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.
The Dish Cafe can cater for your culinary needs or there are free BBQ and picnic facilities. Of course the biggest attraction is a great view of the Dish. The Cafe is open Tuesday - Sunday for breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon teas - or just a coffee.
The Cafe also hosts evening meals from time to time with theme menus and degustation among the specialties. Phone the Cafe on (02) 6861 1772.
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.
Dwyer’s Butcher
216 Clarinda Street, Parkes
In 2003, Dwyer’s Butchery was bought by Food Service Central, that also changed the name to Dwyer’s Fresh. Due to this change, Dwyer’s Fresh became much more popular and busier. In 2014, PFD Foods bought Food Service Central. From this drastic change, Dwyer’s were kept on their feet, with supplying wholesale meat throughout the state. Dwyer’s Fresh found it impossible to maintain both areas of the business that had been operating for over 70 years, so they closed their doors. Although they ceased their retail operation, they continue to wholesale. To this day, Dwyer’s Fresh work hard providing for clubs, restaurants, cafes, takeaways, bakeries, sporting clubs and major events.
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
Ambulance Station Corner Lachlan and Court Streets, Forbes (northern side of Court Street, opposite Post Office, this is a rundown building)
Post Office Corner Lachlan and Court Streets, Forbes (southern side of Court Street)
Town Hall 2 Court Street (corner Court and Harold Streets), Forbes
Fountain in Victoria Park 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
Cost
Free
More Information
Follow along with Visit Parkes Region’s Facebook page for more information.
Contact Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 6862 6000
