Parkes, New South Wales

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Parkes is a town in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia. It is the main town in Parkes Shire and had about 9,800 residents in 2021. The Wiradjuri people are the traditional owners of the land.

History and people
Parkes began in the 1800s, first as Currajong and then Bushman’s Lead because of local mining. In 1873 the town was renamed Parkes in honor of Sir Henry Parkes, a key figure in Australian federation. The area got its own local government in the 1880s, and the railway arrived in 1893, making Parkes an important transport hub. Mining and the gold rush years brought growth, and mining remains nearby today.

Science, heritage and sights
Parkes is known for the nearby CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, a famous science site that helped NASA during space missions. The town’s connection to the telescope inspired the movie The Dish. Nearby attractions include Bushmans Hill, the War Memorial Lookout, and Goobang National Park. Peak Hill has an open-cut mine that visitors can tour.

Economy
Agriculture is a major part of the region, with cropping, sheep farming and cattle farming common. The Northparkes copper and gold mine lies about 27 km away. Parkes is also developing as a logistics and freight hub, with plans for a large intermodal facility to support 24/7 operations.

Education
Parkes has several schools, including Parkes Public School (established in 1876), Parkes East Public, Middleton Public, Holy Family Catholic School and Parkes High School. Some students travel to nearby Forbes for additional options.

Climate
Parkes has a warm, sunny climate. Summers can be very hot, often around 40°C, while winters are cool. The town gets about 587 mm of rain each year and enjoys many clear, sunny days.

Transport
Parkes is on the Broken Hill railway line, with a station opened in 1893. Parkes Airport is about 5 km east of the town and offers flights to Sydney. A local bus service operates in town. Long-distance trains pass through Parkes, and some services stop here.

Community and events
Parkes hosts the Elvis Festival every January, celebrating Elvis Presley with performances and a festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the world.