The Dish
Newell Highway, Approx 20km North of Parkes
Admission to the Discovery Centre is FREE. There is a small charge to view the 3D Theatre.
Opening hours
7 days a week from 8.30am to 4.15pm (including public holidays)
Extended hours during New South Wales school holidays
Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Closed until Midday on Anzac Day.
The CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, star of the movie 'The Dish' (2000) is one of Australia's most prominent landmarks and a must-see attraction on every driving holiday through inland NSW. As portrayed in the movie, the giant dish stands impressively over surrounding farmlands - a sophisticated piece of scientific equipment ironically in the middle of sheep paddocks! Located 20km north of Parkes, The Dish is a short 5km detour off the Newell Highway. You can walk almost right up to it and marvel at the 64 metre steel paraboloid, elegantly balanced atop a three storey concrete tower.
Built virtually in the shadow of The Dish, the Visitor Discovery Centre is where visitors are invited to explore the world of astronomy and discover what role The Dish plays in 'listening to the stars'.
The Centre features many displays, as well as hands on exhibits. The Dish Shop features a range of astronomy and space science books, DVD's, science toys and souvenirs. There is a 3D theatre that has recently been upgraded to high definition and runs every half hour.
There are free BBQ and picnic facilities. Of course the biggest attraction is a great view of the Dish.
Self Guided Tour - Locations Featured in 'The Dish' Movie
Take a Drive or a stroll around Parkes to explore locations featured in the movie 'The Dish'.
The Dish
20km north of Parkes, a short 5km detour off the Newell Highway.
The CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, star of the movie ‘The Dish,’ (2000) is one of Australia’s most prominent landmarks and a must-see attraction on every driving holiday through inland NSW. As portrayed in the movie, the giant dish stands impressively over surrounding farmlands – a sophisticated piece of scientific equipment ironically in the middle of sheep paddocks! Located 20km north of Parkes, The Dish is a short 5km detour off the Newell Highway. The Centre features many displays, a 3D theatre, as well as hands on exhibits.
Johnson’s Bakery
27 Welcome Street, Parkes
Johnson’s Bakery was first established in 1933, which makes it 86 years old. The store is still operating strong and offers a huge range to choose from including pies, sausage rolls, fresh sandwiches, cakes, slices and even birthday cakes. Johnson’s Bakery have a unique design on their custard tarts which they provide during the Elvis Weekend.
Parkes Hotel
1 Welcome Street, Parkes
Want to extend your time exploring, then take a short drive south to Forbes where you will find other locations which featured in 'The Dish' movie.
Forbes locations
Angelsey House - 44 Templar Street, Forbes
Town Hall - 2 Court Street (corner Court and Harold Streets), Forbes
Fountain in Victoria Park - Cnr Harold, Court Streets (Victoria Lane), Newell Highway, Forbes
Post Office Hotel - 117 Lachlan Street, Forbes
Victoria Hotel - 104 Lachlan Street (now Ray White), Forbes
Vandenberg Hotel - 7 Court Street, Forbes
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church - 11 Harold Street (next to Council/Town Hall/Council Chambers), Forbes
Mercedes House - 16 Johnson Street, Forbes
