CSIRO Parkes Observatory

The CSIRO Parkes Observatory, located in New South Wales, Australia, is home to the 64-metre Parkes radio telescope, also known as 'The Dish'. The telescope has been in operation since 1961 and is one of the world's leading radio telescopes. It operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and is used by astronomers from around the world to undertake world-class astronomical science. The observatory also features a visitors centre with a telescope viewing area, astronomy and space science exhibition, and a 3D theatre. The visitors centre offers free entry, and the observatory is family-friendly with activities such as the AstroKids Scavenger Hunt. Visitors are asked to turn off their gadgets to help the telescopes detect weak signals from space