Best Place to watch the Stars at Parkes NSW

[LumFamilySydney (Mun)]

Hi everyone, my daughter and I are heading out to Parkes during the July school holidays to have a look at The Dish and hopefully also look at the heavens through our telescope. Is there a park/reserve where we can set up our telescope either in town or close to town? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[cadman342001 (Andy)]

According to google maps there are 2 or 3 public parks/playing fields in Parkes (Harrison Park, Lions Park seem to be on the edge of town), or Goobang NP just up the road that is "open" 24 hours.
We'll be there on Sunday, on our way back from Canberra to pick up my new scope/mount, on our way back to Surfer's.

Andy

[Huey (Michael)]

eyHi there,
My suggestion is to stay anywhere near the dish, ie. along the road after you've turned off the Newell Hwy. Make sure it is save. There are fields and only few trees. So you should have a good view.

Clear skies and all the best

Huey

[cadman342001 (Andy)]

Saw a pic on FB, I asked the guy and he said that even though they shut the café/visitor centre at 4.30 they were able to stay in the public area near the café to take pics after dark and that the staff from the scope popped over for a chat a few times.

We were there yesterday but no time to stop so just a couple of snaps and on our way.