This walk is a great way to build your walking stamina. Just go as far as you’re comfortable. Next time, go a little further. Gradually, you’ll be tackling the steeper slopes and looking back in wonder at what you’ve achieved.
Highlights
Because of its length and central location, Bushman Street reveals a lot about Parkes. It includes residential, shopping, light industrial, school zones and, ultimately, one of Parkes’ best parks.
The are wonderful old buildings, some beautifully restored and others reminding us that this is the older part of town. The Ambulance Station still retains many of its original features.
One of the new additions, and not that long ago renovated, is the Ikon Gracelands function centre where the Parkes Elvis Festival began back in 1993.
Characteristics
Length: 1.8km
Time: Return trip approximately 1 hour.
Type of path: Paved footpath
Gradient: Steep in places.
Take care: The walk crosses the main north-south transport link, the Newell Highway (aka Bogan Street).
Best time of day: Time the descent for sunset.
Nearest public toilets: There are public toilets at the top of Bushman Street at the Rotary Arboretum. There are also toilets in the Woolworths shopping mall near the intersection with Clarinda Street.
Map
The walk starts and finishes at the corner of Dalton and Bushman streets.
(map to come)
Extending the experience
At the top of Bushman Street, you can turn either left or right to extend your walk.
To the left, you join the walking path that heads across the top of Spicer, Pioneer and NorthParkes ovals and then down towards the very high-tech Water Treatment Plant.
To the right, you can wander through the Rotary Arboretum and Peace Park, or stretch those legs even further by ascending Memorial Hill.
Nearby walks
Have you tried these yet?
Rotary Arboretum and Peace Park
Learn more about
Tips for Pedestrians – NSW Centre for Road Safety >>
Festival History – Parkes Elvis Festival >>
