CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope

Newell HighwayParkes,NSW 2870 Phone: 61 02 6861 1777 Timings: Public Holiday: 8:30am to 4:30pm; Christmas school holidays 8:30am to 5pm Daily ...... 8:30am to 4:15pm Daily http://www.csiro.au/parkes

About

Located 20 kilometres north of Parkes off the Newell Highway the CSIRO's Parkes observatory is home to the world famous 'Dish'.At 64 metres in diameter it was the first fully-steerable large antenna in the Southern Hemisphere. This impressive structure is still a world-leading scientific instrument and is operated 24 hours a day.Since commissioning in 1961, Parkes Observatory has been responsible for many world firsts in radio astronomy. The visitors centre in the shadow of the telescope has a range of interactive displays, an excellent astronomy resource centre with souvenirs, posters, science toys and books. The educational 3D theatre showcases awe inspiring adventures across the Universe.Dine at the award winning licensed Dish Cafe or make use of the free gas barbecues.The Visitors Centre at the Parkes radio telescope receives around 100,000 visitors a year. School excursions and special interest groups are welcome.