New South Wales location profile
Parkes NSW 2870
Parkes is a thriving regional town in NSW’s Central West known for its friendly community, affordability, and strong services. It’s famous for the Parkes Radio Telescope (“The Dish”) and the annual Parkes Elvis Festival, drawing visitors year-round.
Explore schools in Parkes
Compare local schools using the BestSchools list and interactive map.
Why families consider Parkes
A regional service and logistics hub with agriculture and mining (Northparkes) at its core, attracting families, trades, and health and education workers. Lifestyle is community-oriented and affordable, with a busy local events calendar and country-town pace.
Amenities & services
- Supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles, ALDI)
- Parkes Hospital (Parkes Health Service) and medical clinics
- Cafes, pubs and restaurants along Clarinda Street
- TAFE NSW Parkes campus
- Henry Parkes Centre museums (including Elvis exhibit and Motor Museum)
- Parkes Aquatic Centre
- Parkes Shire Library, Bogan Street, Parkes
Transport & connectivity
- Parkes railway station (limited NSW TrainLink passenger services)
- NSW TrainLink coach services to regional centres (e.g., Orange, Dubbo, Sydney connections)
- Local town bus services
- A39 Newell Highway and B64 Henry Parkes Way
- Parkes Regional Airport (regional flights)
Lifestyle & recreation
- Parkes Aquatic Centre
- Parkes Golf Club
- Spicer Oval and sports fields
- Henry Parkes Centre museums and Elvis exhibitions
- Clubs and pubs with live music; annual Parkes Elvis Festival
- Cooke Park
- Bushmans Hill Reserve
- Goobang National Park (nearby)
Education context
Multiple long day care centres, preschools and family day care; generally good availability with higher demand for infant places.
- Charles Sturt University (Dubbo and Orange campuses)
- University of Sydney School of Rural Health (Dubbo and Orange)