Dubbo, in the Central West region of New South Wales is an ever-popular family holiday destination thanks to its many outdoor attractions, animal encounters, and its rich history. Immerse yourself in the unique culture of this wonderful region with this list of the top things to do in Dubbo.
Dubbo sits on the traditional land of the Wiradjuri people, and the city’s name is based on the Indigenous word, Thubbu or dhubbu, which is thought to mean red dirt. They are the people of the three rivers, as their territory is bordered and sustained by the Wambool (Macquarie River), Kalari / Calare (Lachlan River), and the Murrumbidgee (Murrumbidgee River).
Encountering native animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a great thing to do in Dubbo
No list of top things to see and do in Dubbo is complete without an exploration of Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The impressive five-kilometre circuit has guests paying a visit to some of Australia’s most iconic animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas.
To make the most of a day out, hire bikes and cruise between stops on the track. Or, with the recent introduction of the Savannah Lake, you can glide past the primate enclosures by boat, and get an up-close look at spider monkeys and lemurs.
To take the experience to the next level, there are a number of special animal encounters suitable for all ages. Step behind the scenes to feed a hippo, visit the black rhino conservation breeding facility, watch keepers bathe elephants and come eye-to-eye with a Sumatran tiger at feeding time.
There are also plenty of daily tours – go behind-the-scenes at the zoo’s Wildlife Hospital to learn about the many conservation programs, or hop aboard the safari truck to meet the pride of lions.
If you feel like resting your legs after a long day on the go, head to the Savannah Visitor Plaza where you can enjoy a cold drink and a simple, delicious meal such as fish and chips, tacos or chicken burgers. There’s also a zoo shop so you can take a souvenir home with you.
Old Dubbo Gaol is a great thing to do in Dubbo
The Old Dubbo Gaol was established as a courthouse lock-up in 1847, making it one of the first government buildings in what was then a small regional town. However, it quickly grew into a penal facility as the population in the region rapidly expanded, housing many dangerous inmates and even facilitating executions.
Now, this 19th-century prison is a museum and heritage site which explores the brutality of everyday life for the people trapped inside. As you wander the grounds, you’ll discover a mix of immersive displays and theatrical performances that share the stories of the prisoners, their crimes, lives and daring escapes.
You’re welcome to explore the historic buildings at your own pace, including the Gallows Gallery where a hangman’s kit overlooks the images of condemned men, the Exercise Yards where you learn about daily labour, and the Watch Tower where you can take in a bird’s eye view of the facilities.
Or, you can meet characters in costume every day, including prisoners, staff and the warden. After dark tours are perfect for the brave of heart. On the Beyond the Grave Night Tour, explore cells by torchlight while you hear grizzly stories about the many deaths that happened here, and the punishments. While this experience is for visitors 16 years and older, the Twilight Tour Family Night Tour is an all-ages experience where you’re inducted as the new inmates and must work to be released by nightfall.
Western Plains Cultural Centre should be on your list of things to do in Dubbo
As a hub for arts and creativity, the Western Plains Cultural Centre hosts local and national artists all year round. The constant rotation of exhibitions and displays showcases the best work on offer, shining a spotlight on the power of art, history and performance.
The exhibitions are constantly rotating, so there’s always something new to explore. From November this year until November 2027, the Centre will be hosting the much-talked about, fantastic exhibition by Yaiyo Kusama – one of Japan’s most famous avant-garde artists who passed away in August of this year, at the age of 97. She was affectionately known as the ‘polkadot princess’ as much of her installation and sculpture work was comprised of thousands of polka dots.
If you’re interested in local history, the permanent People, Places & Stories exhibition is a culmination of photographs, books, maps and stories about Dubbo’s history that took almost 60 years to collect.
Get back to nature at Burrendong Botanic Gardens and Arboretum
Wander more than 164 hectares of colourful flowers, native botanicals and towering trees at the Burrendong Botanic Gardens and Arboretum, which first opened its doors in 1864. Here, visitors are encouraged to pull their walking boots on and explore at their own pace, with paths that take you through each unique section, including the White Box Woodland, Sculpture Garden and Eucalyptus Forest.
No matter which way you trek, there’s plenty to see and explore. The Fern Gull is a man-made rainforest found beneath a thatched canopy, with so many birds and critters to find. Free monthly tours are also available by arrangement, for a unique and personalised look at this sprawling land.
The passionate team working on the gardens is dedicated to conserving the flora and fauna, as the gardens are home to one of the largest collections of Australian plants in cultivation.
Exploring the universe at Dubbo Observatory
At the Dubbo Observatory, astronomy and night sky viewing sessions are run almost every day. Each show includes an astronomy presentation, where an expert guide discusses the incredible galaxy above our heads and answers all your questions, and the chance to take an astrophoto through the telescope when you bring your own camera.
For a more personalised experience, the Premium Tour is a private night sky viewing with access to more telescopes and a pair of astronomy binoculars. Visitors on this tour will be provided with a previously captured astrophoto, and receive a more comprehensive demonstration on how to shoot the stars for themselves.
Budding photographers should sign up for the astrophotography session, which is only held on moonless nights and is a great way to learn how to photograph deep sky objects including galaxies, nebulae and star clusters on your camera through a telescope.
Step back in time at Dundullimal Homestead
Originally a 10,000-hectare working property for droving cattle and sheep to different stations, Dundullimal is an 1840s homestead expertly maintained as a testament to Australia’s rural past. In fact, it has been nearly unaltered since its construction, and is one of the only remaining examples of the early squatter’s run.
Inside the building, you will find a collection of 1850s furniture, fine cedar joinery and a cobblestone verandah. In the gardens, you can explore the sandstone stables, church and blacksmith’s forge to fully immerse yourself in the lives of people working on a sheep and cattle station in 1800s Dubbo. At the Timbrebongie Church, you can even ring the bell and signal your presence to the surrounding farmland.
Can’t get enough of these top things to do in Dubbo? For our favourite places to eat and drink and stay in Dubbo, click here.
Rex flies to Dubbo. Plan your next trip by clicking HERE, and check out the route map below.
