Home to the famous Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo is a thriving regional centre in New South Wales. Affectionately known as ‘the city of smiles’, it’s the perfect place to sample regional produce, explore streets lined with colonial architecture or settle into a charming cafe. Discover the highlights in the Dubbo region.
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Visit, play and stay in Dubbo - one of regional Australia’s favourite holiday destinations for families. The town has some of the best family-friendly accommodation options including motel inns, country apartments with large rooms, restaurants and wi-fi - perfect to relax after a day exploring the wild Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Want to wake up to the soothing sounds of the animals and watch the sunrise in the wild? Book one of the Zoofari Lodges or Savvanah cabins at the zoo to watch giraffe, ostrich and antelope from your deck on the edge of a savannah.
For adults travelling child-free, corporate or leisure guests will relish a stay at one of the boutique properties centrally located in town. Our pick is the recently renovated Best Western Blue Gum Motel with all the luxuries of a big city hotel with excellent small town hospitality.
The Western Plains Zoo, recognised as one of the greatest zoos in Australia is the perfect way to spend the day in Dubbo. Immersed in native bushland, you can admire African lions, elephants, Sumatran tigers, meerkats and koalas in the open enclosures. Walk, ride a bike or drive a kart around the six kilometre circuit, or if you’re on short of time, visit the free Savannah Visitor Plaza for a fantastic view of the primate islands, children’s playground and souvenir store.
Dubbo is surrounded by picturesque countryside, national parks and villages oozing with rustic charm - so venture beyond the city and discover the heart of country New South Wales.
Follow the road north-east from town and breathe in the fresh air at Warrumbungle National Park. Popular for bushwalking, this remote region is considered Australia’s only dark-sky park and is the perfect place for stargazing.
Take the Newell Highway south-west and in around ninety minutes you’ll reach the town of Parkes - home to the Parkes Radio Telescope which famously assisted the Apollo moon landing and is open to visitors seven days a week.
A luxury safari experience, award-winning wines and even fishing – it's hard to believe you are actually in rural Australia.
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Dubvegas. That’s what locals call Dubbo, where bright lights and the bush merge. Long-time resident Natalie Holmes plays tour leader.
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Exotic animals, luxury lodges and a sunrise cockatoo chorus. Take a walk on the wild side in the Central West of New South Wales.
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Follow the road north-east from town and breathe in the fresh air at Warrumbungle National Park. Popular for camping and bushwalking, this remote region is considered Australia’s only dark-sky park and is the perfect place for stargazing.
Follow the Newell Highway south-west and in around ninety minutes you’ll reach the town of Parkes - home to the Parkes Radio Telescope which famously assisted the Apollo moon landing and is open to visitors seven days a week.
Indulge in Dubbo's flourishing food and wine scene for flavours of the regionally-inspired cuisine. Dubbo, known for its farming culture, dishes up some of the finest Macquarie Valley steaks and ribs in modern Australia and pub style restaurants. Forage at the Dubbo Farmers Markets while supporting the farmers to stock up on local fresh eggs, cheese from Little Big Dairy Co and Jones Local Honey to take home.
After a big day exploring, stop in at Red Earth Estate cellar door and sample award-winning hand crafted wines including rieslings, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.
From the airport: Dubbo Airport is located 5km from the city centre. Dubbo Radio Cabs service the airport, with a rank located outside the terminal.
In and around the city: the inner city and riverside trails are best enjoyed on foot or bicycle. Dubbo Radio Cabs and Dubbo Buslines service the city, and Trainlink buses link Dubbo to surrounding towns.
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Disclaimer: ∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times.
Disclaimer: + The number of destinations is correct as at 25 January 2024 but is subject to change.
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