If you’ve recently arrived in Dubbo or have scheduled a trip there and you’re looking for the best & things to do that will keep you busy while you’re there, keep reading.
Frequently, when most people think of things to do in Dubbo, they think of the zoo but that is a bit of what the city is made of.
Dubbo is located in the Central West of New South Wales, 302 kilometers from the densely populated city of Sydney. The city is brimming with the beauty of rural Australia coupled with historic colonial heritage.
Every year, half a million tourists come to Dubbo to enjoy the city’s charming farm-to-table restaurants, breathtaking African Safari valleys, and easily accessible family entertainment.
The city is a gateway for tourists of all ages as it has a variety of things to offer individuals.
Choosing things to do in Dubbo might be a little bit hard if you have never been to the city before but that shouldn’t be all your concern. Here is the list of the top fascinating things to do in Dubbo.
Things to do in Dubbo
1 Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a large, open-range zoo located in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from around 350 different species, including many rare and endangered animals. The zoo’s focus is on conservation and education, and it is dedicated to the protection of wildlife and their habitats.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo covers an area of over 300 hectares and is divided into various exhibits that simulate the natural habitats of the animals. Some of the popular exhibits include the African Savannah, the Asian Rainforest, and the Australian Bushwalk.
The zoo also offers a range of experiences and activities, including guided tours, behind-the-scenes animal encounters, and safari-style overnight stays.
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Dubbo, the Zoo is a great choice. Your kids will never forget their first-ever up-close encounter with a Sumatran tiger or their time spent with the meerkats.
2 Wellington Caves
The Wellington Caves are a series of limestone caverns that are found in Wellington, New South Wales, Australia. The caverns which date back about 400 million years ago were found by European immigrants in the early 19th century.
There are three primary caves in the Wellington Caves: the Cathedral Cave, the Gaden Cave, and the Cave of the Ages. The largest of the three caves, Cathedral Cave is renowned for its remarkable acoustics and underground lake.
The Gaden Cave is home to a range of unique rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites. The Cave of the Ages contains fossils and other geological features that provide insight into the ancient history of the region.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Wellington Caves, which offer an enthralling look into the region’s geological and cultural history.
3 Old Dubbo Gaol
One of the top recommended things to do in Dubbo is to visit the Old Dubbo Gaol which is a historic prison located in the city.
The Gaol was in operation for over 100 years, from 1847 to 1966, and during that time it housed some of the most notorious criminals in the region.
Today, the Old Dubbo Gaol is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history of the prison system in Australia. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Gaol, which includes a range of interactive exhibits, displays, and audio-visual presentations.
Old Dubbo Gaol is a fascinating and educational attraction that provides a unique insight into the history of the Australian prison system.
4 The Western Plains Cultural Centre
The Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) is a cultural and arts complex located in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. The center was opened in 2006 and is home to a range of exhibitions, galleries, and performance spaces that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The WPCC features a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions that explore the history, culture, and natural environment of the region.
These include exhibits on Indigenous art and culture, local history, and natural history, as well as rotating exhibitions that feature works by local, national, and international artists.
The WPCC also houses a variety of performance venues where shows of music, theatre, and dance are presented all year round. Visitors will have a great time spending their evenings at the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
5 Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden
The Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden is an ideal spot to spend your afternoon in the city. The garden covers an area of 20 hectares and features a range of plant species from around the world.
The Garden is organized into several themed sections, each presenting various plant and landscape varieties. Some of the popular themed areas include the Sensory Garden, which features fragrant plants and tactile surfaces for visitors to explore, and the Biodiversity Garden, which showcases native plants and their role in local ecosystems.
Other notable features of the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden include the Shoyoen Japanese Garden, which features traditional Japanese landscaping and architecture, and the Oasis Valley, which includes a water feature and a range of plants from arid regions around the world.
With its greenery and majestic surroundings, the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden will without a doubt inspire lovers of flowers and outdoor enthusiasts.
