Planning a big holiday can be stressful and overwhelming, not to mention trying to schedule time off work or school, but one solution is to take a weekend getaway. Dubbo is city in Central NSW that is packed with music, history and adventure – there’s something for everyone and here are a few ideas to whet your appetite.
For Fabulous Family Friendly Times
Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a Dubbo staple and wears with pride the Best Major Tourist Attraction award, the highest honour in Australian Tourism. Adapted to Covid-19 guidelines, zookeeper talks can now be accessed throughout the park virtually or animal encounters allow you to get face to face with meerkats, rhinos, Sumatran tigers, and giraffes.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable zookeeper, you will be informed on the animals’ lives in the wild. Another great thing about Taronga Western Plains Zoo is that it is a huge five kilometres long, so you can take a leisurely walk, drive or cycle around the park with hired carts and bikes, adding a unique facet to your Zoological adventure.
There’s also free access the Savannah Tourist Plaza which has a beautiful café and playground overlooking the Primate Island which houses Monkeys and Ring Tail Lemurs.
Trike Adventures
Trike Adventures is great for any budding motorhead. With a wide range of tours available that take place on three-wheeled custom built 4-seater OzTrikes. A classic 60-minute tour will show you around the highlights of Dubbo such as the Bourke Hill Scenic Lookout, Camp Road Tourist Circuit, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Observatory and many more.
Western Plains Riding Centre
Western Plains Riding Centre is the perfect opportunity for family bonding with a scenic and relaxing trail ride through Dubbo—with a possibility of spotting kangaroos, kookaburras, and native birds. Owner Emma will lead the trial and take the time to pick the best sized horse for you and show you the basics before setting off into nature.
Dubbo Escape Room
For a unique and fun experience, head on down to the Dubbo Escape Room. For 60 minutes, you will be locked into an alternative reality where you must solve cryptic clues and puzzles in order to ‘escape’. This is a great for family or friends with groups ranging from 2 to 8 people.
Dubbo Action Sports
Best suited for ages 12 and up, Dubbo Action Sports can accommodate all your adrenaline needs with paintball and combat archery. Open 7 days a week, they have packages for Hen’s/Buck’s nights, corporate events or birthday parties and makes for a great day out!
Dubbo Tenpin Bowling
For a fun past-time while you are in Dubbo, try your hand to get a strike at the Dubbo Tenpin Bowling alley. With 18 lanes, air hockey tables, pool tables and classic arcade games you’re sure to have a fabulous time. After you’re done with your games you can reward yourself with some delicious Lavazza coffee or various snacks available all day.
For the History and Art Lover
Old Dubbo Gaol
The Old Dubbo Gaol is a must-see on any visitors list. Visitors get the opportunity to experience the 19th and 20th century dark cells and the beautiful bird-eye views from the watchtower. Self-guided tours will transport you back to the 1800s as you witness the dark moment of prison life in Australian history.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an interactive and immersive experience which documents the history and day-to-day life of the doctors, nurses and pilots who provide critical medical care across their ‘waiting room’ – the Australian outback!
Passionate and informative volunteers can help with any questions you have about any of the displays, such as the operations control screen and watch heart-warming stories from past patients of the RFDS or view the stunning and vast NSW landscapes.
Western Plains Cultural Centre
Perfect for anyone interested in the arts or history, Western Plains Cultural Centre is the heart and soul of Dubbo. Rotating and presenting new exhibitions and programs, visitors can learn stories about hardship, perseverance and success from the people who have lived in Dubbo throughout the centuries.
If you are seeking Art installations, there are many new and exciting exhibitions being added monthly at the WPCC in various media and styles from Australia’s most promising and accomplished contemporary artists.
To kick back and relax
Shoyoen Japanese Garden
Shoyoen Japanese Garden is the place to relax, ’Shoyoen’ meaning ‘strolling and refreshing garden’. Shoyoen is known to be one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in all of Australia and was a from Dubbo’s sister city in Minokamo, Japan. Some of the main attractions at Shoyeon are:
- The Japanese Koi and living flowers
- The Tea Hut
- The beautiful waterfall, streams and lakes
Red Earth Estate
Just past Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Red Earth Estate owned by Ken and Christine Borchardt is the focal point of winemaking in Dubbo. Being the only commercial winery in the Dubbo region, it boasts five stars on TripAdvisor and numerous accolades. This is a great place for relax with friends and enjoy some wine tasting or cheese platters in a welcoming and peaceful setting. All the wines that you will discover have been crafted on-site and are available for sale.
Dubbo Observatory
Reach for the stars, planets, and galaxies with the Dubbo Observatory. With numerous tours available such as the astrophotography, night sky and telescope and premium tour. Guided by a friendly and knowledgeable staff you will see constellations pointed out with a laser and view all our surrounding planets. This is a great opportunity for beautiful photos and to learn more about astronomy with friends or family.
Terramungamine Reserve and Rock Grooves
An amazing and relaxing historical landmark of ancient rocks alongside the Macquarie River, Terramungamine Reserve, is the host of over 150 rock carvings which were made an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 years ago by the Tubbagah people. This is a perfect location for those wanting to relax, to feel a sense of the Country’s roots or even for bird watchers and history lovers.
Book with the Palms Motel Dubbo for a Stress-Free Weekend
For your relaxing yet adventurous weekend getaway, be sure to book comfortable and affordable accommodation such as The Palms Motel, Dubbo.
Situated in the heart of Dubbo, we are only in walking distance of the activities mentioned above, along with vibrant restaurants, idyllic coffee shops and awesome main street shopping.
For any questions, visit us at tpmd.com.au or contact our friendly staff at (+61) 2 6881 8155 or, to lock-in your stay, just click click here to make a booking.
