Australia

Visiting Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park

November 11, 2021 / Australia, Northern Territory, Travel / 0 comment

Visiting Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park

Jim Jim Falls are the tallest waterfalls in Kakadu National Park. Visit them by foot in the dry season or view them by air in the wet.

At 200m high, the mighty Jim Jim Falls are also bigger than all of the waterfalls at Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks in the Northern Territory.

Jim Jim Falls and nearby Twin Falls are special places for their Aboriginal custodians. They believe that Nayuhyungki, the creation ancestors, travelled across this area.

During the summer months the falls are only able to be seen by air, however, during the dry season, it’s possible to walk through monsoon forest and clamber over boulders to reach the base of the falls.

Before starting on the drive to Jim Jim Falls, check the daily access report to ensure they are open to visitors.

It’s not an easy journey to make. The 50km road into the start of the walk is 4WD access only, is unsealed and often corrugated. It is a narrow, winding road that involves driving across a creek with a firm concrete base that can be more than 0.4 metres deep. A snorkel is highly recommended – we managed the drive without one but it was a hairy drive.

At the car part, there are basic toilet facilities and picnic tables.

From the car park, it’ is a 2km return walk to a deep pool. 2km might not sound like much but it’s a really tough walk, particularly towards the end with massive sharp boulders to navigate. Allow a least an hour in each direction. The rocks and boulders can be extremely slippery, so sturdy footwear is essential.

The plunge pool at the base of Jim Jim falls is extremely deep and cold. Drownings have occurred here, and swimming is not recommended.

Bring energy foods and snacks, plus several litres of water. Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day.

While there are generally no crocs in the waterfall, be aware that there may be crocs in the area at all times so be cautious and follow directions on the signs.

Get more information on Jim Jim falls.

See the amazing jumping crocodiles on the Adelaide River.

Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises: Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise

November 9, 2021 / Australia, Northern Territory, Travel / 0 comment

Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises: Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise

See the Aussie saltwater croc up close on the Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruises.

A trip to the Top End isn’t complete without spotting one of our most fearsome apex predators – the Australian Saltwater Crocodile.

The crocodile was facing extinction 40 years ago, after 50 years of extensive hunting for their skin. In the early 1970s, the number of crocodiles in the wild had dwindled to as low as 3000.

Crocodile hunting was banned in the early 1970s, the result of pressure from conservation groups, and numbers since then have recovered to sustainable numbers.

One of the best ways to see wild crocodiles is on one of the jumping crocodile cruises run by Spectacular Crocodile Cruises.

The river cruise is an educational adventure, where guests learn about Croc biology, territorial habits and their value to the ecosystem.

You’ll see not only the largest saltwater crocodiles up close, but some of north Australia’s most interesting birdlife as well.

Tours are scheduled daily at 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm, are scheduled to last an hour.

There are a few groups Adelaide River jumping crocs tours, however the Spectacular Crocodile Cruises is the only one that is Aboriginal owned.

jumpingcrocodile.com.au

Canoelands Orchard Fruit Picking

November 8, 2021 / Australia, Hawksbury, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Canoelands Orchard

Pick your own fruit at Canoelands Orchard. Nectarines, peaches, blueberries, strawberries and more are available seasonally at this orchard in the Hawkesbury.

Canoelands Orchard offers pick-your-own seasonal produce. Entry fee may vary but is generally $5 adult, $3 kids 5-15 and under 5s free.

Cost for fruit picked:

$6/kg for stone fruit, (nectarines, plums, peaches)
$6/kg Apples
$6/kg for tomatoes and eggplant
$10/kg Strawberries and
$20/kg blueberries
$6/kg citrus

Canoelands asks that if you wish to taste the fruit that you taste only one piece, the rest must be purchased.

Environmentally-friendly picking bags are available for $1 each, or you can bring your own bags and containers.

It’s a short walk from the entrance to the orchard. Carts are free to borrow and I highly recommend taking one as the fruit gets heavy, fast.

There are friendly farm animals to meet and feed (please purchase animal food there and don’t feed them anything else. Dogs are not welcome, so leave your doggos at home.

There is a small playground for kids.

Standard bookings are for 2 hours. Please depart promptly at the end of your time slot.

There is a cafe onsite. We ordered a cheese and fruit grazing box in advance ($39 for small). Large is $79.

The shop at the entrance sells fantastic locally-made produce such as honey and jams.

Canoelands Orchard
27-29 Canoelands Rd, Canoelands NSW
http://www.canoelandsorchard.com

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Strawberry Picking at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl

October 26, 2021 / Australia, Bilpin, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Strawberry Picking at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl

Enjoy strawberry picking at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl. A visit to the strawberry farm is the perfect spring activity for families with kids of all ages.