6 Dundullimal Homestead
Dundullimal Homestead is a historic property located in Dubbo. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of an early colonial homestead in Australia and has been preserved as a museum to showcase the history and heritage of the region.
The homestead was built in the 1840s by a wealthy pastoralist named John Maugham and remained in the Maugham family for over 100 years.
The property features a large, two-story brick homestead with a distinctive verandah and a range of outbuildings, including stables, a blacksmith’s shop, and a dairy.
The museum features a range of artifacts and exhibits that provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the early settlers in the area.
Today, visitors to Dundullimal Homestead can take guided tours of the property, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of the early colonial settlers in Australia.
7 Terramungamine Reserve And Rock Grooves
Terramungamine Reserve And Rock Grooves is a site that is immense with the cultural significance of the local Wiradjuri tribe. Located next to the Macquarie River.
The rock grooves at Terramungamine Reserve are believed to have been created by the Wiradjuri people as part of their traditional cultural practices.
The grooves are a series of depressions in the rock surface that were made using grinding stones and other tools and were used to grind and prepare plant materials for food, medicine, and other purposes.
The reserve is an important place for the Wiradjuri people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
Visitors to Terramungamine Reserve can take a guided tour of the site, which provides insights into the history and significance of the rock grooves and the cultural practices of the Wiradjuri people.
The reserve is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit and provides a unique opportunity to learn about the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of the Dubbo region.
8 Tracker Riley Cycleway
The Tracker Riley Cycleway is a scenic family-friendly way to get to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, whilst enjoying the fresh air and sights of Dubbo. The cycleway is one of Dubbo’s many popular cycling routes and was named for Alec “Tracker” Riley, the New South Wales Police Force’s first indigenous tracker to achieve sergeant rank in 1941.
The path is picturesque and intriguing, and there is occasional signage referring to important historical sites and occasions.
The circuit lets you absorb the natural beauty of the Macquarie River foreshore. The circuit also takes you around some of Dubbo’s best visitor attractions such as Dundullimal Homestead and the Taronga Western Plain Zoo.
9 Dubbo Heritage Walk
The Dubbo Heritage Walk is a self-guided walking tour of the historic buildings and sites in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. The walk takes visitors on a journey through the history of the town, showcasing its rich heritage and culture.
The Dubbo Heritage Walk begins at the Dubbo Visitor Information Centre, where visitors can pick up a map and guide to the walk. The route takes in a range of historic buildings and sites, including the Old Dubbo Gaol, the Dubbo Courthouse, and the Dubbo Post Office.
Along the way, visitors can learn about the history of each site, and gain insights into the social and cultural life of the town in the past. The walk is designed to be flexible, allowing visitors to take as much time as they like to explore each site and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the town.
Participating in the Dubbo Heritage Walk makes your journey to Dubbo more exciting and enjoyable.
10 Narromine Aviation Museum
The Narromine Aviation Museum is a museum located in Narromine, New South Wales, Australia, that showcases the history of aviation in the region. The museum is housed in a historic World War II hangar and features a range of aircraft and exhibits that highlight the rich aviation heritage of the area.
The museum is home to a range of aircraft, including vintage planes, gliders, helicopters, and microlights. Visitors can explore the aircraft up close and learn about their history and significance, and there are also regular flying displays and events that take place throughout the year.
The museum also offers a range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages, including school tours, workshops, and guided tours of the exhibits.
It will be fun if you add Narromine Aviation Museum to your list of things to do in Dubbo for families.
11 Pizza Cravings Dubbo
Pizza Cravings is a place that welcomes families, complete with a play area for children and a laid-back dining space.
Sit in the lounge area and sip coffee while snacking on something from our cafe, or indulge in a freshly baked gluten-free OMG Decadent Donut.
Dine in, take out, or have pizza delivered to your home every day starting at 11:00 a.m. The place is open seven days a week. Visitors to Dubbo are advised to stop by and find out what all the fuss is about.
