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
Truenorth Helicopters, Snowy MountainsCREDIT: Destination NSW
Scenic flight over Tumut River and the Talbingo Reservoir in the Snowy Mountains.
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After waking up with an invigorating morning ocean swim in Sydney, you can be happily making snow angels in the magical Snowy Mountains by the afternoon. But what’s the rush? Embrace the journey as part of your holiday, taking the entire day or more to uncover the bounty of attractions and experiences on an alternative route. Cruise down through the Southern Highlands to the South Coast and then inland, or through Goulburn and Yass en route to Tumut and the snowfields.
Discover the delights of the Southern Highlands and South Coast route
Relax into holiday mode as you farewell Sydney, heading south along the Hume Highway towards the revitalising rolling hills of the Southern Highlands. Treat the cricket fans in your company with a short detour to Bowral, where you can relive the iconic moments of the game at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame before surrendering to the sweet temptations of Gumnut Patisserie on Bong Bong Street, from lemon tartlets to cloud-like lamingtons. Or enjoy the sense of community at The Lodge Restaurant in nearby Berrima Vault House. Step back into the 1880s at this convict-built former inn reimagined as a members’ club, which flings open the doors of its smart restaurant to the public on weekends.
With a contented full belly, make for the coast via the lush Kangaroo Valley. Breathe in the eucalyptus-scented country air en route to the hinterland town of Berry, where delightful cafés proffering homemade cakes, pastries and preserves entice you to pause for afternoon tea.
Be dazzled by the azure blues of Jervis Bay as you continue your journey south on the Princes Highway to the pretty coastal town of Mollymook. Pause to browse its galleries or shops, or to treat yourself to a celebratory fresh seafood meal with a side of ocean views at Rick Stein at Bannisters.
After hitting the road again later that day or the following morning, take the time explore the quaint country towns and rugged national parks of the Eurobodalla region as well as the jewels of the Sapphire Coast on the way to Tathra, perhaps taking a pit stop to enjoy some freshly shucked oysters by the water at The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter in Narooma.
Farewell the sparkling sea at Tathra before heading inland to Bega, before pressing onto Jindabyne via Dalgety on the Snowy River Way. Take a moment in Dalgety to wonder what might have been if this candidate for the nation’s capital was selected. Instead of roundabouts and Parliament House, there’s good food, a historic bridge and a great country pub to discover.
Scenic Drive, Kangaroo Valley CREDIT: Alexandra Adoncello
Car driving through the leafy Kangaroo Valley.
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Scenic Drive, Kangaroo Valley CREDIT: Alexandra Adoncello
Car driving through the leafy Kangaroo Valley.
Murrays Beach Sea Cave, Jervis Bay CREDIT: Jordan Robins
Man enjoying the sun from a sea cave near Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay in Booderee National Park.
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Murrays Beach Sea Cave, Jervis Bay CREDIT: Jordan Robins
Man enjoying the sun from a sea cave near Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay in Booderee National Park.
Connect with the countryside via Gundagai and Tumut
Buckle up for another memorable adventure to the Snowy Mountains, heading south on the Hume Highway again, but this time bound for Goulburn. Take in the history of Australia’s first inland city as you stroll its storied streets and have a giggle getting a selfie with the Big Merino, then follow the signs to Yass, where an abundance of boutique wineries and gourmet restaurants within easy reach will tempt you to stay overnight.
When you’re ready to move on, peel off the Hume Highway to stretch your legs in charming Jugiong. Follow the scent of freshly baked bread to The Sir George Artisan Bakery to pick up some of its renowned sourdough for a picnic by the serene Murrumbidgee River, or leave the cooking in the very capable hands of The Sir George kitchen or the next-door Long Track Pantry café.
Cruise 30 minutes down the road to the handsome pioneering town of Gundagai. After another must-have photo, here with Gundagai’s beloved statue of the Dog on the Tuckerbox, deepen your knowledge of the region’s rich history at the Gundagai Historic Museum. Oozing country character, nine-room boutique hotel Flash Jacks makes the perfect base for an overnight stop.
Push on along the Snowy Mountains Highway to Tumut and on to Yarrangobilly Caves. Pull over to marvel at its six stunning limestone caves that were millions of years in the making, or to take a soothing soak in the natural thermal pool near the caves, which is a balmy 27°C year round.
Revel in the rugged beauty of the mountainous landscape as you navigate the longer route to the heart of the Snowies via the scenic Alpine Way. Connect with the friendly locals who grow your food when you purchase produce directly from the likes of Wilgro Orchards in Batlow. Then visit Khancoban, a small lakeside town only 1.5 hours’ drive from the ski resort at Thredbo, where Picked Parrot Providore offers another delectable taste of the region.
Sunset, Yass River CREDIT: Destination NSW
Sun sets over the Yass River and the old railway bridge.
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Sunset, Yass River CREDIT: Destination NSW
Sun sets over the Yass River and the old railway bridge.
Scenic Countryside, Tumut CREDIT: Destination NSW
Poplar trees lining a country road running through scenic Tumut in the Snowy Valleys.
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Scenic Countryside, Tumut CREDIT: Destination NSW
Poplar trees lining a country road running through scenic Tumut in the Snowy Valleys.