Henry Parkes Centre

The Henry Parkes Centre is a museum complex on Peak Hill Road in Parkes, New South Wales, on the northern edge of town. Named after Sir Henry Parkes, Father of Australian Federation, it houses the Henry Parkes Museum, the King's Castle Elvis Exhibit, the Parkes Motor Museum and historic Moat Cottage. It is notable as the cultural hub of Parkes and home to the collection that underpins the annual Parkes Elvis Festival.

Visitors can expect a cluster of museums and heritage buildings set around a central courtyard with parking and picnic areas. Inside, they can explore local history displays, vintage cars and memorabilia, the extensive Elvis Presley collection at King's Castle, and the relocated Moat Cottage (c.1900) with period furnishings. Exhibits include agricultural machinery, textiles, photographs and social history objects relating to Parkes Shire. A visitor information centre and gift shop are on site.

Named after Sir Henry Parkes (1815-1896), five-time Premier of New South Wales and known as the Father of Australian Federation for his role in advocating federation. The centre preserves the history of Parkes Shire, including Moat Cottage (c.1900) and collections relating to early settlement, agriculture, transport and community life in central western New South Wales.

The centre is the cultural focal point of Parkes, housing the King's Castle collection that supports the annual Parkes Elvis Festival, a major Australian cultural tourism event held each January. Together with the Henry Parkes Museum and Motor Museum, it reflects rural Australian heritage and community identity.