All Shook Up over Parkes

Sue marr discovers there is astronomy, aviation, animals and a whole lot of Elvis action packed into Parkes.

It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what makes a visit to the NSW central-west town of Parkes so memorable and downright enjoyable. Just an hour’s drive from Orange and a tick over 360 kilometres from Sydney, it’s easily accessible as a holiday destination, as a base for exploring the region or for a must-stop breather on an intrastate road trip.

As the local tourism slogan encapsulates, ‘it all adds up’ and yes, it does. In so many different ways.

Country charm

It starts with the friendly welcome that only a true country town can administer and resonates long after you leave. It wraps you in a blanket of hospitality and service rarely experienced by big city residents. For children growing up in cityscapes especially, the warmth and openness of a country community can’t be undervalued.

The town is laid out on a mostly flat, grid system that fans out from the main street, Clarinda, so it’s very easy to navigate and even easier to walk around. Pretty Cooke Park is a central starting point, surrounded by family-friendly motels, shops, cafes, restaurants (including Thai and Chinese) and clubs. A walk up the main street to the Wholesome Blend cafe (and it offers a great blend indeed) and central Parkes is covered.

The resident population just tops 12,000, which makes the number of pubs and clubs in town seem extraordinary. This is terrific news for visitors as there are so many affordable dining and entertainment options, from the Parkes Services Club to the Sports and Bowling Club and everything in between.

During the hot, dry summer months, the impressive Parkes Shire Library complex offers welcome respite from the heat, as does the nearby Aquatic Centre with its Olympic-sized swimming pool, perfect for laps or just some fun and a splash for the kids.