Parkes

Lots to see and do with many pubs and restaurants offering great value meals in a friendly environment. We began our touring driving about 20 kilometers north from Parkes to the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope best know from the movie as "The Dish". Free entry is granted to this iconic landmark which is about 5 kilometers off the Newell Highway with good roads surrounded by fields of sunflowers. In the visitors centre are displays and interactive space oddities with a 3D Theatre and a cafe.

Heading back into town for a $10 per person Chinese meal we moved on to the lookout and memorial to walk off some of the excess calories we consumed at lunch. Nearly 360 degree views of Parkes can be seen and well manicured gardens surround the Memorial Tower which is central to the viewing point.