The 64-m Parkes Radio telescope

Visiting the Parkes radio telescope

Star of the movie 'The Dish', the 64 m Parkes radio telescope in the central west of New South Wales, Australia, is a great place to visit.

• 8 June 2005 | Updated 1 May 2012

• Opening hours
• How to get there
• What to see and do
• Astronomy and Space Science Exhibition
• The theatres
• The Dish Café

Tune into the universe at 'the Dish' and discover world-class astronomy and engineering at this international scientific and cultural icon. Built virtually in the shadow of the 64 metre dish, the Visitors Centre and Dish Café at Parkes Observatory cater for public curiosity about the radio telescope and astronomy.

Opening hours

• Open 7 days a week (including public holidays) 8.30 am to 4.15 pm
• Extended hours during some school holidays
• Closed Christams Day and Boxing Day.

How to get there

The Parkes Radio Telescope is 20 kilometres north of Parkes on the Newell Highway, the main highway between Brisbane and Melbourne. The road to the telescope is clearly marked.

What to see and do

• Marvel at the engineering beauty of the Dish in our viewing area
• Explore the telescope's achievements in our Astronomy and Space Science Exhibition
• Discover the Universe in our high definition 3D theatre and audio visual theatre
• Taste the delights of the region in our award winning 'Dish Café'
• Relax after a long drive in our astronomy garden and picnic area.

Astronomy and Space Science Exhibition

This modern exhibition takes you on a journey exploring the highlights of the telescope's rich history. Starting as an idea in the 1950s, see how the Parkes radio telescope has matured into a world leading research facility. This exhibition is designed to answer your questions about the telescope and its operation, but leave you pondering some of the big questions like; how big is the Universe and what is the Universe made of?

The Astronomy and Space Science exhibition is free.

The theatres

Designed to inspire and engage people of all ages, our theatres operate every half hour. Entry costs per theatre: $6.50 (adult), $5.00 (concession) and $20.00 (family). 10% discount if seeing both theatres.

• High definition 3D theatre - Produced by Swinburne University's Centre for Astrophysics and Super Computing, these animated features offer a glimpse into the vast complexity of our Universe.
• The Invisible Universe - An awe-inspiring presentation delving into the relatively new scientific field of radio astronomy. Produced for the Parkes radio telescope, this documentary highlights some of the telescopes major achievements, and sheds light on the telescope's work probing the Universe to help us understand some of the fundamental laws of physics.

The Dish Café

Treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at the award winning 'Dish Café'. Winner of the Inland NSW tourism award for tourism restaurants and catering in 2008, 2009, and 2010, the Dish Café now sits in the Inland NSW tourism awards hall of fame.

• Open for Breakfast and Lunch daily
• Great coffee and hot scones
• Catering available for groups.

Contact the Dish Café on (02) 6862 1566.

Find out more about Group bookings.