Bilpin is a small town in the City of Hawkesbury local government area in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, approximately 1.5 hours from the Sydney CBD.

The Bilpin Fruit Bowl has a large range of fruit and vegetables available for picking throughout the year. They have recently put in a hot house and for the first time have strawberries available for picking.

The strawberry farm at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl is located inside a large hot house with open sides which allow plenty of fresh air for ventilation.

What you need to know about strawberry picking at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl:

There is an entry cost of $20 for adults, $10 for children aged between 3 and 12. Free for children under 3 years of age.

The entry cost allows you to eat as much fruit as you want as you pick it.

To take the rest of your fruit home costs $20/kg for strawberries.

Empty punnets and scissors for cutting strawberries off the vines are provided at the entrance. You can also BYO baskets and containers.

Bookings are essential and limited to 200 people every 2 hours.

There is a small shop/cafe onsite serving light meals and snacks as well as selling locally-grown fruit. Bathrooms are located next to the cafe/shop.

Picnics are allowed but expect everybody to follow COVID rules. Please bring your own picnic rugs and chairs and picnic in the designated picnic area only. There are no picnics allowed inside the farm.

You must pay for whatever you pick. (YOU PICK IT YOU OWN IT).

Please keep an eye on small children and ensure the vines aren’t damaged and fruit isn’t thrown.

While the hot house has a roof, we found the best strawberry vines to be located at the first aisle next to the entrance which was quite sunny – so bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.

I would suggest wearing closed in shoes as it’s a farm and you’ll be walking through dirt.

There are plenty of lettuce and bok choi varieties available at the very back of the hot house.

Enjoy your strawberry picking! We spend about an hour gorging ourselves at the strawberry farm and still took home a lot for later.

Bilpin Fruit Bowl
2093 Bells Line of Road
Bilpin NSW

bilpinfruitbowl.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Glenbernie Family Farms: Sunflower Picking Farm

October 18, 2021 / Australia, Hawksbury, NSW / 0 comment

Glenbernie Family Farms: Sunflower Picking Farm

Enjoy sunflower picking at Glenbernie Family Farms in the Hawkesbury. Take photos galore and bring home a beautiful bunch from the sunflower farm.

Book an hour slot to take as many photos as your heart desires and pick a perfect bunch of sunflowers at this family-owned farm located in Kurmond, an hour and a bit drive from the Sydney CBD.

Bring a bucket, water and secateurs to cut the sunflowers. I would also suggest a hat and sunscreen. There are portaloos available but no proper bathroom facilities.

Entry is $10 adult, $5 kids, 2 and under are free. Sunflowers are $4 each to take home.

I would suggest going at the start of your session and also picking the first session of the day when the sun isn’t as hot and there are less people visiting the sunflower farm.

Glenburnie strictly follows the current NSW health orders which means until Dec 1 only fully vaccinated adults are able to visit. Unvaccinated kids are welcome.

Our sunflower picking was such a fun morning, with very enthusiastic reviews from the kids.

If it has been raining, bring gumboots. I would wear closed shoes regardless as there is a lot of dirt around the sunflowers.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Picnics are allowed – bring a blanket. We chose to drive back into Richmond for brunch at the Ugly Mug. There is a park with a playground situated directly across the road from the cafe. The Ugly Mug offers outdoor dining.

Glenbernie Family Farms
610 Bells Line of Rd, Kurmond NSW
Opening days and times vary.
0407945581
mrikalsaliba@gmail.com
glenberniefamilyfarms.com.au
facebook.com/glenberniefamilyfarms

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Central West NSW Road Trip: Your Complete Itinerary

June 4, 2021 / Australia, Central West, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Central West NSW Road Trip: Your Complete Itinerary

Enjoy stunning scenery, try local cuisine and wine, and immerse yourself in history, culture and art on this epic family-friendly road trip through Central West NSW from Sydney to Orange, Parkes, Dubbo and back again via the Blue Mountains.

Blue Mountains (100km, 1.5 hrs)

Only 90 minutes from Sydney lies the first stop, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.

The region is full of art, history, thriving cafes and spectacular natural beauty. We highly recommend spending a few days in the area to explore Katoomba, Leura, Lithgow, Wentworth and Falconbridge.

Get ideas on bush walks, waterfalls, high teas and galleries to visit in the Blue Mountains.

Oberon (87km, 1.5hr)

This beautiful little rural town is home to many farm stays, bush walks and gardens, but is best known for Jenolan Caves and the stunning Mayfield Garden. Jenolan Caves are the largest and most spectacular caves in Australia, and among world’s oldest caves.

