Located in New South Wales, west of Sydney, you’ll find the beautiful city of Dubbo in the Macquarie Valley. It sits in the centre of the Mitchell, Golden, and Newell highways, and so it grew up as a main transportation hub. Beyond this, it is a city full of unique activities and heritage.
It certainly merits a visit if you’re ever in the area. Destination NSW promotes Dubbo as a must-visit destination within New South Wales, showcasing its range of activities and attractions.
If you’re planning a trip to Dubbo, check out this list of the best things to do in Dubbo!
It’ll ensure you don’t miss any of the classic sites in Dubbo!
See the Animals at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo
For an immersive zoo experience like none other, head over to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo! Open every day of the year, the zoo is one of the best things to do in Dubbo, since there are so many different ways to interact with it.
The zoo features a 5 kilometre circle, covering the main attractions, which you can bike, hike, or drive around. While you wander, you’ll see hundreds of endangered, rare animals, including giraffes, rhinos, big cats, and elephants.
If you want a truly magical experience, you can opt for a special tour with one of the zookeepers that takes you behind the scenes. If one day doesn’t seem like enough, you can extend the experience by staying in one of the thematic lodges, cabins, or bush-camping areas near the zoo!
Visit the Old Dubbo Gaol
Step into a darker side of Dubbo’s history with Old Dubbo Gaol! This intact site operated for nearly 120 years, from 1847 to 1966.
It sits on the main street of Dubbo, creating a time machine back into the 19th and 20th centuries. As with many other gaols sprinkled around Australia, the Old Dubbo Gaol allows visitors to explore the country’s prison history.
This particular goal has interesting exhibits, such as the hangman’s kit and gallows. The Old Dubbo Gaol is one of the key things to see in Dubbo that should not be missed.
If you’re feeling particularly brave, sign up for one of the night tours! Though, there are daytime tours and theatrical experiences that help you connect with the history as well.
Check Out the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience
Made famous by their storied history, as well as the PBS Show RFDS, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience gives you an interactive view of the service. The interactive visitor experience has lots of great highlights, such as a decommissioned aircraft, augmented reality experience, hands-on exhibits, and more!
With a full history of compelling stories from the RFDS over its 90 year history, you could spend hours wandering the space. It is a great activity for visitors of all ages, with immersive elements to keep everyone engaged!
When you’re looking for things to do near Dubbo, you should put the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience on your list. It’s not only a Dubbo attraction, it’s a true Australian icon.
Explore the Mount Arthur Reserve
If you’re willing to get out of Dubbo a bit, drop by the Mount Arthur Reserve, which sits just outside of Wellington. This Crown Reserve is designated for Public Recreation and Environmental Protection, though visitors will see it principally for its beautiful views and plant species. The reserve contains over 2,000 hectares, holding three of the area’s main peaks: Mount Arthur, Wellesley, and Duke.
It also protects more than 400 plant species, most notably the over 36 species of terrestrial orchid. Visiting the Mount Arthur Reserve is one of the best ways to experience the bush, through bushwalking, picnicking, and hiking through the gorgeous landscape.
While in Wellington, you can also visit the Burrendong Botanic Garden, Lake Burrendong, and the Wellington Caves.
Explore the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden
Covering over four distinct garden spaces, the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden is a stunning space.
The Dubbo Regional Council is responsible for the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden and its various distinctive garden spaces.
- The Biodiversity Garden highlights local flora and native plants.
- The Sensory Garden brings together the magic of the senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste) for a full experience.
- The Oasis Valley brings dry rainforest species to life, to show how the surrounding bush developed from the prior forests.
- You can also check out the Shoyoen Japanese Garden (so notable, it made the list on its own)!
If you have kids in tow, you can also take them by the Dubbo Regional Adventure Playground. This adventure playground has over 40 different play elements and rides, such as the basket swing and giant slide. It is great to spend a few hours if you are unsure of what to do in Dubbo with kids.
It’s a great way to get some energy out, before visiting some of the other things to do around Dubbo!
Take in the Western Plains Cultural Centre
If you want to get a view of Dubbo’s cultural heritage, there is no better place to go than the Western Plains Cultural Centre! Home to the Dubbo Regional Gallery, museum, and community arts centre, visitors can connect with the local arts scene.