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12 Muki Cafe
Muki Cafe is a popular cafe located in the heart of Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. The cafe is known for its great coffee, friendly service, and delicious food, and is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
The menu at Muki Cafe features a range of breakfast and lunch options, including sandwiches, wraps, salads, and burgers. The cafe also serves a range of sweet treats, including cakes, slices, and pastries, all made in-house using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
The cafe is a popular spot for catching up with friends. The coffee at Muki Cafe is also a highlight, with the cafe using high-quality beans and expert brewing techniques to create a range of delicious and satisfying coffee drinks.
Whether you prefer a flat white, cappuccino, or latte, you’re sure to find a perfect cup of coffee at Muki Cafe.
13 Cameron Park
Visit the famous Cameron Park to have a picnic, relax under the towering trees, or take a stroll through the lovely gardens. The park has excellent modern playground equipment for children of all ages and abilities.
Cameron Park is also home to a 25-pounder Gun-Howitzer, a Band Rotunda, a granite Cenotaph bearing three imposing figures, a cascading fountain, a buried rose garden, and the Lone Pine grown from a seed from Gallipoli, as well as a bridge from Pioneer Park to the Central Business District. The park celebrated its 100th birthday In 2010.
14 Garling Gallery
Garling Gallery is situated in the rural village of Wongarbon, 15 kilometers east of Dubbo in the Central West of New South Wales.
The fully restored 100-year-old shop front adds historical charm and warmth to the collection of original oils, watercolors, pencils, and bronze sculptures.
A visit to the artist’s studio is interesting due to the variety of ongoing projects there. Brett ‘Mon’ Garling is one of Australia’s leading figurative sculptors today.
His works are widely sought after by investors and individual collectors worldwide because of his reputation for creating breathtaking landscapes and intricate bronze sculptures. You are welcome to visit the gallery and gardens as well as Brett’s studio to observe the process of creating a sculpture and having it cast in bronze firsthand.
There are also drawing and sculpture classes available for students at all skill levels.
15 Wellington Skate Park
The Wellington Skate Park is a popular skateboarding destination located in Wellington, New South Wales, Australia. The park is a hub for skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter riders of all skill levels, and features a range of obstacles and features that cater to a variety of styles and abilities.
Wellington Skate Park is also known for its friendly and inclusive community. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome, and the park provides a welcoming and supportive environment where riders can learn and grow together.
Overall, the Wellington Skate Park is a great destination for anyone who loves skateboarding, BMX riding, or scooter riding.
So if Skateboarding is your thing, then Wellington Skate Park should be included on your list of things to do in Dubbo.
16 Dubbo Rhino Lodge Restaurant and Bar
The Lodge Restaurant and Bar are known for offering mouth-watering pizzas fresh from our wood-fired pizza oven, as well as a variety of entrees, mains, and desserts so there’s sure to be something for everyone!
With a choice of stylish indoor or alfresco dining areas, it’s the perfect place to relax. They’ve even had an outdoor play area for the kids!
17 Windmill Walk
On our last list of things to do in Dubbo is to head over to the Windmill Walk.
The Windmill Walk is a scenic walking trail in the city of Dubbo which was named after the historic Dubbo Observatory Windmill, which is one of the main attractions along the route.
The Windmill Walk is a relatively easy and accessible walking trail, suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities. The trail is approximately 3 kilometers in length and takes around 45 minutes to complete, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the beautiful scenery along the way.
visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Macquarie River and the surrounding countryside.
The windmill is a popular spot for photos and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of agriculture and industry in the region.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the trail offers a relaxing and enjoyable way to explore the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Best Time to visit Dubbo
The best and busiest month for tourists visit in Dubbo, NW, Australia is August, followed by February and May. Tourists chose these months as the best times to take advantage of the majority of the city’s attractions.
