Dubbo
Whether you are embarking on the great Australian escape, a low key weekend or a last minute getaway, the Dubbo region is the place to be.
Conveniently located halfway between Brisbane and Melbourne on the cusp of three major highways (Newell, Mitchell and Golden Highways), the region boasts a mix of stunning natural wonders, a fascinating history and burgeoning arts scene.
Dubbo is the place where you can relax and enjoy time with your family and friends, or share in a non-stop feast of discovery, learning and fun!
Dubbo is home to the internationally acclaimed Taronga Western Plains Zoo. A 5km circuit will take you on a journey through wild and wonderful bushland and introduce you to hundreds of animals from around the globe.
The Old Dubbo Gaol is one of the most popular tourist attractions in country New South Wales. The fully restored
19th century gaol is home to one of the largest displays of animatronics and holograms, which provide a realistic and fascinating insight into a bygone era of prison life.
Your history lesson continues with a visit to the Western Plains Cultural Centre. The Centre incorporates the city’s museum, a community arts facility and an educational resource centre. There are many beautiful parklands and gardens to see including the Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens, Burrendong Botanic Garden & Arboretum, and the Wellington Osawano Japanese Garden.
Relax and enjoy some local wine from one of the region’s wineries and explore the Dubbo Farmer’s Market for fresh, seasonal produce on the first and third Saturday of the month.
There is so much to explore and discover in Dubbo. Stay a while and see it all!
Big hearted, confident and on the go, Dubbo enjoys a cosmopolitan lifestyle while retaining a down to earth country attitude.
Things to See & Do
DUBBO OBSERVATORY
At the Dubbo Observatory you can be an astronomer for a night and view the planets, stars and galaxies. Join one of the night sky tours to explore the universe through 6 telescopes, including the new large 17 inch telescope. Bring your DSLR camera to capture an Astro photo through the telescope. All sessions are run outdoors and at night so dress to appropriate weather conditions. Sessions are for ages 5 years and over.
OLD DUBBO GAOL
Where history comes to life. Experience 19th century prison life at this State Heritage listed site which remains intact and restored. The Old Dubbo Gaol unearths powerful moments in Australian prison history exploring the brutality of prison life, the daring escapes and heritage of the site delivered in a mix of theatrical performances and modern immersive displays. Guided tours available.
WESTERN PLAINS CULTURAL CENTRE
A cultural hub for events, education and the creative arts, the Western Plains Cultural Centre is home to the Region’s gallery, museum and Community Art Centre.
Here you will discover exhibitions of contemporary art to local history and cultural events that speak to the many facets of society through the arts, history and performance.
Visitors can experience touring exhibitions, events and workshops that will challenge, connect and reflect our community and share in the culture of Western NSW.
DUBBO REGIONAL THEATRE & CONVENTION CENTRE
Located in Dubbo’s CBD, the award-winning Dubbo Regional Theatre performing arts space features a wide variety of entertainment throughout the year. The 500 seat, fully air-conditioned tiered theatre hosts local, national and international touring shows year-round.
DUBBO RSL CLUB RESORT
Not only can you get a great meal here, the events calendar has something for everyone. With country music, tribute bands, holiday performances, comedians and hypnotists, and even pro wrestling matches, check out what’s on while you are here.
ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR VISITOR EXPERIENCE
At the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience you will explore the vibrant history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and “discover our waiting room of 7.69 million square kilometres”. Here you will relive extraordinary human stories, touch and explore with interactive displays and state of the art equipment, and get up close to the aircraft and immerse yourself in the live operations.
Old Dubbo Gaol, Dubbo, Credit: Destination NSW Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo, Credit: Destination NSW Regional Theatre Convention Centre, Dubbo, Credit: Destination NSWTARONGA WESTERN PLAINS ZOO
For an experience to remember, take the family on zoofari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
See hundreds of rare and endangered animals in this huge open range sanctuary.
Explore the Zoo’s 5km circuit on foot, by car, or ride around on hired bikes or electric safari carts. For a special experience, book a behind the scenes tour or up-close animal encounter and meet a meerkat, giraffe or come face-to-face with a hippo.
For the ultimate zoofari, stay the night at one of the awardwinning accommodation options.
WELLINGTON CAVES
Discover the underground at Wellington Caves. Guided tours will take you through the Cathedral Cave, Gaden Cave and the Fossil and Phosphate Mine where you will be amazed by 15m tall crystal formations, intricate cave corals, 400-million-yearold marine fossils and 1-million-year-old megafauna fossils. Channel your inner palaeontologist in the Discovery Lab and examine ancient fossils and inspect Australian megafauna with the fossil finding tools.
BURRENDONG DAM
Referred to as ‘The Dam’, Burrendong Dam is one of the largest inland dams in NSW and is popular for water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. With seven different fish species to catch, bring along your fishing gear.