The Dubbo Regional Gallery is a key cultural attraction, showcasing Indigenous artworks, contemporary pieces, and exhibitions that reflect the city’s story and rural identity. The gallery also features works from local and national artists and offers exhibitions, interactive workshops, and a diverse collection of artworks. There are rotating exhibitions, as well as events and workshops that allow you to connect more fully.
Since the Western Plains Cultural Centre is designed to be a community meeting point, it is one of the best things to do in Dubbo to connect to the local arts scene. If you need a caffeine boost, you can also step into the attached coffee shop for a delicious coffee or take a walk in the nearby Victoria Park to get a bit of air.
See the Stars at the Dubbo Observatory
This family-run observatory is one of Dubbo’s best kept secrets! Owing to the relatively isolated location of Dubbo, the stars are incredible in this area. There are specialised tours, including Night Sky and Telescope Viewing Tours, as well as Astrophotography Sessions for the photographers out there. With the help of your tour guide and the on-site telescopes, you can see stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
Be sure to check the weather before you plan your visit, as a clear night makes all the difference in the world. Step into a celestial paradise, as it is one of the most notable things to do in Dubbo!
Additionally, the Warrumbungle region, near Dubbo, is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s first and only Dark Sky Park, offering unparalleled star-gazing experiences.
Grab a Bite at the Dubbo Farmers Market
If you happen to visit Dubbo on the 1st or 3rd Saturday of the month, ensure you put a visit to the Dubbo Farmers Market on your list.
You can find this blossoming farmers market in Dubbo Lions Park, on the corner between Macquarie Street and Newell Highway. That is actually right new to the Dubbo Visitor Information Centre for those looking to start their Dubbo adventure.
The Dubbo Farmers Market is a truly local event, which attracts over 2000 people with more than 60 distinct stalls, offering fresh produce, food, and artisan goods. If you time it correctly, it is one of the best things to do around Dubbo, since it truly gives you a view of the local culture.
Whether you want to take home bags of produce or enjoy a freshly brewed coffee as you take in the whole scene, the Dubbo Farmers Market has you covered!
Experience Colonial Life at the Dundullimal Homestead
Undoubtedly one of the most unique things to do around Dubbo, the Dundullimal Homestead allows visitors to step inside the colonial experience. From the 1840’s, this homestead stretches 16,000 acres and captures the region’s pioneer history. Inside the building, you’ll see historic touches, such as the wide halls and wooden joinery. Outside, take in the cobblestone paths, timber church, stables, blacksmith station, and more.
Walking around these grounds should give you a real sense of what life was like during the colonial period. You can also simply enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds, through walking paths or the Tracker Riley Cycleway which runs close by, along the Macquarie River.
Find Your Peace at the Shoyoen Japanese Garden
Notably one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in the whole country, the Shoyoen Japanese garden is a wonderful place to visit.
Established in 2002 with the planting of the first cherry tree, the garden represents the growing friendship island relationship between Dubbo and its sister city of Minokamo. In fact, Shoyoen translates to “strolling, refreshing garden,” so make sure you take advantage of one of the peaceful things to do in Dubbo.
When you’re exploring, keep an eye out for the characteristic features of the garden: the water elements that symbolise human life stages, the Koi, tea hut, and dry, patterned garden landscape.
Exploring Australia: Things To Do In Dubbo Australia
When you’revisiting NSW, you should put Dubbo on your list of places to visit. Dubbo is a culturally relevant, unique city, full of regional attractions and local charm. Whether you want to explore the Taronga Western Plains Zoo or wander the Mount Arthur Reserve, there are plenty of wonderful things to see in Dubbo!
Experience traditional Aboriginal tours and learn about ancient Aboriginal rock art with First Lesson Cultural Tours. Additionally, visit the nearby Wellington Caves for guided tours to see crystal formations and megafauna fossils.
Don’t miss out on this gem of Australia’s New South Wales, Australia!
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubbo, NSW
Is the Dubbo Zoo worth visiting?
Yes for adults and families: You’re able to stay overnight in a safari tent, cabin or lodge at the zoo which is great. It is even fun to travel around the zoo by bicycle or electric vehicle.
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