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Dubbo has long reigned as one of Australia’s most popular country travel destinations.
Many of us look back fondly on childhood holidays in this historic town and spooky visits to the Old Dubbo Gaol. History lovers will certainly enjoy their time here, but these days there’s plenty more on offer to keep those with a broad range of interests entertained. As a key agricultural centre, Dubbo offers endless paddock-to-plate pleasures (including a fabulous fortnightly Farmers’ Market). It’s also home to a number of family friendly attractions, including the famous Western Plains Zoo. And there’s no shortage of opportunities to get out of town and immerse yourself in the beauty of the wider Orana region.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Dubbo.
1. Explore the Dubbo of yesteryear
Drop in to the Dubbo Visitor Information Centre and collect a map for the self-guided Dubbo City Heritage Walk, which takes in many of the ornate heritage-listed buildings around town. Keep an eye out for the very elaborate Court House building and the intricate architecture of St Brigid’s Catholic Church. They are absolutely beautiful. Each site you visit has its own story to tell, and you’ll also learn about some of the shady characters (from bushrangers to underworld figures) who’ve called Dubbo home over the decades.
2. Do time in the Old Dubbo Gaol
Set back from the main street in the heart of town is the famous Old Dubbo Gaol. It operated from 1847 to 1966 and is now a wonderfully preserved heritage site. Enter through the heavy wooden doors and visit the main cell block where life-like mannequins in prison attire illustrate the daily life of prisoners. The cell blocks ring with voice recordings of prisoners hollering and shouting over the top of one another, which, although unsettling, makes for a fascinating experience.
The gaol doesn’t gloss over the darkest moments in Australian prison history. See the hangman’s kit and gallows, and experience what it was like to be in a super dark solitary confinement cell. For those with a thirst for history and adrenaline, the Beyond the Grave Tour offers access to the gaol after dark (adults only). There’s also a kid-friendly theatrical Twilight Tour offered during school holidays.
3. Meet the locals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
There are three life-sized multi-coloured sculptures of the black rhino around Dubbo that highlight the rhino conservation programme at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo — one of the city’s most popular attractions. The sculptures provide selfie opportunities that can’t be missed! The zoo itself occupies about 300 hectares of plains country and gives you the feeling of being on an African safari. There’s a six kilometre fenced circuit that surrounds the open range area where lots of different species of the animals roam. You can make your way around the circuit on foot, by bicycle or in an electric cart. The new Lion Pride Lands enclosure is also a must-see.
You’ll want to take your time enjoying the zoo so it’s great that tickets are valid over two consecutive days. It’s even possible to stay overnight in one of the zoo’s immersive accommodation options.
4. Go grape-grazing at Red Earth Estate
Tucked in behind the zoo you’ll find Red Earth Estate — Dubbo’s only commercial vineyard and cellar door. The estate is known for its rieslings and cabernet sauvignons. Here you can enjoy a wine tasting and platter of delicious cheeses, fresh fruit and other produce from the surrounding region. If you’re not into wine, don’t worry. The vineyard also serves delicious morning and afternoon teas. Sit back and relax under the verandah festooned with hanging vines.
5. Get arty at the Western Plains Cultural Centre
The fabulous Western Plains Cultural Centre art gallery and museum is located on the site of the old Dubbo High School and is the cultural heart of the city. It exhibits some stunning Indigenous artworks and contemporary pieces. The Dubbo Regional Gallery makes up half of the cultural centre and displays the city’s story through artefacts and a photographic timeline titled Peoples Places Possessions. In the centre of the exhibition stands a carved white box tree of great significance to the local Aboriginal community. While this exhibition is permanent, others throughout the gallery change regularly.
6. Stop and smell the flowers in the Botanic Gardens
On a very hot day, a stroll through the beautiful Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens is wonderfully refreshing. Entry is free and the gardens are divided into four parts. The stunning Shoyoen (or ‘strolling’) Japanese Garden has some wonderful waterfalls and benches where you can sit and enjoy the peacefulness. The Sensory Garden has been designed to engage visitors through all five senses (smell, sight, sound, touch, and taste). Follow the labelling closely to find plants that are safe to nibble on.
The Biodiversity Garden showcases plant species native to the Dubbo region, while the Oasis Valley Garden, the newest addition, exhibits dry rainforest plant species and tells the story of how these plants evolved. Be warned — it’s easy to lose track of time completely as you wander through each section.
7. Tour the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Education Centre
Located a short drive north-west of the city, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Education Centre provides a fascinating insight into the vital role the service plays in remote areas of Australia. Your visit will start with a very informative video about the RFDS, followed by a guided tour of the centre. Take a walk outside and you’ll discover a replica aircraft, which is kitted out exactly like the ones in use by the service. Stepping into the plane brings home just how cramped the space is that the medics work in. It makes you appreciate the wonderful job they do all the more.
8. Tuck into a country meat pie
What’s a visit to a regional Australian country town without dropping by the local bakery? When hunger strikes, head to the Village Bakehouse for a mouth-watering, award-winning, 100% Aussie beef pie. The bakery is owned and operated by a fourth-generation Dubbo family. Try the ‘pie of the day’; you won’t be disappointed!
9. Relax by, on, or in the Macquarie River
There are so many ways to enjoy the Macquarie River, which flows through the centre of Dubbo. You can walk or ride the cycling tracks that follow the course of the river for several kilometres, or hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board from Dubbo Kayak Hire. Sandy Beach is a popular swimming spot, and Sir Roden Cutler Park (on the opposite side of the river) is the perfect location for a picnic.
Leave some time to explore riverside Terramungamine Reserve, which is located a short drive north of the city. There are rocks with deep grooves that have been used by generations of the Tubbagah First People to sharpen tools and weapons.
10. Shop fresh at the Dubbo Farmers’ Market
The Dubbo Farmers Market is held on the first and third Saturday of the month come rain, hail or shine. Enjoy a fresh coffee while browsing the stalls for wonderful local produce. The goodies on offer include fruits, vegetables, and herbs, along with freshly baked bread, preserves, cheeses, and much more. Pick up supplies for that riverside picnic.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.dubbo.com.au/visit.
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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Dubbo? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Cover image: Destination NSW. Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Dixie Lamers is a freelance writer and travel blogger. When she is not writing about travel, you will find Dixie and her partner enjoying an Aussie caravanning lifestyle.