The dam is also a great spot for a scenic hike where you can spot the native Australian animals found in the region.
DUBBO HERITAGE WALK
Follow in the footsteps of the area’s pioneers with the assistance of the Dubbo Heritage Walk Guide. Steeped in history, Dubbo has an intriguing past, from bushrangers and underworld figures to renowned architects and ornate buildings. Drop into Dubbo Visitors Information Centre to pick up the Dubbo Heritage Walk brochure.
NATURE TRAILS MOUNT ARTHUR RESERVE
Get amongst nature along the trails of Mount Arthur Reserve. Six marked walking trails, varying in length and difficulty, are available within the Reserve.
The Apex Trail is a favourite and a nice, easy bush walk of around 3.5km with several excellent lookouts and views to stop and rest. There are 8 mountain bike trails.
BURRENDONG BOTANIC GARDEN & ARBORETUM
Explore the beauty of nature at the Burrendong Botanic Garden & Arboretum which showcases one of the largest collections of Australian plants in cultivation. With 50,000 flowering plants, shrubs, and trees from more than 2,000 species growing on 164 hectares, the Burrendong Botanic Garden & Arboretum is dedicated to the conservation of Australia’s unique and incredibly diverse flora.
A must-do is a stroll through Fern Gully, which was once a dry bush gully that has been transformed into a man-made rainforest situated beneath an enormous thatched canopy.
DUBBO
REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN
The Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden is a beautiful landscape with four distinctive garden spaces, including the Shoyoen authentic Japanese Garden, the Biodiversity Garden, the Sensory Garden and the cool surrounds of Oasis Valley.
TOYAMA OSAWANO JAPANESE GARDEN
The Wellington Osawano Japanese Garden, located next to the Wellington Caves, is a lovely spot for a picnic before or after a tour of the caves. You can enjoy the tranquil setting ideal for relaxation, a winding stream and reflection pool beneath a shaded pavilion where impressive koi fish swim in the pond.
QUENTIN PARK ALPACAS & STUDIO GALLERY
Get up close and personal with the friendly alpaca herd at Quentin Park Alpacas & Studio Gallery. This working alpaca farm that offers authentic, interactive and fun alpaca experiences for all ages. Learn about the members of the extensive alpaca herd, enjoy morning or afternoon tea, and look through the gallery while enjoying the wide open spaces of farm life in rural NSW.
CAMERON PARK
Enjoy a picnic, laze under the huge leafy trees or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens. The park has excellent modern playground equipment for children of all ages and abilities.
DUBBO REGIONAL ADVENTURE
PLAYGROUND
With a flying fox, giant slide and basket swing, the kids will have a blast at the Dubbo Adventure Playground. Suitable for all ages and abilities there are BBQs, toilets and accessible elements including a wheelchair friendly Liberty Swing, plus a senior’s fitness area.
ELSTON PARK WATER PARK
Aquatic fun at Elston Park Water Park. This family recreation area features picnic facilities & grills, a playground and seasonal water park.
DUNDULLIMAL HOMESTEAD
Located in a tranquil rural setting, explore Dundullimal Homestead’s beautifully conserved buildings, which are an iconic Australian treasure, and a unique example of financial and social success in the late 1800s. Enjoy a bite to eat at the cafe. Dog friendly grounds (on leash).
DUBBO FARMER’S MARKET
Explore the region’s fresh, seasonal produce from local producers with a range of fresh produce, herbs and plants, baked goods, local meats, award-winning olive oils, preserves, honey, wine, nuts and more. First and third Saturdays of the month 8am til 12pm.
DUBBO TENPIN BOWL
Fun for the whole family Dubbo Tenpin Bowl has 18 lanes, auto scoring & bumpers, pool & air hockey tables, electronic dart board, video games & prize machines. Glow Bowling lights on every weekend and during all school holidays.
DUBBO GOLF CLUB
This lush 27-hole championship golf course is an inland oasis abundant with native flora and wildlife. The inland oasis golf course hosts 11 waterways to guarantee a challenging and scenic round. Ideal for the avid competitor and social golfer alike.
Fully licensed clubhouse with delicious Chinese cuisine.
Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden, Dubbo, Credit: Destination NSW Dubbo Golf Club, Dubbo, Credit: Destination NSW Koi in the Shoyoen Garden in Dubbo Dubbo Farmers Markets, Dubbo, Credit: Destination NSWTaronga Western Plains Zoo
At Taronga Western Plains Zoo you’ll find yourself surrounded by magnificent wildlife in wide open plains.
