Parkes NSW

On the road again, heading north-west.

After a delightful bakery brunch in beautiful Forbes, we rolled into Parkes soon after lunch and quickly set up at the Spicer Caravan Park on a handy drive-through ensuite site. Without delay, we jumped back in the car and continued heading west to check out the Utes in the Paddock installation at Condobolin. More on that to come...

Back in town, we explored the Henry Parkes Museum - named after Sir Henry Parkes, often referred to as the Father of Federation - showcasing a treasure trove of national and local heritage, and checked out the King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit, boasting the largest collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia in the Southern Hemisphere. Full of sequins, jumpsuits, vintage vinyl, and even a pink Cadillac, this was clearly a highlight. We'll have to come back one January for the iconic Elvis Festival!

Fun fact: In 1981 Parkes locals, Bob and Anne Steel, opened a restaurant and reception centre, which they named Graceland in honour of 'The King'. In 1992 an Elvis themed party was held at Graceland for the editor of the local paper. Someone came up with the idea of turning the party into an annual event and so, in 1993, 200 people came to a festival which comprised Elvis movies, a Tribute Concert, Elvis Lookalike and Soundalike competitions, and a street parade. It has just kept on growing from those humble origins. Today it attracts over 18,000 people to the town for a 5-day festival celebrating all things Elvis.Read more