Aastro Dish Motor Inn

Apollo Motel

Clarinda Motel

Comfort Inn Bushmans

Comfort Inn Parkes International

Court Street Motel

El Mexicali Motel

Henry Parkes Motor Inn

Hotel Gracelands

Parkview Motor Inn

Station Motel

Known for its iconic role in space exploration, Parkes is home to the famous Dish—a towering radio telescope that played a pivotal role in the Apollo 11 moon landing. Delve into the wonders of the universe at the Parkes Observatory Visitor Centre, where interactive exhibits and guided tours offer a glimpse into the cosmos. Beyond its astronomical attractions, Parkes boasts a rich cultural scene, with heritage buildings, art galleries, and museums showcasing the town's history and creativity. Explore the tranquil surrounds of Cooke Park, stroll down the charming main street lined with boutique shops and eateries, or immerse yourself in local festivals celebrating everything from music to Elvis Presley. With its blend of cosmic curiosity and rural hospitality, Parkes promises an unforgettable adventure under the stars.

Parkes

Embark on a thrilling journey through the captivating landscapes of New South Wales (NSW) Country. Imagine vast open plains, majestic mountains, lush valleys, and charming rural towns. This heartland of Australia offers a quintessential rural experience, steeped in rich history and cultural heritage. The land was home to various Aboriginal tribes before European settlement in the late 18th century. This indigenous legacy, intertwined with the transformation brought by European settlers, makes NSW Country a fascinating blend of old and new.

New South Wales Country: A Journey Through Australia's Breathtaking Rural Landscapes

NSW Country is defined by its diverse landscapes, each with a unique allure. The Great Dividing Range, for instance, offers breathtaking vistas and adventure-filled activities from hiking in the Blue Mountains to exploring the snow-capped peaks of the Snowy Mountains. Not to be overshadowed, the verdant valleys of NSW Country, thriving with farms and vineyards, offer a feast for the senses. The Hunter Valley is renowned for its award-winning wines, while the Bega Valley takes pride in its quality dairy produce. This rich natural environment also provides a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife. Here, you can spot kangaroos hopping in the bush, koalas nestled in eucalyptus trees, and a multitude of bird species singing their melodious tunes.

The Diverse Natural Landscapes and Wildlife of NSW Country

At the heart of NSW Country are the towns and communities that breathe life into this rural landscape. Each town, from the cultural hub of Bathurst to the historic town of Goulburn, is rich in history and community spirit. By partaking in local farmers' markets, festivals, and country shows or enjoying a traditional Aussie barbecue, you'll experience the warmth of country hospitality and get a taste of authentic country life. Equally enticing is the local cuisine of NSW Country. With an emphasis on locally sourced produce, the region's food is as diverse as its landscapes. Expect to enjoy hearty meals featuring the finest meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables that the region has to offer.

Experience Rural Life in NSW Country

Embarking on a journey to NSW Country is part of the adventure. Whether you choose to drive, catch a coach, or take a train, the journey promises to be as remarkable as the destination. While NSW Country offers year-round attractions, the temperate climate in spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) provides particularly beautiful conditions for outdoor exploration. During your visit, immerse yourself in a range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, wine tasting, exploring historic towns, and visiting local farms.

Travel Tips and Essential Activities for Visitors

NSW Country offers an unparalleled rural Australian experience. It's a place to reconnect with nature, delve into history, and create unforgettable memories. So, when will you start your journey through this remarkable Australian countryside?

Conclusion

What are the must-visit towns in NSW Country?
Among the many charming towns in NSW Country, Bathurst, Goulburn, and Tamworth are particularly favoured by visitors.
What wildlife can I see in NSW Country?
You can encounter a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and an array of bird species.
What kind of food is typical in NSW Country?
The region's cuisine boasts a farm-to-table approach, featuring locally-grown meats, cheeses, and produce.
What is the best way to get around NSW Country?
Car travel provides the most flexibility, but coach and train services also serve many towns

Frequently Asked Questions

The Heart of Country region spans the entire central breadth of New South Wales, covering a distance of over 1,000 kilometres between the state of Queensland in the north and Victoria in the south. To the west of this region lies the New South Wales outback, while to the east is the state's lush hinterland of the Great Dividing Range and popular ocean coastline.The Heart of Country region encompasses some of the state's most historic country towns and cities, fertile agricultural and pastoral plains, forests, rivers and lakes. Dotted with historic river ports is the Murray River, Australia's longest river which forms the region's southern border with Victoria, making it an ideal recreational playground for water activities. The major inland cities of Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Queanbeyan, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga are rich with cultural heritage, festivals and events.The north-south routes of the Newell Highway, Hume Highway and New England Highway cover much of the region, with some interesting detours available along some of the tourist side routes of Fossickers Way, Kidman Way, Lachlan Valley Way and the Olympic Highway.Visitors come to the Heart of Country region to experience wide open spaces, gourmet food, friendly locals and the country lifestyle.

Heart of Country

Historic towns, scenic landscapes, gourmet delights. Explore Murray River, vibrant cities, and charming detours like Fossickers Way

Welcome to Parkes, a vibrant town in New South Wales that captivates visitors with its celestial wonders and down-to-earth charm.

Welcome to Parkes

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Penrith, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Bathurst and Katoomba.  
          
          
          Mount Ginini has recorded 31 mm in 30 minutes to 10:26 pm, 49 mm in 2 hours to 11:15 pm on Friday.

Expect a day of partly cloudy with clear spells

The day will start with partly cloudy through the late morning hours, transitioning to clearing

There will be clear sky until morning, then partly cloudy

Parkes

Parkes: Celestial Wonders and Rural Delights

Current satellite images of NSW