Is there a train to Parkes?

Yes, the NSW TrainLink XPT runs from Sydney to Parkes, but you must travel to Sydney first.

What is the best highway to take?

The A32 Great Western Highway is the primary arterial road for this journey.

Are there tolls on this route?

There are no major tolls once you leave the M1 Pacific Motorway.

The section through the Blue Mountains involves significant elevation changes and winding roads.

Regional Express (Rex) operates flights to Parkes from Sydney Airport.

Parkes

Driving

Peats Ridge to Parkes

Updated: 29 May 2026

The journey from Peats Ridge to Parkes covers approximately 340 kilometers through the heart of New South Wales. You will primarily utilize the M1 Pacific Motorway before transitioning to the Great Western Highway and the Mitchell Highway. This route takes you through the Blue Mountains and the agricultural plains of the Central West. Expect a travel time of roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes depending on traffic near the mountains. It is a scenic drive that showcases the transition from coastal hinterland to inland farming country.

Total Distance: 340 km driving distance; 280 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via the A32 is the fastest and only practical direct route.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective method for this inland route.

Compare Peats Ridge to Parkes Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

4 hours 30 mins

Avg Price

60-80 AUD in fuel

Operator

Personal Vehicle

Route

Peats Ridge Rd to M1, then A32 Great Western Hwy and Mitchell Hwy.

Check for roadworks on the Great Western Highway near Lithgow before departing.

Travel Tips

Fuel Stops
Refuel in Lithgow or Bathurst as service stations become less frequent once you pass Orange.
Wildlife Caution
Be extremely cautious of kangaroos and wallabies at dawn and dusk on the Mitchell Highway.
Weather Check
Check for fog warnings in the Blue Mountains during winter months as visibility can drop significantly.
Rest Breaks
Plan a stop in Orange to stretch your legs and enjoy local cool-climate produce.
Mobile Coverage
Expect patchy mobile reception in some valleys between the Blue Mountains and Orange.

Safety Tips

Fatigue Management
Take a 15-minute break every two hours to maintain alertness on long stretches of highway.
Overtaking
Only overtake heavy vehicles on designated passing lanes on the Great Western Highway.
Emergency Kit
Carry extra water and a basic first aid kit in your vehicle for remote sections.
Headlights
Keep your headlights on during the day when driving through the Blue Mountains for better visibility.