About Parkes Observatory (The Dish)
Parkes Observatory, commonly known as The Dish, is a 64-metre radio telescope operated by CSIRO located about 20 kilometres north of Parkes in central New South Wales, Australia. Completed in 1961, it is one of the Southern Hemisphere's most important radio astronomy facilities. Famous for supporting NASA's Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, it remains active in scientific research and features a visitor centre with astronomy exhibits overlooking the telescope.
Visitors guide
Visitors can view the 64-metre radio telescope from dedicated viewing areas and the visitor centre. The centre offers interactive astronomy exhibits, scale models, historical displays about the Apollo 11 mission, and a 3D theatre. The site is set in rural farmland north of Parkes with open skies, a cafe, gift shop and picnic grounds. The telescope itself is an active research instrument and may be seen moving as it tracks celestial objects.
Key highlights
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64-metre fully steerable radio telescope commissioned in 1961
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Key role in receiving television signals from NASA's Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969
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Visitor Centre with interactive science and astronomy exhibits
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3D theatre and audio-visual displays on space and radio astronomy
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Telescope viewing platform overlooking the dish and surrounding countryside