Taronga Western Plains Zoo, DubboCREDIT: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Mother and children viewing the zebras at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.
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Explore the Dubbo region, about a 4.5-hour drive northwest of Sydney, for its remarkable zoo, world-class stargazing, and fascinating historic towns.
Eat and drink in Dubbo
Grab one of the most highly regarded pies in the state at the Village Bakehouse, run by fourth-generation bakers — the pies have won more than 100 awards over the years. Or grab a seat in the leafy courtyard of Press café, for classic breakfast and lunch dishes and home-roasted coffee. For sleek fine dining, try Veldt, or enjoy tapas and sangria at Two Doors. Drop in to the cellar door at Red Earth Estate, or join a brewery tour, try a tasting paddle, and grab a gourmet pizza or pork belly burger at the Devil’s Hollow Brewery, which started brewing craft beers in Dubbo in 2019.
See the Dubbo stars
As the sun sets, head to Dubbo Observatory to view the heavens. Join astronomer Peter Starr on a Night Sky and Telescope Viewing Tour for an astronomy presentation and the chance to look at the moon, stars, planets and galaxies through up to seven telescopes. Or join an Astrophotography Tour and take pictures with your own camera through the observatory’s 17-inch telescope.
Visit the zoo
No visit to Dubbo is complete without a tour of Taronga Western Plains Zoo, home to more than 5,000 animals from more than 350 species, all roaming across 300 hectares of carefully recreated natural habitats. Hop aboard a safari truck to take an African Savannah Safari, see big cats in the Lion Pride Lands, and let the kids play in the Waterhole Precinct, which opened in 2020 and offers a waterplay area and outdoor café, close to the meerkat mob.
Sleep in Dubbo
For the ultimate animal encounter, spend the night at the zoo. Accommodation options range from permanent tents at Billabong Camp to the self-contained Savannah Cabins and the luxurious Zoofari Lodge, where giraffes and ostriches roam just past the edge of your wooden deck.
Or embrace the country lifestyle at Outback Cellar, a self-contained property set on riverfront farmland 10 minutes outside Dubbo — choose from a country cottage and a wine cellar converted into a studio. Alternatively, head to Discovery Parks Dubbo for its large heated swimming pool, waterpark, playground and jumping pillow.
Take off to Narromine
The small town of Narromine, half an hour west of Dubbo, has a storied aviation history dating back more than 100 years. The Narromine Aviation Museum celebrates this legacy with a captivating display of historic aircraft, photographs and artefacts.
Press Cafe, Dubbo CREDIT: Destination NSW
Meals ready for serving at the Press Cafe, Dubbo.
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Press Cafe, Dubbo CREDIT: Destination NSW
Meals ready for serving at the Press Cafe, Dubbo.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo CREDIT: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Guests touring the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo on hired bicycles.
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Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo CREDIT: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Guests touring the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo on hired bicycles.
Discover Dubbo’s culture and heritage
Head to the Old Dubbo Gaol to learn about 19th-century prison life through self-guided tours, theatrical displays and even a Beyond the Grave after-dark ghost hunting tour. Explore Dubbo’s colourful past on the Heritage Walk, which runs through the centre of the city, telling stories of Dubbo’s colourful criminal connections (such as Queen of the Underworld Kate Leigh) and trailblazing pioneers. You can pick up a brochure at Dubbo Visitor Information Centre.
You can also visit Dubbo's state-of-the-art Western Plains Cultural Centre, which is home to the city’s art gallery and museum, and features a range of frequently changing exhibitions and school holiday workshops. And discover local Wiradjuri Aboriginal culture through First Lesson Cultural Tours — walk where ancestors walked, settle in for a camp oven dinner and learn to make clapstick percussion instruments.
Eat, play and stay in Wellington
At the town of Wellington, a 40-minute drive southeast of Dubbo, call in for a pub meal at The Lion of Waterloo, which dates back to 1841 and was a popular stop for early settlers, miners and Cobb & Co coaches. At the 400-million-year-old Wellington Caves, descend the staircase of the Cathedral Cave to view the beautiful calcite crystal formations, the clear waters of The Well, and the Altar, a 15m tall stalagmite. You can camp, hitch up your caravan, or stay in cabins or units at the caves. Or head to Hermitage Hill Country Retreat, a Federation Queen Ann-style building perched on a hill overlooking Wellington.
