Cooke Park
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Elvis Statue

4.5
·277 reviews·Parkes, Australia

A beloved tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, this statue in Cooke Park is a must-see for Elvis fans, especially during the vibrant Parkes Elvis Fes...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

January (Festival)

Experience the full Elvis magic

CrowdHigh
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Cooke Park

Elvis Statue

Best Time

January (Festival)

Experience the full Elvis magic

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, this statue in Cooke Park is a must-see for Elvis fans, especially during the vibrant Parkes Elvis Festival.

4.5
(277 reviews)

"Cooke Park is a lovely, family-friendly place where the Elvis Festival street parade was in full swing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Festival Tickets Early

If visiting for the Elvis Festival, book accommodation & event tickets well in advance.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially during the festival.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Elvis Statue

The Iconic Elvis Statue

Cooke Park, Parkes, NSW

A must-see for any Elvis fan, this statue captures the King's spirit. A central attraction during the festival.

Cooke Park Atmosphere

Cooke Park Atmosphere

Cooke Park, Parkes, NSW

Experience the lively vibe, especially during the Elvis Festival, with tribute artists and a festive atmosphere.

Elvis Festival Street Parade

Elvis Festival Street Parade

Parkes, NSW (during festival)

Witness classic cars and talented Elvis impersonators in a dazzling parade that brings the town to life.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Elvis Fans

The Elvis Statue in Cooke Park, Parkes, NSW, is a focal point during the annual Parkes Elvis Festival. Visiting during this time offers a vibrant atmosphere with tribute artists and parades, but expect large crowds. For a quieter experience, consider visiting outside of festival dates.

Parkes: More Than Just a Statue

While the Elvis Statue is a draw, Parkes offers more. Cooke Park itself is a lovely family-friendly space with shaded areas, picnic spots, and clean facilities. Plan to explore the park and its surroundings for a well-rounded visit.

Best Times

When
January (Festival)
Why
Experience the full Elvis magic
Crowd
High
When
Spring/Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays (off-season)
Why
Quiet, relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Book Festival Tickets Early

If visiting for the Elvis Festival, book accommodation & event tickets well in advance. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially during the festival. Reddit

🐶 Dogs Welcome (on leash)

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed in Cooke Park. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect Park

Plenty of green space and picnic tables make Cooke Park ideal for a relaxed lunch. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Festival Tickets Early

If visiting for the Elvis Festival, book accommodation & event tickets well in advance. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially during the festival. Reddit

🐶 Dogs Welcome (on leash)

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed in Cooke Park. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect Park

Plenty of green space and picnic tables make Cooke Park ideal for a relaxed lunch. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

The statue and festival atmosphere offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(277 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Cooke Park as a lovely, family-friendly space with ample shade, green grass, and clean facilities. The Elvis Statue is a key attraction, especially during the vibrant Parkes Elvis Festival, which features impressive tribute artists and a lively street parade. Some note the park's proximity to busy roads and the need for dogs to be leashed.

"Cooke Park is a lovely, family-friendly place which is located at Clarinda St & Short St Parkes NSW 2870.

After enjoying an overnight stay in Young, we had driven to Grenfell & onto Forbes & then onto Parkes, where we intended to stop off for a short break 😀

To our delight, we had arrived in Parkes where the Elvis Festival Street parade was in full swing.

We couldn't get over the fact that Cooke Park was one of the major meeting places where the Elvis Tribute Artists performed on the state of the art stage.

What a lovely place to enjoy the atmosphere & excellent food outlets that cater to the masses of people who were in Parkes enjoying the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Cooke Park is a well established public area with plenty of shaded areas & toilet facilities, which also provide wheelchair access 👍
There was plenty of green space available if you were having a picnic 😀

Dogs 🐕 are welcome, but it is advisable to have them on a leash as there is no fencing 😉

My wife & I were impressed by the security staff on the day that maintained a great service at Cooke Park during this busy period in Parkes.

The street parade was a definite highlight & success for everyone who was in attendance.

The classic cars, what a treat, & the Elvis impersonators were outstanding, the Pricillas, who were beautiful dressed for the occasion 😀

What a wonderful nostalgic time we had at Cooke Park watching all the Elvis Festival tribute & street parade 😀"

John O'Brien

"Lots of big beautiful trees, lush green grass and ample picnic tables. If that wasn’t a winning trifecta on its own, the bathrooms were spotless. A great spot to stop."

Katie Gerber

"This park is awesome. The leaves are falling and it is beautiful. Ducks are swimming or sleeping with their heads under their wings on the side of the water. The leaves on the ground are thick and fun for children to run through and throw. The conservatory is wonderful as a greenhouse filled with blooms"

Sharyn Wright

What People Like

Family-friendly atmosphere
Clean facilities
Vibrant festival vibe

What People Dislike

Close to busy roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Elvis Statue is located in Cooke Park, Parkes, NSW, at the intersection of Clarinda St & Short St. Parkes is accessible by car via the Newell Highway. If traveling by public transport, regional bus services operate to Parkes. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available in and around Cooke Park, especially during the Parkes Elvis Festival. Street parking is generally available. Reddit

Absolutely! The Elvis Statue is a permanent fixture in Cooke Park and can be visited year-round. The park offers a pleasant experience even outside of festival times. Reddit

Many visitors drive to Parkes. Alternatively, regional bus services connect Parkes to major cities. Check local transport schedules for options. Reddit

Parkes is approximately a 5-6 hour drive from Sydney. You can also consider flying into a regional airport and then driving or taking a bus. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, viewing the Elvis Statue in Cooke Park is free. Entry to the park is open to the public. Reddit

