Parkes Radio Telescope aka The Dish

The Parkes Radio Telescope — better known as The Dish — is one of Australia’s most iconic scientific landmarks. Adventure riders detour here for the sheer scale of the telescope rising out of quiet farmland, and because it’s an easy, rewarding stop on any ride through the Central West. The visitor centre gives you the low-down on its role in receiving the Apollo 11 moon landing broadcast, and the surrounding roads are open, flowing, and perfect for a scenic run. It’s a unique waypoint: part history, part space nerd heaven, and part “wow, that thing is huge.”