Dubbo NSW - Tourist Guide - New South Wales

Map: West NSW Map.

Straddled across the Macquarie River, is Dubbo. The name derives from the Wiradjuri aboriginal word, meaning ‘Red Earth’.

With a population of over 38,000 this key regional centre makes for country hospitality in a contemporary setting - with plenty of restaurants, shopping, comfortable accommodation of all kinds and plenty of things to see and do.

History

There is plenty of history to explore as well. Dundullimal Homestead allows you to step back to early Colonial times and is Australia’s oldest surviving timber slab building, built in the 1840’s.

Western Plains Zoo

There are also many attractions, most famous being the Western Plains Zoo with over 1000 animals on exhibit from all over the world as well as Australia. A single day would not give you time to see all these endangered, exotic and native animals, so they sell a two day pass for the price of one.

Things To Do

Other attractions and things to do in Dubbo include cruising the Macquarie River, viewing the clear night skies at the Observatory, caving and mine tours, golf, visiting art galleries, the Japanese gardens and the weekend markets. There is a brilliant bushwalk along the river with plenty of birdlife and bush scenery, passing the Western Plains Zoo.

National Parks

Aside from the many parks within Dubbo itself, in the surrounds there are the Jinchilla Gardens, the Goonoo State Forest, the Burrendong Botanic Garden & Arboretum and the Goobang National parks, all within easy drive.

Dubbo Gaol

The old Dubbo Gaol, used from 1871 to 1966 has a gallows where men were hanged for their murderous crimes. Now a museum, it shows what convict life was like in the colony and the 200 years following. See photo below...

Wineries

First established in the 1870’s, the local wine industry has a number of wineries you can visit to sample their wines. Red Earth Estate, Lazy River Estate, Boora Estate, Tombstone Winery and others are all within easy driving distance, just outside of town.

Dubbo Accommodation

Located at the meeting place of the Newell, Golden and Mitchell Highways, there is plenty of accommodation to suit any budget with hotels, bed and breakfasts, farmstays, historic inns and motels as well as resorts and backpacker hostels. View Accommodation in NSW Australia, search for Dubbo.

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Further Reading

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