When you think about the perfect romantic weekend away in New South Wales, the first cities that come to your mind are probably Sydney, Central Coast or Newcastle. Of course, these cities are packed full of great things to do but they are often overcrowded, which can kill the romantic mood – How many times can you visit the Sydney Opera House or take in the sights on Newcastle’s Bouddi Coastal Walk?
If you are looking for somewhere unique, scenic and perfect for couples, this article is for you. There are so many romantic things to do during a weekend in Dubbo that it’s one of the best destinations in New South Wales for couples.
Visiting Dubbo, in the heart of the beautiful Macquarie Valley, will make you fall in love with this city and deepen your relationship with your partner. Here are the best things to do during a romantic weekend away in Dubbo, NSW.
Escape the City in Shoyoen Japanese Garden
Get away from the bustle of the city for some quality time together with your loved one in this authentic Japanese garden. Shoyoen Japanese Garden was donated by Dubbo’s Japanese sister city, Minokamo, and the peaceful space is perfect for couples to walk and talk surrounded by nature.
The garden boasts many authentic Japanese elements including a waterfall, stream and lake that symbolise birth, growth and death. Many Japanese Koi or ‘living flowers’ can be spotted during a walk along the garden path and make for a beautiful photo backdrop to show the world how in love you are.
During the walk, you can get cosy in Shoyoen’s ‘Chaoya’. This tea hut is named ‘Jurian’ meaning ‘happiness and long-life house’, which we think is the perfect symbolic place to bring your loved one during your romantic weekend away in Dubbo.
Take an Alternative Route with Dubbo Trike Adventures
Showing your loved one that you care about them and understand their quirks can be done in so many unique ways, so why not surprise the love of your life with an unforgettable trike tour with Trike Adventures?
A trike tour is the perfect way to spend your evening with your loved one. During your trike tour in Dubbo, you will be picked up from your accommodation for a 30-minute Dubbo Highlights tour. You will then be driven to a tranquil location to snack on some sweet and savoury finger foods and sip some sparkling Australian wine before enjoying a scenic return trip to your accommodation. Additionally, Trike Adventures offers a number of tour options that can be tailored to suit your preferences and can accommodate the elderly and people with disabilities.
Check Out Dubbo’s Creative Soul at Western Plains Cultural Centre
Western Plains Cultural Centre is a modern Arts facility that has become the go-to spot for Dubbo’s creative minds and has been hailed as Dubbo’s creative soul.
The cultural centre has a gallery, museum and Creo Cafe and offers a rich program of high-quality experiences in Visual Arts, heritage and social history. Western Plains Cultural Centre runs an abundance of exhibitions, public programs and events to enable visitors to challenge, connect and reflect on Dubbo’s community and share the culture of Western NSW.
One of the most intriguing items on display at Western Plains Cultural Centre is a carved tree, which is an object of great cultural significance to the local Aboriginal people of Dubbo and is rarely seen by outsiders of the community.
Get Lost in Dubbo’s City Centre
Sometimes, the most romantic dates are the simplest dates. There’s nothing better to do as a couple than exploring a new place together, walking hand in hand through Dubbo’s city centre streets.
If you’re a little lost on where to walk or what to see, you can drop into Dubbo Visitor Information Centre to pick up a free Dubbo Heritage Walk brochure. This self-guided tour will bring you on an adventure through Dubbo’s intriguing past, from bushrangers and underworld figures, to renowned architects and ornate buildings.
During the Dubbo Heritage Walk, you will even learn how a wealthy businessman’s complicated love life led to Dubbo getting its first hospital.
Try Out Local Dubbo Cuisine
While Dubbo may be more commonly known for Taronga Western Plains Zoo and The Old Dubbo Gaol, you may not have heard about Dubbo’s thriving culinary scene.
Whether you’re looking for a five-star eatery or a quaint local coffee shop, you’ll find plenty to please your taste buds in Dubbo. Some of the most popular local dining spots include The Press, which is located in a quaint 1930s house and offer fresh homemade food accompanied by their own roasted coffee, or stop by Church St Corner, right in the centre of Dubbo, for their award-winning chef’s delicious and seasonal menus.
Make sure you check out Dubbo’s energetic bar scene too – cosy up with a tap beer in one of the many nooks at Old Bank, which is located in the former Bank of NSW building, or head to The Monkey Bar if you’re looking for something a little more energetic.
Accommodation for Your Romantic Weekend in Dubbo
Dubbo is not as expensive as other cities in New South Wales. Tourist attractions are reasonably priced, and most motels offer inexpensive options for couples on a romantic weekend away.
The Palms Motel Dubbo offers romantic and affordable accommodation options for couples in Dubbo and is located in the heart of Dubbo, so you can explore the nearby sites and attractions on foot.
Our beautiful rooms and friendly staff are sure to make your romantic weekend in Dubbo a getaway to remember. We are always on hand to make your weekend even more special, so let us know if you would like to request a personalised service or need help in making a booking with one of the local tour agencies.
If you would like to book accommodation for a romantic weekend in Dubbo, give The Palms Motel a call on (+61) 2 6881 8155, email us at bookings@tpmd.com.au or book directly on our website.
