Macquarie River Dubbo
The Macquarie River is a major watercourse, originating in the Great Dividing Range, south of Bathurst, and flowing north-westerly through central western New South Wales for around 626 km until it joins the Barwon River near Brewarrina.
After making its way northward through the steep gorge areas of the Ranges, the Macquarie flows into the Burrendong Dam, upstream of Wellington. The Macquarie then flows through Wellington, Dubbo and Narromine, branching into a complex system of creeks and anabranches that connect it with the Bogan River and form the Macquarie-Bogan catchment area of the Murray Darling Basin. The significant wetlands of the Macquarie Marshes are located in the lower reaches of the Macquarie River, which joins with the Castlereagh River farther downstream of the marshes, close to its termination point at the Barwon.
The Macquarie River is the main source (70%) of potable water for Dubbo and Wellington, with its main public water storage being located in Burrendong Dam, also known as Lake Burrendong. The dam, completed in 1967, is not only one of the largest inland dams in NSW (when at full capacity), but it is also home to a wide range of outdoor leisure, recreation and sporting activities for the area and is a family-friendly tourist attraction all year round.
While the Macquarie Marshes and Burrendong Dam are located a significant distance from Dubbo, for those looking to visit either location, it is definitely worth taking a detour to visit the beautiful Macquarie River locations in the vibrant regional centre of Dubbo.
Attractions on Macquarie River Dubbo
The Dubbo portion of Macquarie River has plenty of fun, family-friendly places to enjoy.
Tracker Riley Cycleway and Walking Trail
Take a leisurely ride or walk along the banks of the river on the Tracker Riley Cycleway and Walking Trail. Crossing the river in three places the trail forms two loops: a shorter urban loop to (or from) Emile Serisier Bridge to Tamworth Street footbridge (Yabang Gee Bridge) and back, and a longer loop that passes Taronga Western Plains Zoo on its way to Dundullimal Reserve and back.
There’s also the 3km dirt track of Dundullimal Reserve Mountain Bike Trail at the Dundullimal Homestead end of the cycleway’s sealed path, taking riders cross-country almost to the river’s edge.
For those who are keen to take in the beauty of the river via the cycleway but don’t have a bicycle, speak to the friendly staff at Dubbo Visitor Information Centre about their bike hire options.
The trail can be accessed at any time of the day or night from a number of different locations along the trail, and there is convenient parking at the public carparks at the end of Tamworth Street and of Sandy Beach Road, the carpark below West Dubbo Bowling Club, or at Dundullimal Reserve.
Devil’s Hole Reserve
Devil’s Hole Reserve is a beautiful little nature reserve alongside River Red Gum woodlands and a shallow gravel beach, on the banks of the Macquarie River. With covered picnic tables and barbeques, the reserve is a beautiful place for a lunchtime BBQ or picnic, and a great place for bird watching.
Accessible during daylight hours only, Devil’s Hole Reserve is located on the northern outskirts of Dubbo, on Brisbane Street (close to where it meets the Newell Highway).
Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a lazy riverside picnic or a spot of fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking, conveniently located right in the centre of Dubbo.
A shallow, sand and gravel beach on the banks of the beautiful Macquarie River, Sandy Beach is accessed via Sandy Beach Road, off Bligh Street. There is plenty of free public parking, and facilities including public toilets and barbeques; the beach is also accessible from the Tracker Riley Cycleway and Walking Trail.
Terramungamine Reserve
Terramungamine Reserve, north-west of Dubbo on the Macquarie River, is home to an important collection of ancient rocks and over 150 rock carvings with great historical significance to the Wiradjuri Tribe and Tubbagah people.
Terramungamine Reserve is a great spot for fishing or a picnic or BBQ, with a lovely viewing platform out over the river and the grinding stones, and a set of stone steps that lead right down to the river. Site facilities include toilets, barbeques, picnic tables and bench seats, with good access and plenty of parking.
Affordable accommodation near Macquarie River Dubbo
For those drawn to visit the banks of the Macquarie River, The Palms Motel Dubbo is an ultra-convenient, centrally-located choice – with many charming riverside relaxation spots located a matter of mere minutes from The Palms Motel Dubbo, all of which are readily accessible by car, bicycle or on foot.
The Palms Motel Dubbo is one of the top choices for visitors to the area – whether they’re visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo, soaking up the history at Old Dubbo Gaol or Dundullimal Homestead, learning more about Dubbo’s important contributions to our country at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, or they’ve come to watch a gig or concert, or spend the night at a theatre or opera performance at Dubbo’s impressive, state-of-the-art Theatre and Convention Centre.
Located right in the heart of Dubbo, The Palms Motel Dubbo offers a range of affordable accommodation options to suit everyone, from the Premium King room with its 26-jet spa through to the Superior King rooms, with or without a bath, and on to a range of Deluxe and Standard Queen rooms.
Each room features luxurious towels and bedding, a flat-screen TV with Netflix, Stan and Foxtel Sports, free Wi-Fi, and coffee- and tea-making facilities, with access to plenty of free on-site parking.
If you need comfortable and affordable accommodation near Dubbo’s Macquarie River attractions, call The Palms Motel Dubbo on 02 6881 8155, email us at bookings@tpmd.com.au or book directly on our website.
DUBBO PALMS MOTEL FACILITIES
Staying at The Palms Motel Dubbo, you will be close to the Dubbo attractions and activities, shops, restaurants and bars.
Air-Conditioned Rooms
Restaurant Chargeback Facilities
Foxtel TV – Movies & Sports
BBQ Facilities
Netflix
All Rooms Non-Smoking
Outdoor Salt-water Pool
Keyless Door Lock System
Free Car Parking
Breakfast Tray Service To Your Door
Central CBD Location
24 hour Check-In
Free NBN Fast WiFi