Discover Gilgandra’s past
The small town of Gilgandra, 45 minutes north of Dubbo, holds a significant place in Australia’s war history. The first recruiting march (which would come to be known as the Coo-ee March) began here in 1915, with a group of men making their way to Sydney. Head to the Visitor Information Centre at The GIL Collective to learn more and discover works by local artists and artisans. Gilgandra is also known for its windmills: take the Windmill Walk along the banks of the Castlereagh River to spot some.
See the stars in a Dark Sky Park
The stargazing in Warrumbungle National Park, about 90 minutes’ drive north of Dubbo, is so good that it has been declared the southern hemisphere’s first and only Dark Sky Park. Camp under the stars and view the wonders of the galaxy from your own quiet corner of the park, and take a guided tour of the Siding Spring Observatory.
Ride on in to Coonamble
See more than 1,000 cowboys and cowgirls in action at the Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft, an action-packed June long weekend of bull riding, steer wrestling and live music. Just about everyone in Coonamble, less than a two-hour drive north of Dubbo, has a nickname, and the town has turned itself into the Nickname Hall of Fame. Look out for the billboards around town honouring locals with monikers such as Gooey, Icey and Useful.
Old Dubbo Gaol, Dubbo CREDIT: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a visit to the Old Dubbo Gaol.
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Old Dubbo Gaol, Dubbo CREDIT: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a visit to the Old Dubbo Gaol.
Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mines, Wellington CREDIT: Destination NSW
Family exploring the cave systems at Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mines, Wellington.
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Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mines, Wellington CREDIT: Destination NSW
Family exploring the cave systems at Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mines, Wellington.
MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
The Three Sisters, Blue MountainsCREDIT: Destination NSW
Family enjoying views across Blue Mountains National Park to the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary from Echo Point Lookout.
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Discover outdoor activities, stunning beaches and lots of family fun with these five kid-friendly road trips across New South Wales.
Greater Blue Mountains Drive
Where? Sydney–Katoomba–Jenolan Caves
You’ve got: 2 days
Its close proximity to Sydney, and its cable cars, caves and cafés, make the Greater Blue Mountains Drive a perfect weekend getaway for the whole family.
DAY 1: Sydney to Katoomba — 100km/1.5 hours
Climb into the mountains past pretty towns such as Wentworth Falls and Leura. At Katoomba, head to Scenic World for thrilling cable car and train rides, and use the town as a base to explore the Blue Mountains National Park.
DAY 2: Katoomba to Jenolan Caves — 75km/70 minutes
Head towards to the charming village of Blackheath, known for its cafés and galleries. Continue on to Jenolan Caves to discover chasms, stalactites and stalagmites.
Grand Pacific Drive
Where? Sydney–Royal National Park–Kiama–Shoalhaven
You’ve got: 2 days
The Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia's most breathtaking routes, taking you south via rainforests, seaside villages and spectacular coastline.
DAY 1: Sydney to Royal National Park to Kiama — 120km/2 hours
Call in on the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney, have a swim at one of the beaches immediately south of the park, then take the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge, which extends over the ocean as it hugs the coast. In Kiama, check out the Kiama Blowhole and the town’s beautiful beaches.
DAY 2: Kiama to Shoalhaven to Jervis Bay — 75km/1 hour
Call in on the seaside village of Gerroa for a swim or a surf. Then head south to reach Jervis Bay, boasting white sand beaches, sapphire seas and resident dolphins. On the way back to Sydney the next day, take a hinterland drive via Berry or Kangaroo Valley.
NSW Food & Wine Trail
Where? Sydney–Lithgow–Orange–Cowra–Mudgee
You’ve got: 4 days
Follow the NSW Food & Wine Trail and teach your children where their food comes from, visiting farmers markets, artisan producers and paddock-to-plate eateries.
DAY 1: Sydney to Lithgow — 140km/2 hours
On the western edge of the Blue Mountains is the town of Lithgow. Visit the Secret Creek Cafe for a plant-based meal in a wildlife sanctuary. Then sample fresh cheese at Jannei Goat Dairy.