Whether you walk or ride around on hired bikes or carts, Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a fun place to spend time with the family, away from it all. Home to hundreds of animals including giraffes, rhinos, elephants and big cats, the zoo is widely recognised as Australia’s greatest open range zoo. A full daily schedule of keeper activities and special tours, such as Animal Encounters and Early Morning Walks (costs are in addition to admission), deliver magical up close animal experiences you will never forget.
For the ultimate adventure, stay the night and wake up in the wild at Zoofari Lodge, Billabong Camp or the Savannah Cabins. For hungry humans, the zoo boasts two cafés and takeaway outlets as well as barbecue facilities.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is open 365 days 9am-4pm, open 8.30am-4pm during school holidays and all tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
For more information, visit www.taronga.org.au
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, Credit: Taronga Western Plains ZooOld Dubbo Gaol
Where history comes to life.
Head behind bars and experience prison life in the 19th century at Old Dubbo Gaol.
There is so much history amongst these walls. Wander the cellblocks and sandstone walls, look out over the gallows and take in the bird’s-eye view from the watchtower. Experience the stories of life in the dark cells, tales of prisoners who served time and discover the graffiti they carved into the walls. Explore the Gallows Gallery which features the largest collection of hangman ropes in Australia, the original gallows and multimedia displays telling tales of the Gaol’s colonial past.
During School Holidays the Old Dubbo Gaol comes to life with costumed characters and daring escape attempts. Guided tours available, see website for details and times.
The State Heritage listed site which remains intact and restored, unearthing powerful moments in Australian prison history.
Open 7 days - 9am to 5pm
Old Dubbo Gaol, Dubbo Credit:Wellington Caves
Wonder at the natural beauty of the Wellington Caves.
Discover the underground and take a guided tour through the significant cave sites of Cathedral Cave, Gaden Cave and the Fossil and Phosphate Mine where you will be amazed by 15m tall crystal formations, intricate cave corals, 400-million-yearold marine fossils and 1-million-year-old megafauna fossils. Just like a palaeontologist you can grab a magnifying glass and examine fossils from a million years ago in our Discovery Lab and inspect Australian megafauna through a lens. The Discovery Lab has all the tools for fossil finding, so dig in and see what you discover!
The Caves Visitor Experience Centre features a cafe and the new Ancient Landscapes Gallery. Here you can interact with ancient marine creatures, stand next to life sized Diprotodon and uncover the local Wiradjuri stories of the caves.
Open 7 days – 9am to 4:30pm
GREAT BIG ADVENTURE
Stock up on family fun with a Great Big Adventure Pass, a multi-ticket to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience and the Wellington Caves.
Book online at greatbigadventurepass.com.au to save approximately 20% on entry across all four attractions.
Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mines, Wellington, Credit: Destination NSW Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mines, Wellington, Credit: Destination NSWROYAL FLYING DOCTOR Visitor
Experience
An interactive exploration into the world of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Experience the stories and challenges of heroic doctors, nurses, pilots and outback communities across vast Australian remote areas and live each moment as they deliver urgent medical care across a 7.69 million square km ‘waiting room’, the Australian outback.
The centre covers a broad range of interactive experiences including aviation, communication, history, healthcare and more where you can immerse yourself in the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Relive extraordinary human stories, touch, explore and interact with state of the art technology, interactive displays, augmented reality, and get up close to the aircraft and experience the live operations.
Enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat at the RFDS owned Outback Trek Café or purchase a memento at the merchandise store.
Open 7 days, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm, Sunday 9am – 3pm
Dubbo’s History
The Tubba-gah People of the Wiradjuri Nation are Dubbo’s traditional owners. You’ll find many iconic sites, landmarks and events across the city that represent Aboriginal tradition and heritage. In 1817, John Oxley led an expedition into the fertile Wiradjuri lands. Oxley noted that the area was ideal for grazing and agriculture, however his account of sleepless nights, disrupted by the distant howls of wild dingoes, highlighted the region’s untamed origins.
A decade later, Robert Dulhunty arrived and chose a large stretch of grazing land and named it Dubbo, which in the Wiradjuri language means ‘red earth’. The settlement had a slow start, but it proved lucrative during the Victorian gold strikes of the 1850s. In 1966, Dubbo was declared a city.
Learn more about Dubbo’s history by visiting the Western Plains Cultural Centre. Dundullimal Homestead, located just south of Dubbo, provides a snapshot of Australia’s pioneering past. The Dundullimal Homestead is open Monday, Friday, Saturday 11am – 3pm (last entry 2pm).
The story of Dubbo is filled with boom times and calamity, surging floods, infamous deeds and rough justice.Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo, Credit: Destination NSW Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo, Credit: Destination NSW
Wellington
Wellington offers breathtaking natural beauty and a mining history dating back more than 200 years.
Located at the base of Mount Arthur Reserve where the Bell and Macquarie Rivers meet, Wellington is an easy 4.5 hour drive from Sydney or Canberra and is within a one-hour drive of Dubbo, Mudgee, Orange and Parkes.
