Parkes Observatory - The Dish - Parkes radio telescope. Central West NSW

Parkes situated in Central West NSW is a thriving community situated in almost the geographical centre of New South Wales. The region incorporates Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore and nowdays it is famous as the home of ‘the dish’ - the Parkes Radio Telescope and the much-loved Parkes Elvis Festival held the 2nd weekend of January each year.

Parkes Observatory, Parkes Radio Telescope - The Dish - Central West NSW

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Parkes Observatory

'The Dish' - Parkes Radio Telescope

Newell Highway, 585 Telescope Road, Parkes Central West NSW 2870

Parkes CSIRO Radio Telescope, Visitors Centre & The Dish Cafe

The Dish café is located in the Visitors Centre serving coffee, breakfasts and light meals from 8:30am - 4:15pm (Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

The Parkes Radio Telescope is 20 km north of Parkes on the Newell Highway. The turn-off road is clearly marked and the telescope is 6 km in from the Highway.

Don't forget to switch off mobile phones, radio transmitters, video cameras and other electronic and computer devices a kilometre from the telescope so you don't interfere with the astronomy. Still digital and still film cameras are okay to use.

The Visitors Centre is built at the base of this world famous 'Dish'.and provides information about the radio telescope and about astronomy. There are displays and exhibits, souvenirs, books and posters and free BBQ and picnic facilities.

Two theatres - one theatre with a presentation about the telescope and a 3D theatre with a variety of features - a flight to Mars, virtual tour of the telescope and other 3D shows.