Attractions

“There is more to Australia than beaches and there is more to Dubbo than the Zoo!”

Of course the Western Plains Zoo is a major attraction but there are so many things to see and do in the area we hope you will take the time to explore not only Dubbo itself but also the surrounding district.

A day just chilling out in Dubbo after a big day at the Zoo might be attractive. We have beautiful Japanese gardens to relax in or wander through the Clay Pan Gallery and purchase that special piece of art or just enjoy a beaut cup of coffee. There is the District Art Gallery and an Aboriginal Gallery. For something a bit more active you could visit Jedda Boomerangs and after a throwing lesson decorate your own to take home. Wander through Dubbo Goal and imagine the grim realty of those incarcerated, or worse, executed within its forbidding walls. Visit Dundullimal Homestead and Café which has Australia’s most unique slab house set on 4 hectares just 5 minutes from Dubbo. A short drive to the community of Wongarbon to visit the gallery of famed sculptor Brett “Mon” Garling and see how a sculpture is created in his studio then cast in bronze. We haven’t even made it to one of our emerging wineries yet! If all that sounds too much then you can always catch a movie or indulge in some retail therapy in the huge range of shops accessible in Dubbo. Some you will be familiar with but many are only found in Bush towns.

Within an easy days drive are towns such as Parkes, Narromine, Wellington, Gilgandra, a little further a field but still easily “done” in a day are Coonabarabran, Gulgong, Mudgee, Orange etc. As well as these major towns there are lots of small communities such as Nevertire, Wongarbon, Dunedoo, Coolah. All these towns have suffered over the last few years from a crippling drought and visits from tourists not only inject much needed funds but do wonders for morale in the area.

Each of these towns and settlements offer various attractions that would appeal to all sorts of interest groups. Parkes has “the Dish”, museums and great parks , Narromine has an Air Museum, rose nursery, lime groves, Wellington has caves, Japanese gardens Phosphate mine, Gilgandra the Cooee march museum and agricultural equipment from bygone days. Coonabarabran is famous for its observatories and national park, Gulgong as the “town on the ten dollar note” has one of the best preserved streetscapes in Australia as well as very fine galleries. Even small communities like Wongarbon boast galleries and coffee shops or Coolah has the Coolah Tops National Park right on its doorstep. So with a little research you will find lots to interest you in the area.