Pack Your Blue Suede Shoes for a Road Trip to the Parkes Elvis Festival
- Written by Florence Sandford
With an abundance of fresh local produce, charming historic villages and stunning countryside – Central NSW is the perfect locale for a rock 'n' roll road trip to experience the one and only Parkes Elvis Festival this January.
Held in Parkes from 6-10 January 2016, the Central NSW festival celebrates the life and music of Elvis Presley over five days of fun with more than 150 events including concerts, a famous street parade, Elvis and Priscilla look-a-like competitions and much more. Parkes is home to The Kings Castle Elvis Exhibition at the Henry Parkes Centre which houses a unique collection of original Elvis memorabilia owned by former 'Yellow Wiggle' Greg Page.
NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the festival brought more than 11,000 overnight visitors to Parkes in 2015 which contributed more than $8.6 million to the local visitor economy.
“This standout event has grown into one of world's largest Elvis Presley tributes and I invite everyone to visit in January and join in the colourful celebrations,” Mr Ayres said.
According to Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase, “Start the New Year with an incredible festival experience at the Parkes Elvis Festival - a truly unique regional event that celebrates the life of “the King”. The journey is just as important as the destination, and with an itinerary showcasing the World-Heritage Blue Mountains, food and wine in Orange and the world-famous 'Dish' once you arrive in Parkes, there's no better time to enjoy a road trip through regional NSW.”
Destination NSW offers these suggestions for the road trip from Sydney to Parkes:
- Head west on the Great Western Highway out of Sydney. Within an hour, you'll be climbing into the Blue Mountains, inscribed on the World Heritage List as a place of outstanding universal value. Take in the views of the Three Sisters pinnacles and the majestic Jamison Valley from Echo Point. Visit Scenic World and ride the skyway suspended 270 metres above ancient ravines and waterfalls or the world's steepest passenger railway which descends to the rainforest on the valley floor
- Stop in Bathurstin time for lunch at Cobblestone Land Restaurant and to take in the sights. In the heart of the city is Machattie Park with many monuments from the late 1800s including King's Parade, the War Memorial Carillon, and the landmark Court House which now houses the Bathurst District Historical Museum. Home to the famous Bathurst 1000, pay a visit to Mount Panorama for a lap on the famous track and visit the National Motor Racing Museum
- Bathurst to Orange direct is just a 45-minute drive, but take a detour through Millthorpe, a picturesque historic village enjoying a renaissance with great food and wine experiences, antiques, galleries and boutiques
- Park up for the day and stay overnight in Orange to enjoy the incredible food and wine this bustling city has to offer. With 13 wineries, 34 cellar doors and amazing local fare, Orange is a food and wine lover's paradise. Stop by the pretty picnic and recreation park at Lake Canobolas, then travel on up to the summit of Mount Canobolas. Enjoy an evening meal at Racine or Lolli Redini, and sleep the night in style at the boutique hotel de Russie Suites Orange
- Start the day right with a caffeine fix in Orange, which has a lively and innovative coffee and cafe culture. The Agrestic Grocer, Byng Street Local Store or Factory Espresso are guaranteed to put a swing in your step before you hit the road to Parkes
- No trip to Central NSW is complete without a visit to the world-famous 'Dish' in Parkes. Located 20 kilometres north of Parkes off the Newell Highway, this impressive structure is the perfect Central NSW selfie spot, before enjoying a coffee at Dish Café at the base. Welcome to the 'Elvis capital' of Australia!
For more information please visit www.visitnsw.com
For road trip safety tips and advice please visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au