Mayfield Garden is one of the world’s largest privately-owned cool climate gardens, best visited in autumn and spring but stunning year ’round.

Read more about visiting Mayfield Garden.

Bathurst (48km, 40 mins)

Bathurst is home to 1000 heritage buildings, with over 200 years of European history, and tens of thousands of years of indigenous heritage.

This small town is a fab spot to stop for a few days or to base yourself for a longer stay and visit outlying towns. Bathurst has fantastic cafes and restaurant as well as an excellent adventure playground, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and the famous Mt Panorama racetrack.

We suggest driving from Bathurst to Orange and spending a few days at either town as a good base.

Read more about things to do in Bathurst.

Orange (56km, 1 hr)

Orange is a large regional town, with major facilities and shops. It’s also a wine region and known for its fine wine and excellent food.

The tranquil Lake Canobolas is a must-visit in the area, a lovely recreational area for the town with swimming beaches, a large playground and picnic areas. Orange is a great location to base yourself for a few days and see other towns in the region. A visit to the Heifer Station is a must.

We suggest driving from Orange to Cowra, with visiting Millthorpe and Carcoar along the way.

Millthorpe (22km, 20 mins)

The perfect day trip in the Orange region, Millthorpe is a heritage-listed village with historical buildings, restaurants, shops and wineries. There are plenty of ways to spend a lovely day in Milthorpe.

Read more about things to do in Milthorpe.

Carcoar (26km, 20 mins)

Visit the historic village of Carcoar in the NSW Central Tablelands. Take a walking tour of the preserved 19 century buildings set amongst picturesque green hills.

Read more about things to do in Carcoar.

Cowra (55km, 40 mins)

Discover Cowra’s stunning Japanese Garden, military history and outdoor activities. Visit in spring to experience fields of gold canola!

Cowra is a medium-sized country town with a fascinating history. The site of the largest Prisoner of War breakout in modern military history, Cowra has several sites to visit that speak to the town’s role in WW2.

Cowra is also well known for their tranquil Japanese Garden and beautiful fields of canola in spring.

We suggest driving from Cowra to Parkes, stopping at Canowindra along the way.

Canowindra (33km, 30 mins)

The historic village of Canowindra is home to hot air balloons, colonial history and a fascinating collection of prehistoric fish fossils.

Read more about a day trip to Canonwindra.

Parkes (75km, 1 hr)

We drove from Orange to Parkes stopping in Canowindra along the way.

Parkes has plenty of attractions, including the world-famous Parkes Radio Telescope ‘The Dish’, the Henry Parkes Centre, Peak Hill Open Cut Experience and vibrant street art.

Read about things to do in Parkes.

Dubbo (120km, 1.5 hrs)

Visit the vibrant regional city of Dubbo. Go wild at Taronga Western Plains Zoo and discover the region’s history and heritage.

Read about things to do in Dubbo.

Gulgong (109km, 1 1/4 hrs)

Gulgong is a 19th-century gold rush town in the Central Tablelands that is absolutely worth stopping by on your drive from Dubbo to Mudgee.

Mudgee (33km, 1/2 hr)

The famous wine town is a must-stop to enjoy strolling past the beautiful 19th century buildings, dining on excellent cuisine, sipping some locally-pressed wine and enjoying the country air.

Mt Wilson / Mt Tomah / Bilpin (160km, 2 hrs)

This stunning area is technically part of the Blue Mountains region, however is a bit tricky to reach from the Katoomba-side. The region is well-known for its stunning gardens, particularly in spring and autumn, and orchards which are open for fruit picking seasonally.

Read about our experiences at the Royal Botanic Gardens Mt Tomah, Breenhold Gardens at Mt Wilson and Wildwood Garden at Bilpin. You can also find out where and when to go for fruit picking in Sydney or more ideas for what to do in the Blue Mountains area.

Back to Sydney (125km, 2hrs)

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

Step back in time in Gulgong NSW

June 4, 2021 / Australia, Central West, Mudgee, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Step back in time in Gulgong NSW

Take a walk through 19 century regional Australia in Gulgong, a former gold mining town in the Mudgee region of NSW.

In the 1870s people flocked to the town hoping to strike it rich. Gold was found at nearby Red Hill and 20,000 people came to the area seeking an easy fortune. Prior to the gold rush, Gulgong was just a large property for used for raising sheep. You can learn more about the gold rush at the Gulgong Pioneers Museum and on the Gulgong Gold Experience.

