Parkes
Host: Mike Whitney
The Dish
Take the trip to Australia’s Central West and visit the town of Parkes to get a good look of the wide blue yonder. The CSIRO's Parkes Observatory is celebrating the International Year of Astronomy with open days on the weekend of the 18th – 19th July so come along to check it out.
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On 21st July 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became the first people to set foot on the surface of the moon. What made this feat even more remarkable is that the television pictures of this historic event were received and transmitted by the CSIRO Parkes Telescope and relayed to 600 million people around the world.
To mark the occasion, turn up for an open day at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory and prepare to be amazed. The Parkes Radio Telescope is a world-leading astronomical device and it has supported some of the most significant space missions in history. The actual dish of the telescope is 64 metres wide so it truly is a sight worth seeing.
Once you’ve checked it out from the outside, pop into the Visitors Centre to learn a little bit about the technical side of this massive telescope. You’ll get to walk around all the displays and interactive exhibits, and you’ll even get the full cinema experience with educational movie sessions about the telescope, astronomy, and radio astronomy, and if you really want to learn more, jump through the screen in the 3-D theatre and lose yourself in the special effects.
Get your head in the clouds with a tour of The Dish at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory and you will be astounded. Just remember to get in quick because there are a limited number of telescope tours.
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More Information “The Dish” CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope Newell Highway, Parkes (20km north of Parkes) Telephone: (02) 6861 1777 Open 7 days Free entry – extra fee for theatre entry Open Days 18- 19th July, 2009 |
Prices correct as at 27/06/09
Alpaca Country Shop
While you’re in Parkes, you can’t pass up meeting the studs in town at Macusani Alpacas. This is a family business owned and run by Maree & Mark Hornery and they have 55 very cute resident alpacas.
Maree & Mark breed Suri Alpacas which have silky, lustrous fleece that can be turned into beautifully warm garments.
While you’re here it’s worth taking the time to have a chat to Maree about her alpacas and the benefits of their fleece. She’ll tell you that there’s a big difference between sheep and alpaca wool. Alpaca wool is much stronger, warmer, it doesn’t pill or itch, and it breathes better than sheep’s wool. If you’re not convinced, pick up a jumper or some booties at the Alpaca Country Shop and see the difference for yourself.
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If you’re impressed with the garments for sale, you can have a go at spinning and felting the fleece yourself. Maree is the master craftswoman and she can teach you all you need to know about working this beautiful fleece.
Maree teaches classes of 6 – 8 people, and you can choose what you want to do when you get here. Spinning the fleece is good fun, and you can get hands-on with felting too. Felting happens when you force the wool fibres to cross fibre with one another, and this is done simply by using soap, water, and elbow grease.
Whether you want to kit-up neck to knee in alpaca fleece, or you want to have a burl at making it yourself, one thing you’re guaranteed at the Alpaca Country Shop is a very, very warm welcome.
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More Information Alpaca Country Shop 2322 Newell Highway, Parkes Telephone: (02) 6863 1133 Open Thursday – Sunday & public and school holidays (or by appointment) Felting & Spinning Classes: various dates & prices – check website for details |
Prices correct as at 27/06/09
Old Parkes Convent Bed & Breakfast
When the day is done, you’re going to need a nice place to put your feet up, and the best accommodation in town is the Old Parkes Convent B&B.
Judy and Colin Wilson are your hosts at this cosy little bed & breakfast. They’ll welcome you in and set you up with everything you’ll need.
The convent was first built in 1910 as a Presbytery, but now this magnificent turn-of-the-century building can be yours for the weekend.
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You’ll be living the good old fashioned country life on half an acre of land in the lovely town of Parkes. All around you are historical buildings, and once you’ve had a look around the shops, restaurants, and pubs you’ll simply feel like kicking back with the locals.
There are two rooms to choose from at The Old Convent B&B. There’s the very comfortable Top of the Chapel room, or if you want to hit all the right notes, shack up in the Music Room. This is a beautiful apartment with a separate bedroom, lounge room that includes a fold-out double bed for the kids, sunroom, kitchen, and bathroom. To keep you cosy, there are also gas coal open fireplaces in the bedroom and lounge room.
School’s in at the Old Parkes Convent B&B so pack your bags and don’t be tardy.
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More Information The Old Parkes Convent Bed & Breakfast 33 Currajong St, Parkes Telephone: (02) 6862 5385 Rooms are $160 per couple per night including breakfast. |
Prices correct as at 27/06/09