DAY 2: Lithgow to Orange — 120km/1.5 hours
Sample cool-climate wines from one of the many cellar door near Orange, buy some fruit from an orchard, and pick berries at Huntley Berry Farm. Stock up on local produce at The Agrestic Grocer, or indulge in fine dining at Lolli Redini, Racine or Tonic.
DAY 3: Orange to Cowra — 95km/75 minutes
Drive through olive groves, orchards and vineyards to Canowindra. Then continue on to historic Cowra, bursting with food and wine experiences, including tours, cellar doors and the annual Cowra Wine Show Public Tasting.
DAY 4: Cowra to Mudgee — 240km/3 hours
Visit a cellar door or two. The temperate climate in Mudgee produces wines of great depth and intensity. On the third Sunday of the month, try a Mudgee Farm Walk through local working farms. It’s a 3.5-hour drive back to Sydney through the Blue Mountains.
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton CREDIT: Destination NSW
The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton CREDIT: Destination NSW
The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Countryside, Mudgee CREDIT: Destination NSW
Sun setting over the countryside in Mudgee.
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Countryside, Mudgee CREDIT: Destination NSW
Sun setting over the countryside in Mudgee.
Legendary Pacific Coast
Where? Sydney–Port Stephens–South West Rocks–Coffs Harbour–Tweed Heads
You’ve got: 4 days
Head north on the Legendary Pacific Coast to find rolling green hinterland, surf beaches and lots of family fun.
DAY 1: Sydney to Port Stephens — 215km/2.5 hours
Head north from Sydney and pass through the Central Coast with its picturesque villages such as Pearl Beach and Avoca Beach. Fly on a zip line at Treetops Newcastle, before arriving in Port Stephens, an idyllic seaside getaway.
DAY 2: Port Stephens to South West Rocks — 315km/3.5 hours
In Port Macquarie, call in on the Koala Hospital, and at pretty South West Rocks visit the Smoky Cape Lighthouse, a great vantage point for whale watching between May and November.
DAY 3: South West Rocks to Coffs Harbour — 100km/70 minutes
Coffs Harbour is packed with activities for families. The kids will love the amusement rides at the Big Banana Fun Park. Visit the Butterfly House, and learn to scuba dive, or even swim with humpback whales, through Jetty Dive.
DAY 4: Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads — 290km/3 hours
Explore the Byron Bay area, famed for its lush hinterland, fresh produce, breathtaking beaches and creative community. Further north, you’ll find Tweed Heads, offering fishing charters, houseboats for hire, and snorkelling and diving.
Kosciuszko Alpine Way
Where? Sydney–Canberra–Cooma–Jindabyne–Kosciuszko National Park
You’ve got: 4 days
Travel to the roof of Australia along the Kosciuszko Alpine Way through the Snowy Mountains. You’ll discover pristine scenery, icy lakes and plenty of adventure.
DAY 1: Sydney to Canberra — 285km/3 hours
Hit the road southwest from Sydney towards Canberra. You’ll pass through the Southern Highlands and past the famous Big Merino in Goulburn, a 15m tall statue of a ram that’s a monument to the region’s fine-wool industry.
DAY 2: Canberra to Cooma — 115km/80 minutes
Travel through farmland to the gateway of the Snowy Mountains. Historic Cooma is the largest town in the Snowies and home to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. Dig for truffles in the countryside or fish for trout in lakes and rivers.
DAY 3: Cooma to Jindabyne — 60km/45 minutes
Sitting on the edge of a beautiful lake, the scenic town of Jindabyne offers outdoor adventure and gourmet delights. It’s a great base for the snowfields in colder months, and kayaking and mountain biking when it’s warmer.
DAY 4: Jindabyne to Kosciuszko National Park — 110km/2 hours
Wind through the spectacular forests and mountain ranges of Kosciuszko National Park into the heart of NSW’s High Country. Walk to Australia’s highest point, Mt Kosciuszko, go fly-fishing in icy rivers or try horse riding along alpine trails.
Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie CREDIT: Destination NSW
Children enjoying a visit to the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.
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Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie CREDIT: Destination NSW
Children enjoying a visit to the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.
Kayaking, Lake Jindabyne CREDIT: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a scenic kayak on Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.
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Kayaking, Lake Jindabyne CREDIT: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a scenic kayak on Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.