Gulgong has around 130 National Trust-listed buildings, many of which still have their original verandahs and iron-lace balconies.

The town is also home to Australia’s oldest operating opera house, the Prince of Wales Opera House. Dame Nellie Melba once performed at the Oper House, which opened in 1871.

Another museum to check out is the Gulong Holtermann Museum which features a collection of more than 350 photographs of the region from the UNESCO-listed Holtermann Collection and uses interactive displays to immerse visitors in the past.

Gulgong was also home to the great Australian writer and bush poet Henry Lawson, who spent his childhood in the area. Drop by the Henry Lawson Centre to learn about his life and legacy.

Read more about things to do in Gulgong NSW.

Read more about things to do in nearby Mudgee.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

Things to do in Mudgee (with or without kids)

June 4, 2021 / Australia, Central West, Mudgee, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Things to do in Mudgee (with or without kids)

The famous wine town is a must-stop to enjoy strolling past the beautiful 19th century buildings, dining on excellent cuisine, sipping some locally-pressed wine and enjoying the country air. There are plenty of things to do in Mudgee!

Mudgee is a town with a lot of family history for us, so we have visited many times over the years.

A few of our favourites things to do in Mudgee:

Stroll through Lawson Park and along the Cudgegong River, stopping at the children’s playground or enjoying a picnic.

There are some lovely sculptures dotted around the river walk.

Taking a dip in Mudgee Swimming Pool and enjoying a splash in the new play area which includes a large water slide, rock pool, water spray platform, dumping bucket, spray cannons, jets and streams.

Tasting honey at Mudgee Honey Haven, watching the bees hard at work and enjoying their delicious scones.

Wine tasting at Bunnamagoo Estate, which also has lots of green space for kids to run around.

Delicious brunch at Market Street Cafe and have your photo taken with the ping wings painted by Kelsey Montague in the alley around the corner.

Pizzas or brekkie at Mudgee Brewing Company.

The prettiest and tastiest cupcakes at Cake and Dessert Co.

We stayed at the excellent Soldiers Motel.

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

Things to do in Dubbo

June 3, 2021 / Australia, Central West, Dubbo, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Things to do in Dubbo

Visit the vibrant regional city of Dubbo. Go wild at Taronga Western Plains Zoo and discover the region’s history and heritage. There are plenty of things to do in Dubbo!

Taronga Western Plains Zoo

The highlight for us of all the things to do in Dubbo, and indeed to prime reason why many people head to this city, would have to be Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The 6km circuit of animals is a huge outing, often requiring two days to cover.

We highly recommend staying onsite at the Zoofari Lodge if your budget extends to it. You can read about our experience at the Zoofari Lodge here, and at Taronga Western Plains Zoo here.

Old Dubbo Goal

Old Dubbo Goal is a heritage-listed tourist attraction built in the 19th century and home to historic buildings and artefacts telling of its former life as a courthouse lockup and goal. The Goal features a large range of animatronics and holographic displays to create a realistic look into its brutal history.

olddubbogaol.com.au

Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden

Enjoy 10 hectares of green space at Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden. Features include a traditional Japanese garden.

drbg.com.au

Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience

Learn about the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service with hands-on, interactive displays that cover topics including aviation, communication, history and healthcare.

Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, the Flying Doctor is an invaluable service to people living in rural and remote areas of Australia. From emergency medical care and evacuation to regular clinics for remote communities,

flyingdoctor.org.au

Dubbo Observatory

Explore the universe at Dubbo Observatory. Far away from the smog of big cities, stars, planets and galaxies can be seen at night through one of six telescopes.

dubboobservatory.com

Wellington Caves

Discover an ancient, underworld landscape, home to the first megafauna discovery in Australia at Wellington Caves. Book ahead in peak times like school holidays as the cave tours do book up.

wellingtoncaves.com.au

Dubbo Regional Adventure Playground

Let the kids run wild at this exciting playground, located next to the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden. The Dubbo Regional Adventure Playground has 40 elements to explore, including a flying fox, giant slide and basket swing. The playground includes a barbecue facilities, toilets and accessible elements including a wheelchair-friendly Liberty Swing.

Coronation Drive, Dubbo

Where to stay and eat in Dubbo

We enjoyed dining at the Dubbo RSL which has an excellent indoor kids’ play area.

dubborsl.com.au

We stayed at the Best Western Bluegum Motel. We highly recommend this 4.5 star property that was quiet, friendly and catered extremely well to families with large rooms and plenty of beds, plus removal of items in minibars, a kitchenette and free milk.

bluegummotorinn.com

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

Things to do in Parkes NSW

June 2, 2021 / Australia, Central West, NSW, Parkes / 0 comment

Things to do in Parkes NSW

The world-famous Parkes Radio Telescope ‘The Dish’, the Henry Parkes Centre, Peak Hill Open Cut Experience and vibrant street art are just a few things to do in Parkes.

