Major city · Australia
Parkes
Give Parkes one night, two if the Elvis Festival is on: the radio telescope is 20 km (12 mi) out of town and needs a car.Give Parkes one night, two if the Elvis Festival is on: the radio telescope is 12 mi (20 km) out of town and needs a car.
Parkes is a Central West service town of about 11,000 people on the Newell Highway, 99 km west of Orange and 110 km south of Dubbo. Its draw is the radio telescope 20 km north, the Elvis Festival each January, and a compact main street of heritage buildings. Most travellers pass through on the drive between Sydney and Dubbo; the town works as a single overnight stop.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (inland heat, 35 °C (95 °F)+); Elvis Festival week if you have not bookedavoid Dec–Feb (inland heat, 95 °F (35 °C)+); Elvis Festival week if you have not booked
- Airport
- PKE
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Parkes000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Parkes, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA quiet inland town; the real risks are summer heat, wildlife on rural roads at dawn and dusk, and long fuel gaps on the Newell Highway.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numberscheck000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles · 131 444 Parkes Police Station (non-emergency, check hours)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPKE Parkes Airport (Scheduled flights from Sydney; car hire at the airport, book ahead).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: the telescope is about 20 km (12 mi) north of town on Telescope Road and there is no public transport to it.A car is the practical choice: the telescope is about 12 mi (20 km) north of town on Telescope Road and there is no public transport to it.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Street or quick mealBakery pie or sandwichA$7–12 (≈ US$5–8)
- Beerschooner in a pubA$7–10 (≈ US$5–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Museum or sight ticketRadio telescope entryFree; small charge for the film (check)
- Budget bedHostel or pub dorm bed, a night, per personA$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$160 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$240 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$250 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PKE Parkes Airport (Scheduled flights from Sydney; car hire at the airport, book ahead)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Aug
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jul (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jun (8 rain days), driest Apr (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Parkes: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Jul
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: the telescope is about 20 km north of town on Telescope Road and there is no public transport to it. The centre itself is walkable in 10–15 minutes end to end. Fuel up on the Newell Highway before heading west.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Parkes Radio Telescope
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Drive 20 km (12 mi) north on Telescope Road; no public transportDrive 12 mi (20 km) north on Telescope Road; no public transport
Free entry; a small charge for the short film. Café on site. Go early in summer.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
A39 Newell Highway north, about 110 km (68 mi)A39 Newell Highway north, about 68 mi (110 km)
Zoo and regional base; easy to combine with a Parkes night.
Door to door: About 1 h 10 min
Henry Parkes Way east, about 99 km (62 mi)Henry Parkes Way east, about 62 mi (99 km)
Wine and food town; the better base if Parkes is full.
Forbes
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
A39 Newell Highway south, about 33 km (21 mi)A39 Newell Highway south, about 21 mi (33 km)
Gold-rush streetscape and lake; a half-day at most.
Door to door: About 1 h 20 min
Drive via Bogan Way and the Mid-Western Highway, about 100 km (62 mi)Drive via Bogan Way and the Mid-Western Highway, about 62 mi (100 km)
Japanese war cemetery and gardens; pairs with Canowindra.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Clarinda Street / town centre
Walk to pubs, cafés and the Henry Parkes Centre; motels and the heritage hotel are here.
Newell Highway edge
Drive-in motels with parking at the door; convenient for a one-night stop with a car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–230 (≈ US$100–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × A$160 | A$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Car hire, one day1 × A$70 · check | A$70 |
| Fuel, Parkes–telescope–Parkes plus town driving1 × A$15 · check | A$15 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$59 |
| Trip total≈ A$322 per person per day, bed included | A$644≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub counter meal | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Bakery pie or sandwich | A$7–12 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Beer, schooner in a pub | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Radio telescope entry | Free; small charge for the film (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer days inland regularly pass 35 °C (95 °F): carry water and drive the telescope visit early.Summer days inland regularly pass 95 °F (35 °C): carry water and drive the telescope visit early.
- Kangaroos and emus on rural roads at dawn and dusk: slow down outside town.
- Elvis Festival accommodation sells out months ahead; without a booking, stay in Orange or Dubbo.
- Fuel and food gaps on the Newell Highway west of town: fill up in Parkes.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
- Parkes Police Station (non-emergency, check hours)
- 131 444
Pocket card
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ParkesParkes
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- Police non-emergency131 444
Embassy
No embassies in Parkes; the US Consulate General and most others are in Sydney, with consulates in Melbourne and Perth.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Parkes → Sydney flight, PKE: about A$250–450 (≈ US$170–300) one way, about 1 h 15 min (check)
- Parkes → Dubbo by car: about 110 km (68 mi), 1 h 15 min, fuel about A$15 (≈ US$10) (check)about 68 mi (110 km), 1 h 15 min, fuel about A$15 (≈ US$10) (check)
- Parkes → Orange by car: about 99 km (62 mi), 1 h 10 min (check)about 62 mi (99 km), 1 h 10 min (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the servo? — Where is the fuel station?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
- How far's the dish? — How far is the telescope?
Fuel up before heading west on the Newell Highway; the next reliable services are in Forbes or Dubbo.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Parkes. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Dec–Feb (inland heat, 35 °C+); Elvis Festival week if you have not booked · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PKE: flight times from Sydney, taxi and hire-car fallback, one overnight rung.
- Two walking clusters with anchors: Clarinda Street heritage strip and the Henry Parkes Centre, then the telescope site 20 km north.
- Place pages with verified opening hours (telescope visitor centre, Elvis Museum, Henry Parkes Centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Festival and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialParkes Shire Council — visitor information
- officialParkes Elvis Festival
- officialCSIRO — Parkes Radio Telescope
- officialNSW TrainLink
- secondaryWikivoyage: Parkes, revision 5272138 (CC BY-SA 4.0)