The railway was extended from Molong to Parkes in 1893, it is said, to fulfil the promise by Henry Parkes in return for a namesake town. Now the railway serves as a vital link to Sydney and the west. Parkes' railway line sees wheat and other natural resources, as well as the Indian Pacific (a passenger train), on its way to Broken Hill. Parkes is now in the process of securing a rail link from Melbourne to Brisbane. The Goobang Junction Freight Hub is being planned and Parkes is set to become the Chicago of Australia.
The Newell highway is the major road link between Brisbane and Melbourne. The highway runs through the centre of the town and businesses have thrived from the travellers that have come through on the highway. Because the highway brings so many people through the town Parkes has gained a 24 hour truckstop, McDonalds and a KFC.
Over the years the airport has performed
many functions. During the Second World War the airport served as an
air navigation school, after 1949 it was used as a migrant holding
centre.
These days the airport plays a more traditional role, regional air
services, such as Hazeltons fly in and out of Parkes. Recently Parkes
has seen Boeing 747's performing practice runs over the area as part
of plans to create an inland freight terminal to serve Eastern
Australia.