The shire of Parkes is best-known for the Parkes Radio Telescope ‘The Dish’, however there are plenty of things to do in the town and surrounding area to justify more than an overnight stay.

The Dish

The CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, star of the movie ‘The Dish,’ (2000) is located 20km north of Parkes, a a short 5km detour off the Newell Highway. It’s free to enter the Visitor Discovery Centre to explore the world of astronomy and learn about the role The Dish plays in ‘listening to the stars’.

The hands-on exhibits will entertain the kids, as will the scavenger hunt activity option. There is also an excellent gift shop with a wide range of astronomy and space science books, DVD’s, science toys and souvenirs and a 3D theatre that runs every half hour (additional fee applies to watch the film).

A snack at the Dish Cafe is an excellent way to enjoy the view of The Dish while recharging with brekkie, lunch, morning tea, coffee or a milkshake.

The Discovery Centre is open 7 days a week from 8.30am to 4.15pm.

Newell Highway, Approx 20km North of Parkes
http://www.csiro.au

The Henry Parkes Centre

The Henry Parkes Centre incorporates four museums and the Parkes Visitor Information Centre.

The King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit and Parkes Motor Museum adjoin the Visitor Information Centre. One pass gives entry to both collections. A separate admission fee applies to access to the Henry Parkes Museum and Antique Machinery Collection, which feature exhibits from traditional family history collections and agricultural machinery and equipment.

The Kings Castle is a collection of Elvis’ personal artefacts owned by Greg Page, the original ‘Yellow Wiggle’, expressing some of Elvis Presley’s life and career highs and lows.

The Parkes Motor Museum is a collection of motor vehicles owned by the Parkes Antique Motor Club representing all heritage motoring eras. Up to 24 cars, 10 motorcycles and other motoring memorabilia are in display including 1914 Alldays and Onions, 1940 Holden bodied Oldsmobile Convertible, 1986 Jaguar XJ6 Paris Show display car.

Learn about Sir Henry Parkes inside Moat Cottage, a replica of where the Australian Statesman and ‘Father of Federation’ was born in Country Warwickshire, near the city of Coventry, England. The 20 min free theatre experience inside Moat Cottage tells the story of Sir Henry Parkes and his connection to Parkes.

The Henry Parkes Museum and Antique Machinery Exhibit depict early life in Parkes through objects, photos and historical information. A collection of historic buildings are houses on the site including a wooden schoolhouse and two churches, blacksmith shop, Silver City Comet carriage and 45 tractors.

Newell Highway

Kelly Reserve

A lovely green space with covered BBQ area, picnic facilities, off-leash dog park, play equipment and a 3075 ‘S’ Class steam locomotive.

Cnr Newell Highway and Thomas Street

HARS Parkes Aviation Museum

The HARS Parkes Aviation Museum is currently housed in a former RAAF hangar from the airport’s time as a World War Two air force base. Exhibits on display or being assembled include a Bell AH-1 Huey Cobra, De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (A4-275), De Havilland DH.114 Heron (VH – AHB) and Convair 580 (VH-PDW).

It’s a truly fascinating experience to wander around the museum and watch the exhibits being restored and assembled.

End of Muzycuk Drive at Parkes Airport

Public Art Trail

Download the Public Art Trail map to your phone and wander the Parkes CBD to enjoy public art installations that represent the region’s local culture and icons.

Big Fish Fossil Hut

Drop by the Big Fish Fossil Hut to enjoy a collection of specimens that lived across Eastern Australia over 700 million years ago. On display are trilobites, ammonites, seastars and arinoids through to fish, amphibians and dinosaurs. The collection includes the largest fossil fish on display anywhere in Australia – the Xiphactinus, which lived during the time of the dinosaurs and is about 4.5 metres long.

Peak Hill Caravan Park, 2 Ween Street.

Peak Hill Gold Mine Experience

The historic Peak Hill mine operated from 1893 to 1917. Redeveloped in 2002 as a tourist attraction, the Peak Hill Gold Mine Experience is a great way to learn about mining techniques by strolling along the self-guided walking trails.

Mingelo St, Peak Hill

Where to eat and stay in Parkes

We really enjoyed dining at Bellas Cafe & Licensed Italian Restaurant (245 Clarinda St, Parkes). It’s extremely family-friendly and serves great food.