Cooke Park is a public park and does not have any entry fees. You can enjoy the statue and the park at no cost. Reddit

Cooke Park is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering access to the Elvis Statue and its amenities throughout the day. Reddit

Yes, for specific festival events like concerts, shows, and the street parade, tickets are usually required and should be booked in advance through the official Parkes Elvis Festival website. Reddit

It's highly recommended to book festival tickets in advance, as popular events can sell out quickly. Limited tickets may be available on the day for some events, but this is not guaranteed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The front of the statue offers a classic shot. For a wider view, step back into Cooke Park to include the surrounding greenery. During the festival, capture the statue with the vibrant crowds. TikTok

Yes, photography is encouraged during the street parade! Be mindful of other attendees and ensure you have a clear line of sight. TikTok

Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography in Cooke Park. However, always be respectful of others' privacy. Reddit

A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the Elvis Statue. If you want more professional shots, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens would be ideal. TikTok

The statue is well-lit during the day. For evening shots, especially during the festival, consider the ambient lighting and any stage lighting if tribute artists are performing nearby. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Cooke Park is located near the town center, offering various food outlets and cafes. During the Elvis Festival, food vendors are also set up within the park and surrounding streets. Reddit

Absolutely! Cooke Park has ample green space, picnic tables, and shaded areas, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. Reddit

You'll find a wide variety of food options, from classic festival fare like burgers and hot dogs to local cuisine and international flavors, catering to the large crowds. Reddit

Most food vendors during the festival and cafes in town offer vegetarian and often vegan options. It's always a good idea to ask about specific dietary needs. Reddit

Alcohol consumption in public parks can be restricted. It's best to check local council regulations or observe signage within the park. During the festival, designated areas might have specific rules. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

Cooke Park offers lush green grass, shaded areas, picnic tables, and a conservatory with blooms. It's a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and for children to play. Reddit

Yes, Cooke Park provides wheelchair access, making it accessible for visitors with mobility needs. Reddit

Dogs are welcome in Cooke Park but must be kept on a leash at all times, as there is no fencing. Reddit

The park has toilet facilities, which are noted as being clean, and ample shaded areas with picnic benches. Reddit

You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on whether you're just visiting the statue or enjoying a picnic and the park's amenities. During the festival, you might spend much longer soaking in the atmosphere. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cooke Park is a fantastic spot for families. The ample green space is perfect for children to run around and play, and the conservatory can be a fun point of interest. During the Parkes Elvis Festival, the street parade is a major highlight that kids often enjoy, with its colorful floats and energetic performers. Reddit

Remember to bring a leash for any family pets, as dogs are welcome but must be kept under control. The park's clean toilet facilities and picnic areas make it convenient for a family outing. Visiting outside of the festival offers a more relaxed experience, allowing kids to explore the park at their own pace. Reddit

👑 Elvis Enthusiasts

For dedicated Elvis fans, the Elvis Statue in Cooke Park is a pilgrimage site. Visiting during the Parkes Elvis Festival is an absolute must, offering an immersive experience with tribute artists, themed events, and a community of like-minded fans. Reddit

Beyond the statue, explore the town for other Elvis-related memorabilia or events. The festival atmosphere is electric, with opportunities to dress up, sing along, and celebrate the King of Rock and Roll. Don't forget to check the festival schedule for specific performances and activities that cater to true Elvis aficionados. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

The Elvis Statue and Cooke Park are free to visit, making it an excellent budget-friendly attraction. Pack a picnic to save on food costs, as the park provides ample space and tables for dining. Reddit

If visiting during the Parkes Elvis Festival, be mindful that accommodation and event tickets can add up. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or weekdays for potentially lower prices on lodging and a more relaxed, cost-effective experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Parkes Elvis Festival Experience

The Parkes Elvis Festival is a major annual event that transforms the town of Parkes into a celebration of Elvis Presley's legacy. Held in January, it draws thousands of fans from across Australia and beyond. The festival's centerpiece is often the Elvis Statue in Cooke Park, which becomes a hub for performances and fan gatherings. Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with Elvis tribute artists, themed parades, live music, and a general sense of nostalgic fun. Reddit

During the festival, Cooke Park buzzes with activity. Stages are set up for Elvis tribute artists to perform, and the park becomes a prime spot to soak in the festive spirit. The street parade is a definite highlight, featuring classic cars, elaborate costumes, and energetic impersonators. Beyond the main events, the town's shops and cafes often join in the celebration, offering Elvis-themed merchandise and menus. Reddit

Planning is crucial if you intend to visit during the festival. Accommodation and event tickets sell out quickly, so booking well in advance is highly recommended. Be prepared for large crowds and a lively, energetic environment. Even if you're not a die-hard Elvis fan, the sheer enthusiasm and community spirit of the festival make it a unique and memorable experience. Reddit

Cooke Park: A Community Hub

Cooke Park is more than just the location of the Elvis Statue; it's a cherished community space in Parkes. This well-maintained park offers a tranquil escape with its lush green lawns, mature trees providing ample shade, and a charming conservatory filled with blooms. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to relax, picnic, and enjoy the outdoors. Reddit

The park is equipped with essential amenities, including clean toilet facilities and numerous picnic tables, making it ideal for families and groups. Its accessibility features ensure that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the space. Dogs are also welcome, provided they are kept on a leash, adding to the park's welcoming atmosphere. Reddit

During non-festival times, Cooke Park offers a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll or a quiet afternoon. The presence of ducks on the water adds a touch of natural charm. It serves as a reminder that even iconic attractions are often nestled within broader, enjoyable public spaces that contribute to the local character. Reddit

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