Business categories in Parkes, NSW

Welcome to Parkes, NSW

Parkes is a New South Wales town with a population of 15,337. It is the centre of both government and community in Parkes Shire.

History

Parkes began life in 1853. The town’s original name was Currajong. Later, it changed its name to Bushman’s. It did not come to take on its current name until 1873. It takes the name Parkes from the influential politician Henry Parkes. Parkes visited the town in 1873.

The town was a centre of activity during the 1870s gold rush. Many mining companies maintain a presence in the area. The first Post Office in Parkes opened in 1872. A railway arrived in 1893.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

Parkes is the home of Parkes Observatory. Scientists based in Parkes have performed vital research with the radio telescope. They have also acted as a Southern Hemisphere relay station for several NASA missions.

The local economy is driven by Northparkes, a nearby gold and copper mine. Fittingly, there are many parks in Parkes.