Local attractions are Bushmans Hill, Goobang National Park, Sir Henry Parkes Museum (head of Federation and former Prime Minister of Australia in late 19th Century), CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope and Farm Implement Museum.

Parkes is located in the central west of NSW, around half way between Melbourne and Brisbane. Parkes is a regional commercial centre, rich agricultaral area and internationally known for it's Radio Telescope (Satellite dish), fetaured in the movie 'Dish'.