You might have been looking for fun things to do in Parkes, but aren’t sure what to do. Here are some suggestions for the town and its surroundings. Check out the CSIRO Parkes Observatory, the Henry Parkes Centre, the Parkes Aviation Museum, and the Memorial Hill Lookout. You can find plenty of other things to do in Parkes, as well. Whether you are a nature lover or just want to enjoy the city’s scenery, there’s something for everyone to do.
CSIRO Parkes Observatory
The radio telescope at CSIRO Parkes Observatory is operated remotely from anywhere in the world, thanks to modern software. The facility is operated by Space and Astronomy, but users conduct their own observations, with teams from all over Australia participating in most projects. The telescope is controlled via the Dhagu graphic interface (Dhagu is the Wiradjuri word for “where” in the local language). The website allows users to schedule observations, monitor the status of telescope systems, and display data through a backend.
The Parkes Radio Telescope, the largest movable dish radio telescope in the world, was built by the CSIRO in 1961. The Parkes telescope has been used by thousands of astronomers worldwide, and is considered one of the world’s most successful scientific instruments. In addition to its iconic status, the Parkes Observatory has been featured in many movies, including the blockbuster film The Dish. It has made several scientific discoveries, and continues to perform world-class science and discovery.
The Henry Parkes Centre
The Henry Parkes Centre in the town of the same name is one of the major attractions in the city. This cultural precinct houses four museums as well as a Visitor Information Centre. You can visit the Henry Parkes Centre seven days a week and enjoy all the attractions. The Centre includes a King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit, the Parkes Motor Museum, the Antique Machinery Collection, and the Moat Cottage interactive exhibit.
The Henry Parkes Centre in the town of The Henry Parkes is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or a morning. It’s situated on the Newell Highway on the northern side of the town. Visitors can buy tickets that allow progressive access to all four museums. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for concessions, and $6 for children five and under. Groups of twenty or more can get discounted rates for admission to the Henry Parkes Centre.
After leaving the Customs Service, Parkes began working in the private sector. He became an ivory and bone turner and owned several newspapers. His personal wealth allowed him to support the Australian culture and its poets. His poetry was published in newspapers and he was an active member of the Birmingham political union. His work helped the city develop and prosper. It is a must-see attraction for visitors to the town.
Parkes Aviation Museum – HARS
If you enjoy aviation and are a local resident, you may want to volunteer at the Parkes Aviation Museum – HARS. Located at the historic ex-RAAF COMMCEN building, the museum is currently being renovated to become an aviation museum. During your volunteer placement, you’ll have the chance to learn about different aviation-related careers while sharing experiences and meeting new people. The Parkes Aviation Museum is located in the historic Bellman hangar that was used as a COMMCEN in WWII.
While visiting the Parkes Aviation Museum – HARS, you’ll be able to learn about the history of air transport in Australia. The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers. You can also check out the museum’s cafe and theatre presentation theater. Visiting the Observatory is another great experience – you’ll be able to see some fascinating astronomical phenomena and take a closer look at the telescope at the Parkes Radio Telescope.
Memorial Hill Lookout
If you are visiting Parkes, you will want to check out Memorial Hill Lookout. It offers great views of the city and surrounding area.
The lookout has a World War II Bofurs anti-aircraft gun, which was originally located at Bushman’s Dam. It was moved after the Barracks closed, and the City of Parkes accepted the offer to relocate the gun to the park.
Sir Henry Parkes Statue
The Sir Henry Parkes Statue commemorates a man who played a pivotal role in the development of Australia. Born in Warwickshire, Parkes’ parents were successful tenant farmers on Lord Leigh’s estate. He became a prominent politician and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of ordinary people. Despite his modest upbringing, he was highly respected by Australians and was even honoured with a statue.
The statue is 3.2 metres high and was created by Terrance Plowright, a famous sculptor from Lawson, in the Blue Mountains. This famous sculptor has created statues of Sir Richie Benaud in Sydney Cricket Ground and in Katoomba, Blue Mountains. During the redevelopment of Chamberlain Square, Parkes Shire Council workers worked with renowned sculptor Terrance Plowright to design and install the statue. The event was a great success, and the statue was installed just hours before the official opening.
The 125th anniversary of Local Government celebrations in Australia included the unveiling of the statue of the Father of Federation, Sir Henry Parkes. Initially named Bushman’s Lead, the town was renamed in 1873 after Sir Parkes’ visit to the diggings. In 1883, the name was changed to Parkes in honour of the man who played such an important role in the nation’s development.
War Memorial
The Parkes War Memorial is a 33-metre high structure located on a hill with views of Parkes. Its column is a prominent feature in the town, and visitors can take leisurely bush walks around it or enjoy a picnic in Rotary Park. The war memorial was completed in 1949 and is the most visible symbol of the area’s wartime past. The war memorial was designed by architect and engineer Henry Kelly, and it cost around 4,065 pounds.
Located on Memorial Hill, the War Memorial in Parkes offers an expansive view of the town and surrounding farmland. The memorial is accessible by car during daylight hours. General Bennett is scheduled to arrive on Saturday. A commemorative program is being planned to take place at the memorial. General Bennett will be given an overview of the area and present the medals to the families of those who lost their lives in World War II. The Parkes War Memorial Committee has set aside 700 seats in the town for the commemorative event.
Henry Parks Museum
If you’re looking for a fun day out in the country, the Henry Parkes Museum in the city of New South Wales is the place to go. This museum is part of the Antique Machinery Collection and depicts early life in Parkes through objects and photographs. It also includes an interactive museum in the Moat Cottage, which tells the story of the town’s founding father, Sir Henry Parkes.
The museum is an excellent place to see the birth home of Australia’s first prime minister, Sir Henry Bamford Parkes. Parkes was also the first local Australian to receive the GCMG. There are also a few other historical sites and attractions in the area, including the National Museum of Australia. Whether you want to visit a historical site, see what people have to say about it! And remember to bring your camera.
The National Museum of Australia features innovative displays and features the Banquet Hall, where Sir Henry Parkes gave the historic Federation speech in 1889. You’ll also find personal memorabilia of Sir Henry Parkes. The museum is operated by the National Trust, which is the owner of the building. In fact, it was the first building in NSW to be gifted to the Trust by the legislature. The National Trust of Australia promotes Australia’s heritage and supports conservation programs. Members of the National Trust are entitled to free entry to the museum.