What are the best things to do in Dubbo, NSW?

The best things to do in Dubbo include the Old Dubbo Gaol ghost tour, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Flying Doctor centre, Dubbo Observatory and Dundullimal Homestead.

Dubbo is one of the largest cities in inland New South Wales – the Dubbo population is around 40,000. It’s part of the Orana region, 390km north-west of Sydney, and on the inland route from Brisbane to Melbourne. The Sydney to Dubbo drive takes around five hours, which puts Dubbo out of realistic weekend break territory. There are enough things to do in Dubbo to make it part of an inland NSW road trip. This can include the likes of Bathurst, Orange and Mudgee, however.

Dubbo would like to pretend it’s more cosmopolitan than it is. But realistically the city is on the edge of the outback and a regional hub for agricultural businesses.

Book in advance for the best Dubbo accommodation deals and Dubbo Zoo tickets.

Things to do in Dubbo, NSW: Dubbo Zoo

The best things to do in Dubbo include the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. This safari-style zoo lets animals roam as freely as possible. Unlike other Australian zoos and wildlife parks, the Dubbo Zoo doesn’t focus on Australian animals. There’s a little more of Africa involved here, while Dubbo Zoo accommodation options include camping, lodges and cabins. Skip the queue tickets can be booked online.

Giraffes at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo. Photo copyright Destination NSW.

There are also several heritage buildings in Dubbo. Of these, the Dundullimal Homestead and Old Dubbo Gaol are most interesting. The Dundullimal Homestead is the oldest surviving slab building in Australia and is now run by the National Trust. Visitors can also see the blacksmith’s forge, stores and stables while snooping around.

What to do in Dubbo, NSW: Old Dubbo Gaol and ghost tours

The Old Dubbo Gaol is much more fun. It has been turned into a museum. Self-guided tours around the former gaol show off the grim realities of 19^th century prison lift. For more theatre, book onto the Twilight Tour or the Beyond The Grave Dubbo Gaol ghost tour.

Other excellent things to do in Dubbo include the Dubbo Observatory, Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience. The Dubbo Observatory offers after dark explorations of the night sky. Astronomers give 75 minute talks and allow guests to look at the constellations through enormous telescopes.

Things to do in Dubbo, NSW: Flying Doctor centre

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience shows how Australia’s famous flying doctors help keep life going in the outback. The tales of brave rescue missions and delivering medical supplies to remote stations are fascinating.

The final two strong options to add to a Dubbo itinerary are the Red Earth Estate winery and Wellington Caves. The Red Earth Estate is next to Dubbo Observatory, and offers free tastings at its cellar door.

The Wellington Caves are 59km to the south-east of Dubbo, about a third of the way to Orange. The Wellington Caves complex offers cave tours through decoration-lashed limestone caverns. But you can also take part in a fossil-finding session – there have been important megafauna fossils found here – and visit an old phosphate mine.

Dubbo accommodation options include the helpfully central Palms Dubbo Inn, kid-friendly Discovery Parks Dubbo and the well-equipped Cattleman’s Country Inn and Serviced Apartments.