Located in the Macquarie Valley, Dubbo is the perfect place for families to explore something new, from historical and natural wonders to all-ages immersive experiences.
It’s a five-hour drive from Sydney, and easily accessible via car or flight from several major cities. Searching for a destination the kids will love during the school holidays, or keen to make the most of a weekend away? Book your trip to the Dubbo region via the G’day Parks app or online, then get planning and packing for a one-of-a-kind getaway.
1. Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Featuring Australian, African, and Asian animals, Taronga Western Plains Zoo brings the safari to regional New South Wales. There are free, daily keeper activities and animal feedings, as well as specialty encounters and tours (for an additional fee) like a Savannah Safari or Giraffe Encounter.
Hire a bike, electric cart, or pedal boat and don't forget your bathers to play in the zoo's African waterhole-themed water play area.
2. Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Step into the action and comprehend the life-saving work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service by visiting their interactive experience.
Hear real frontline stories, explore hands-on ‘operations control’ screens, and use augmented reality to see what it’s like to save a patient on their aircraft.
3. Old Dubbo Gaol
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Old Dubbo Gaol offers history immersion housed in a nineteenth-century prison building. With daily theatrical displays and guided talks that mimic the historic prisoners’ schedule, learn about what prison life was like as you wander the grounds, exhibitions, and interactive displays.
A Twilight Tour is a fantastic way to experience Old Dubbo Gaol, as you get ‘inducted’ as new inmates.
4. Wellington Caves
Journey underground at Wellington Caves to see geological wonders dating from 400 million years ago. Be inspired by limestone and crystal formations in Cathedral Cave, or marvel at Gaden Cave’s stalagmites, stalactites, and coral-like formations.
Above ground, follow the Fossil Trail or pop across to the relaxing Wellington Osawano Japanese Gardens.
5. Warrumbungle National Park
Warrumbungle National Park is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park—the ideal place to visit on starry nights. By day, there are myriad walking tracks to see spring wildflowers and rocky outcrops.
Fit bushwalkers can challenge themselves to climb Bluff Mountain for the best views at the summit or take the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk to overlook the park’s famous rock formations.
6. Dubbo Observatory
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Be starstruck by a stargazing experience at Dubbo Observatory. Absorb a half-hour Astronomy and Night Sky Presentation under the stars, then view mesmerising stars and space objects through telescopes—especially on a cloudless night.
You can even book a one-on-one Astrophotography Session!
7. Tracker Riley Cycleway
Bringing your bike? Dubbo has a 13-kilometre cycleway loop travelling from the city centre to the zoo.
Named after Alec ‘Tracker’ Riley, the first Aboriginal tracker to reach the rank of Sergeant, the cycleway caters for all levels of fitness—whether you’re enjoying an easy-going family ride or keeping active during your visit.
8. Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens and Adventure Playground
When the family is keen for a day of play, head to the Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens. The beautiful gardens have five precincts to explore—the Shoyoen Japanese Garden, the Sensory Garden, the Biodiversity Garden, the Oasis Valley, and the Wiradjuri Garden.
Younger kids will especially love the all-abilities Dubbo Regional Adventure Playground, from the flying fox to the wheelchair-friendly Liberty Swing.
9. Western Plains Cultural Centre
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Western Plains Cultural Centre is a gallery, museum, and community arts centre all rolled into one.
Get to the heart of Dubbo through permanent and touring exhibitions, a thought-provoking regional art collection, and an expansive archive of local artefacts.
10. Dundullimal Homestead
Dundullimal Homestead is an 1840s property lovingly restored as a portrait of the town’s rural past.
Walk through the rooms, sandstone stables, timber church, and blacksmith’s forge before delighting in Devonshire Tea at the Shed Café. It’s free to visit for National Trust members!
11. Get to Know the City
Dubbo’s heritage-listed buildings are important landmarks of its storied local history. Pop into the visitor’s centre to collect a brochure for the heritage walk.
As you meander the city streets, browse local shops and get a sense of what makes Dubbo unique. At night, go to the rotunda on Macquarie Street, where you’ll find a glowing dance floor.
12. Markets
Nourish your trip with fresh produce and handcrafted souvenirs from local markets.
The Dubbo Farmers Market is held every first and third Saturday at the Dubbo Lions Park from 8.00am to 12.00pm, while the Dubbo Rotunda Market takes place on Sundays from 8.00am near the Church Street intersection. Out of town, visit the Wellington Rotary Markets on the fourth Saturday of the month from February to November.
13. Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum
On the fringes of Lake Burrendong in Mumbil, the Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum has more than 50,000 flowering plants, shrubs, and trees.
Whether you walk through Fern Gully or take the Eucalyptus Car Tour to the Harris Lookout, you’ll be delighted by the scope of Australian flora.
14. Mount Arthur Reserve
On the outskirts of Wellington, Mount Arthur Reserve has more than 400 native plant species recorded.
It’s a beautiful place for bushwalking and picnicking, especially in the springtime months when colourful wildflowers bloom.
15. Terramungamine Rock Grooves
Terramungamine Rock Grooves is a cultural site where you can find 150 rock carvings, which were created by the Tubbagah people along the Macquarie River.
It was once an important meeting place for the Tubbagah people, making it a site of great significance to the local Wiradjuri people.
Where to Stay in the Dubbo Region?
Need to sort out accommodation in Dubbo? We’ve got four fantastic suggestions, with three G’day Parks in the regional city and one within an hour’s drive.
Discovery Parks - Dubbo
Families can’t resist a holiday at Discovery Parks - Dubbo. The splash park, resort-style pool, bouncing pillow, and playground provide hours of entertainment for kids.
A Deluxe Three-Bedroom Cabin provides ample room to spread out, a kitchenette, bathroom, and deck (complete with an outdoor setting and BBQ) to soak up the fresh air. A family of six can also fit into a Deluxe Safari Tent.
Westview Dubbo Caravan Park
On the outskirts of town, you’ll find Westview Dubbo Caravan Park. The park has a pool and playground to enjoy all-ages fun, along with practical facilities for a comfortable stay.
Thoughtfully-styled cabins cater to a range of group sizes, so you’ll easily find one that suits your family—as many as ten people can stay in ‘The More the Merrier’ two-bedroom ensuite cabin.
Dubbo Midstate Caravan Park
Dubbo Midstate Caravan Park is centrally located near Dubbo’s tourist attractions, like Old Dubbo Gaol, Western Plains Cultural Centre, and the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre. The park has a swimming pool to dive into on summer days, along with a camp kitchen, BBQs, playground, and laundry facilities.
A Superior Merino Villa sleeps up to five people with an ensuite, open-plan living area, and kitchen. The park also has dog-friendly and wheelchair-access accommodation options.
Gulgong Tourist Park
If you prefer to stay somewhere out of the city centre, check out Gulgong Tourist Park. Settle into the peaceful rural setting as you cook up a BBQ, play on the playground, or toast marshmallows around the campfire.
Offering powered sites and cabins, the top choice for families is a six-berth villa with a kitchen, lounge/dining area, bathroom, and verandah.
