Regarding tourism, there are plenty of things to do in Dubbo that would make your trip here unforgettable! Situated in Australia’s New South Wales, Dubbo is a well-known tourist destination, especially among those who wish to discover its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Its zoos, natural reserves, botanical gardens, museums, caves, and so much more make it a wonderful destination for a holiday with family. In fact, it is a great place to visit with children owing to its many attractions that would appeal to them!
Top 5 Enjoyable Activities To Do In Dubbo
If you haven’t created your itinerary for your trip to Dubbo yet, here are some fun things that you can add to it:
1. Visit The Famous Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Image Credit: Sheba for Wikimedia Commons
Home to a large number of animals, many of which are endangered, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo is not only a popular sanctuary but also one of the city’s prime attractions. It is open throughout the year and consists of over 5,000 animals, such as cheetahs, giraffes, meerkats, Sumatran tigers, takhis and red kangaroos, amongst many others. The zoo offers a variety of fun activities, such as going on a morning walk with a guide, taking a safari, hiring a boat or even visiting the lion territory. You can help bathe elephants here, feed some animals, or visit the world’s biggest purpose-built platypus conservation centre. Moreover, if you visit with kids, they will surely have a gala time cooling off at the waterhole. The zoo’s Wildlife Hospital is also a wonderful chance for visitors to learn about taking care of its animals and its various conservation projects.
Point To Be Noted: You must book your tickets online before you visit the zoo. Owing to its size, the ticket permits entry to the zoo for two consecutive days.
Duration: 4 – 5 hours, although it can take longer to explore it fully
Also Read: Things To Do In New South Wales
2. Drive Down to the Mount Arthur Reserve
Image Credit: Sam Genas for Wikimedia Commons
The Mount Arthur Reserve, located less than an hour away from Dubbo on the outskirts of Wellington, is a must-visit attraction. It is a Crown Reserve and a recreation space within the Catombal Range that spans an area of 2,123 hectares, located about 563 metres above sea level. The reserve encompasses the range’s three peaks, namely Mount Wellesley, Arthur and Duke, and is an excellent place to visit for a relaxing picnic with loved ones. In fact, the reserve overlooks the Wellington Valley and, therefore, serves as a good place for photography, especially during sunset. If you are interested in hiking, the reserve is also known for bushwalking; you will find different trails here that pass through native Australian greenery. Furthermore, if you visit during the spring season, you would be treated to marvellous views of blooming flowers like Bugle flowers, Pea flowers and gold Wattles.
Point To Be Noted: It is key to note that camping is not permitted at the Mount Arthur Reserve
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
3. Spend An Evening Gazing At The Sky At Dubbo Observatory
A fan of astronomy? The Dubbo Observatory is the perfect place to visit when in the city since it organises night sky viewings where you get a chance to take a closer look at the sky and its twinkling stars. As part of the viewing, you will get to attend an informative outdoor astronomy session and identify stars and constellations with a laser. There are telescopes here that you can use to gaze at the sky and you can also take pictures of what you see, either with your own camera if it’s compatible or with one from the Observatory. Besides live astrophotography, the observatory offers remote astronomical photometry to image stars, comets, asteroids and more, along with live online telescope viewings for those who can’t visit the observatory.
Point to be noted: The night sky viewing shows are suitable for those above the age of 8 and children below the age of 5 are not allowed to visit the observatory.
Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
Related Post: Taronga Zoo Australia
4. Learn About The City’s Heritage At The Old Dubbo Gaol
Image Credit: Kgbo for Wikimedia
A prison converted into a museum, the Old Dubbo Gaol is a well-known heritage site in Dubbo that was built between the 19th and 20th centuries. It is also called Dubbo Jail or Dubbo Gaol and is where you can learn about the hardships of prison life, about those who escaped or attempted to do so and about the overall history of the site, not only through its exhibits but also through live shows and performances. You can visit the jail’s Male Cell Division, Watch Tower, Gallows Gallery and Exercise Yards. What is perhaps most interesting here are the theatrical performances of people depicting stories of successful and unsuccessful breakouts.
Point To Be Noted: It is better to buy your tickets online since doing so would give you 10% off.
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
5. Explore The Beautiful Burrendong Botanic Garden And Arboretum
The Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum would be a splendid attraction to visit when in Dubbo. It is located about an hour away near Mumbil and was established in the 1960s in an attempt to preserve Australia’s diverse plant life. About 167 hectares big, it is home to over 50,000 flowering plants, trees, shrubs etc. belonging to about 2,000 different species. There is also a small man-made rainforest within the garden and you can spot many birds here too. You can embark on short hikes here, set up picnics, enjoy views of Lake Burrendong, buy plants, etc. Treasure hunts for children are often organised here.
Point To Be Noted: The garden is open from sunrise to sunset and has no entry fee.
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
You May Also Like To Read: Zoos In Sydney
Although Dubbo might not be as popular a tourist destination as some of the other cities in Australia, it is definitely worth a visit, especially if you want to spend a few days away from heavy crowds. A great place for a family vacation, there are many fun things to do in Dubbo that would ensure that you have a relaxing yet memorable trip. In fact, Dubbo would be an ideal destination to visit on your trip to Australia, along with its more famous cities, so that you can experience the country’s diversity to the fullest!
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Cover Image Credit: Tim Keegan for Wikimedia Commons/pexels
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Dubbo
Is entry to Old Dubbo Gaol free?
No, you need to pay to visit Old Dubbo Gaol. It costs AUD 22.50 for adults, AUD 18.50 for students and pensioners, and AUD 8 for children.
How far is Dubbo from Sydney?
The two cities are approximately 390 km away from each other. It would take about 5 hours to cover this distance by road, but you can also take the train; it would take over 6 and a half hours at least by train.
How many days are enough to spend in Dubbo?
You would be able to visit most of Dubbo’s famous tourist attractions in about 2 to 3 days but if you want to take things slow, you can stay for a day or two more.
What is the ideal time to visit Dubbo?
The best time to come to Dubbo would be during the spring or autumn months, not only because the weather would be pleasant during this time but also because you would be able to see the region’s flora bloom. Moreover, animals at the zoo and in the reserves are also known to be more active during this period; they tend to sleep more during the summer months.
Is Dubbo cold in winter?
Summers are warm to hot, and winters cool to cold, bringing some occurrences of early morning frost but generally no snowfall
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