Albury to Parkes road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

Albury to Parkes drive: Barmedman and Wyalong

Keep going north through Tara and Ariah Park along Mary Gilmore Way until you reach Barmedman. Here, you can go for a swim in the Barmedman Mineral Pool.

There’s a fuel stop here, and you’ll leave via the Goldfields Way, which meets the Newell Highway at Wyalong.

If you fancy a break, you’re better off heading into West Wyalong.

West Wyalong is best known for its statue of painter Russell Drysdale. The West Wyalong Wetlands Boardwalk makes for a decent amble, and the colonial-era Royal Hotel is the best accommodation option.

Where to stay in West Wyalong

The best West Wyalong accommodation picks are

For a good quality motel at relatively cheap rates: Cameo Inn Motel.
For a four star in a historic building: Royal Hotel.
For central location: Mentor Chambers Apartment Bed & Breakfast.

Albury to Parkes driving holiday: Wyalong to Forbes

The next stop is Forbes, and the route passes Lake Cowal – the largest inland lake in New South Wales. It is, however, ephemeral, so don’t expect it brimming with water and birdlife.

Things to do in Forbes include learning about bushranger Ben Hall at the Forbes Historical Museum and strolling the Sculptures Down The Lachlan art trail. You can stay the night at the centrally-located Ben Hall Motor Inn or the well-reviewed Town and Country Motor Inn.

Albury to Parkes attractions: Parkes

Another 33km along the Newell Highway, and you arrive in Parkes.

Parkes hosts the Henry Parkes Centre, which houses Elvis museum King’s Castle.

Top of the list of things to do in Parkes, however, is paying a visit to the Dish. Also known as Murriyang, this powerful radio telescope at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory transmitted the images of the 1969 moon landing to the world.