Dubbo

Dubbo is situated on the Macquarie River, 400km northwest of Sydney. It is also a favourite stopover place for weary travelers heading from the South to the North (Victoria to Queensland) in search of holiday sunshine. The Newell highway which passes through Dubbo is about the midway point between these states. John Oxley was the first European to pass through the area in 1818 and he noted the quality of the soil and plenty of water which encouraged some early settlement.

Big M
Six attractions in one with a military museum, mini golf, mind science expo, maze, driving range and lazer skirmish. (02 6884 5550).

Cruises
There are cruises on the river, some operating from Dundullimal and some from Bligh Street in the heart of the city.

Dubbo Museum
This museum features historical displays of Dubbo's past. There is a coach building display as well as Aboriginal artifacts and stories. 232 Macquarie Street (02 6882 5359).

Dundullimal Homestead
An 1840's squatters homestead, stables and shed. 231 Obley Road, Dubbo (02 6884 9984).

Jedda Boomerang Factory
Here you can learn the history of the boomerang, have some throwing lessons or create your own. Minore Road, Dubbo (02 6882 3110).

Narromine
Narrowime is 30 minutes form Dubbo and has the oldest aero club in regional Australia that is home to a fully operational Wright Brothers Flyer replica. The aerodrome houses the Narromine Aviation Museum.

Observatory
The Dubbo observatory has nightly shows. 17L Camp Road, Dubbo (02 6885 3022).

Old Dubbo Gaol
This gaol has held many infamous bush rangers since it opened in 1847. There are plenty of stories of the prisoners once held here, their crimes and their grisly fates. Animatronic models tell of the experiences of the inmates and keepers as well as the gallows. Macquarie Street, Dubbo (02 6882 8122).

Old Harbour Lagoon
This mysterious lagoon, is a perfect circular waterhole, about 3km in circumference. People in the area wonder of it's origin with some claiming it was created by a meteorite. It is a bird watching paradise and can be found north of Dubbo.

Shoyen Japanese Garden
A Japanese garden gifted by Minokamo city in Japan, at Dubbo's developing botanical garden. Elizabeth Park, Coronation Drive, Dobbo. (02 6801 4000).

Traintasia
An interactive model and railway display. 13L Yarrandale Road, Dubbo (02 6884 9944).

Wellington
The twin-river town of Wellington is half an hour form Dubbo. The Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mine complex 02 6845 1733) is a significant fossil site. In the Cathedral Cave is the the Southern Hemisphere's largest stalagmite that is 15 metres high and has a 32 metre base.

Western Plains Zoo
The Western Plains Zoo is Australia's largest open range zoo covering 300 hectares on the Newell Highway just south of the city. The animals roam free here, and you can ride on bikes or hire mini makes to drive through the park. The Friendship Farm is a great petting zoo for kids. Obley Road (02 6882 5888).

Western Plains Cultural Centre
The centre includes the Dubbo Regional Gallery and has a broad range of exhibits and arts. Wingewarra Street.

Cattlemans Country Motor Inn
Cattlemans is Dubbo's largest property with over 100 rooms and also the highest rated at a 4.5 stars.  Enjoy full use of the motel's facilities, including 3 pools, the full gymnasium and children's playground.  On offer is a full range of 2-bedroom serviced apartments, in the centre of the city, set over 3 acres. If you are after the best Dubbo has to offer, you have found it!

The Old Dubbo Gaol
Used as a goal from 1847 till 1966. In 1974 it was restored and opened to the public. There are many interesting displays and you can see much by wandering around the old buildings and cells, spending a moment or two in the solitary confinement cell in the dark.  There are also guided tours, live performances, after dark and activities for the kids. Paula Duggan

Western plains Zoo Dubbo
Own and operated as part of Taronga Park Zoo and only about 5 hours drive from Sydney this zoo home to over 700 animals and set in a bush land setting. Enjoy a safari adventure, hire bikes or carts. You will find yourself surrounded by nature. Open 7 days a week your admission price gives you 2 days access.     Paula Duggan

 

Peak Hill Gold Mine just out of Dubbo