riding, fishing and four-wheel driving in the nearby national and state parks. Or stay in town and discover the many picturesque parks, playgrounds, cycleways, and recreational and sporting facilities.

5. For kid-friendly dining

Once little bellies are grumbling from a day full of activities, take your pick from the wide range of dining options available, from modern Italian at Bella’s Cafe to kid-friendly gourmet pub grub at The Railway Hotel. Don’t forget to treat the kids to a menu ‘out of this world’ at the Dish Café or an amazing ‘freakshake’ at Dejabrew café!

6. For fresh produce and boutique shopping

Before heading home, be sure to pick up some unique gifts from one of our many boutique stores, such as soy candles at Colouby Creations, women’s fashion at Red Chandelier or home decor at Parkes Decor Shoppe. Want to stock up on some delicious local produce? The Parkes Visitor Information Centre has a great range of olives oils, jams and cosmetic all made locally in the region.

7. For nearby attractions

Linger longer and head to other attractions in and around the Central West, including Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the wineries of Orange, Wellington Caves, the Mt Panorama Motor Racing Circuit in Bathurst, the Japanese Gardens in Cowra and more.

To plan your visit, contact the Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 02 6862 6000 or head to our website.

We do need to ensure that both our visitors and community are kept safe, so we urge holidaymakers to please respect the NSW Health guidelines, stay home if you are sick, and practice good hygiene and social distancing.

Information and photography provided by Parkes Shire Council

Disclaimer: This post is general in nature. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice and you should seek professional verification on matters such as legal, health and wellness, travel or financial opinion prior to relying on such information.

COVID-19 update: Please note that all the information on the website is correct at the time of publication. Please check the relevant website before visiting a venue or destination for the latest COVID-19 information. Central West Mums is not responsible for any cancellations or closures.