Trek back in time and venture through a well-preserved slice of prehistoric history at the Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mine. Look up and then keep looking up at the Altar, a spectacular 15-metre stalagmite in the Cathedral Cave. Drop into the Wellington Caves Complex to find out more about its guided tours.
While you’re at the caves, stroll over to the Japanese Gardens and bask in their tranquillity. Alternatively pack your clubs and enjoy a round of golf just a short walk away at the golf course.
Adventure beckons at Lake Burrendong or ‘the dam’ as it’s known to locals. Spike the adrenaline in the warmer months and try your hand at water skiing, wake boarding or biscuiting.
If throwing a leisurely line in the waters is more your speed, you may just take home the big one with seven different fish species to catch.
Mingle with Mother Nature at the 164 hectare Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum. Wander through Fern Gully, a man-made rainforest situated beneath an enormous suspended, thatched canopy – it’s a bona fide nature lover’s paradise.
Make sure you head to Mount Arthur Reserve for a spot of bush walking or mountain bike riding. There are six walking trails of varying lengths and difficulties offering spectacular views over Wellington and the Bell and Macquarie Rivers.
When you’ve had your fill of adventure, hang your hat in town and enjoy a dose of good old-fashioned country hospitality.
Water Skiing, Lake Burrendong, Credit: Destination NSWFROM DUBBO TO:
Bathurst 200kms 2hrs 30mins
Bourke 370kms 3hrs 45mins
Brisbane 835kms 10 hrs
Canberra 400kms 4hrs 30mins
Canowindra180kms 2hrs
Cowra 210kms 2hrs 15mins
Dunedoo90kms 1hr
Forbes 150kms 1hr 45mins
Geurie 30kms 25mins
Gilgandra70kms 50mins
Gulgong 110kms 1hr 15mins
Molong 115kms 1hr 25mins
Mudgee 130kms 1hr 30mins
Narromine40kms 30mins
Newcastle380kms 4hrs 30mins
Orange 140kms 1hr 45mins
Parkes 120kms 1hr 15mins
Sydney 400kms 4hrs 30mins
Tomingly 50kms 40mins
Tottenham140kms 1hr 40mins
Trangie 75kms 55mins
Wellington50kms 40mins
Calendar of Events
JANUARY
Swimming NSW Country Regional Meet
Central Wester Performance Horse
FEBRUARY
Geurie Picnic Races
MARCH
Little Athletics NSW State Combined Championships
Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer
Beers to the Bush
Multicultural Comedy Gala
Titan Macquarie Mud Run
Wellington Vintage Fair
The Stock Route Country Music Festival
Wellington Boot Racing Carnival
APRIL
Lake Burrendong Fishing Classic
Stuart Town’s Man from Ironbark Festival
Toyota Nationals
Red Hot Summer Tour
Morris Register National Rally
MAY
Dubbo Show
Dubbo Motor Bike Rally
Variety Bash NSW
Wellington Show
Michael Egan Memorial Book Fair
JUNE
Dubbo Eisteddfod
Lazy River Estate Winter Markets
Herefords Australia National Show and Sale
Shorthorn National Show and Sale
Dubbo Winter Whisky Festival
JULY
Wellington Eisteddfod
AUGUST
Dubbo Stampede
SEPTEMBER
Wellington Arts and Sculpture Festival
Dubbo’s Biggest Sporting Weekend
Dubbo Motor Fest
Veterans Week of Golf
Australasian Gold Cup
Group XI Rugby League Grand Final
Dubbo Gold Cup Race Day
Model T Ford Rally
Geurie Rodeo
Geurie Campdraft
Orana Caravan and Camping Show
OCTOBER
Karting NSW State Sprint Titles
Fong Lees Lane
DREAM Festival
Dubbo Sixes Soccer Tournament
Ranch Sorting
Derby Day
NOVEMBER
Melbourne Cup
World’s Richest Bowls Tournament
Dubbo Classic Cars & Coffee
Sister City | 20th Anniversary at the Shoyoen
Strokeplay Golf Tournament
GPC Spring Nationals
NSW RSL Youth Club State Swimming Championships
National Indigenous Touch Football Championships
WomDomNom
Under Western Skies Festival
DECEMBER
Carols by Candlelight
NSW Country Show Horse Championships
Dubbo Kart Club Track Challenge
Aussie Disc Golf Day
Lazy River Estate Christmas Markets
Dubbo Rotary Twilight Christmas Fair
Wellington Boxing Day Races
New Years’ Eve Fireworks
For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to www.dubbo.com.au
Macquarie Regional Library, Dubbo, Credit: Destination NSWBlue Diamond Motor Inn
WESTBURY
ZOOFARI LODGE