CSIRO Parkes Observatory (Murriyang)

CSIRO Parkes Observatory on Wiradjuri Country in central-western New South Wales is home to Murriyang, the 64-metre radio telescope that began operating in 1961. Murriyang is one of the largest single-dish telescopes in the southern hemisphere dedicated to astronomy research; regular upgrades keep its receivers, control systems, cabling and surface at the forefront of radio astronomy. The telescope operates 24 hours a day at this radio-quiet site, detecting radio light from sources including pulsars, fast radio bursts and distant galaxies, and it has supported space communications including Apollo 11. The public Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre is free and fully accessible, open daily 08:30–16:15 with extended hours during NSW school holidays; it offers interactive exhibits, an accessible playground, picnic area and a ticketed 3D theatre. The café is closed, and visitors should turn off mobile, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices near the observatory. Check CSIRO’s current visitor guidance and group-booking requirements before travelling.