Although we did not spend overnight here it is certainly worth a big mention. Parkes is an absolutely gorgeous town with a more modern approach than other towns. Although you will find older buildings the majority of buildings are new with a great little cafe style atmosphere.
Parkes was made famous for a few different things.
Firstly was made famous when Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon in 1969, it was the Parkes Observatory’s giant radio telescope that broadcast the event around the world. The Australian movie “The Dish” made this event into a motion picture, now visitors travel here to learn about the radio telescope as well as astronomy.
Secondly they have a huge festival for Elvis Presley Fans in the second week of January every year the Parkes Elvis Festival. 18,000 people flock to this little Australian to celebrate everything Elvis Uhhh Haaa! …. wish I could have seen this.
I visited the Peak Hill open cut mine which if your interested is about an hour long hike around an old working gold mine. Just really a big hole with little gold produced in my opinion.
Parkes is certainly a town I would consider for a longer visit another time.
Parkes Observatory
Parkes Town
Source:
http://www.50shadesofgreynomad.com/archives/503