Fun things to see and do in Dubbo
With restrictions easing after state-wide COVID-19 lockdowns, NSW residents are eager to get out and explore again. If you’re looking for a place to visit that’s full of cultural, historical, and fun activities then set your gaze on the horizon as you travel out to Dubbo, NSW (which is only around a 4 hour drive west of Newcastle or 1 hour flight from Newcastle Airport).
With all our staff fully vaccinated against COVID-19, The Palms Motel Dubbo, is one of the safest places to stay in Dubbo. In the heart of Dubbo, we are close to everything going on and with our free onsite parking you’ll be able to leave your car and explore the city.
Everyday Activities
Dubbo has a great array of things to do and places to visit to take in the rich culture and history of the region, to find out more click here for our click her for our ‘Things to do’ page or any of the links below.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo is home to hundreds of animals from around the world and consists of free access Visitor Plaza and a 6km circuit that meanders through natural bushland and around large open style exhibits.
Take part in Keeper Talks to learn about Asian Elephants, Black Rhinos, Lions, Meerkats, Tigers, Hippopotamus, Cheetahs, and more! Explore the new Waterhole precinct’s outdoor café, water play and animal habitats, and kid’s activities where they can get up close while learning fascinating facts.
Looking for something a little different? Why not hop on board the zoo’s special safari truck for a guided adventure into the savannah where the giraffe, zebra, rhinos, and antelope roam! Don’t forget you can hire bikes and carts to explore the zoo on and even take part in some amazing animal encounters including becoming a Zoo Adventurer for the day.
Old Dubbo Gaol
Wander Old Dubbo Gaol’s unique collection of 19th century buildings and artefacts and learn the stories of prison life. Explore the gaol in your own time or catch (literally!) the characters in costume as they dare to outsmart the Gaol Warder. For some tall tales and performances by the animated wardens and prisoners check out the available tours and performance schedule for entertaining stories on prison life and their attempts to breakout. Good behaviour is rewarded so purchase your tickets in advance online and receive a 10% discount.
Shoyoen Japanese Garden
Shoyoen ‘strolling’ Japanese Garden is an authentic Japanese Garden featuring stunning architecture and horticulture. The garden was a gift from Dubbo’s Sister City, Minokamoin Japan and is in Elizabeth Park on Birch Avenue in East Dubbo.
Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre
Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience
See the wonderful work of this Australian aviation icon at the Visitor Education Centre. Wander through the history of the RFDS at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience and immerse yourself in the stories of people saved and lives changed, learn about how they started and changed into the huge service they are today. Sit down and enjoy watching the film before having a bite to eat at the café, don’t forget to browse the gift shop before leaving and pick up a few books to take home.
Dubbo Observatory
Dubbo Observatory allows you to Explore the night sky in the 2nd largest Observatory in Australia for the public, including our new, large 17-inch telescope. Astrophotography (BYO SLR camera), $55 per camera, will allow you to personally capture the stars, planets and the galaxy as you learn about the local universe that can be observed from Earth.
Dundullimal Homestead
Dundullimal Homestead
Discover Dubbo’s pioneer history at this 1840s homestead. Enjoy picturesque gardens, café/art gallery, experience a guided tour. The National Trust property will offer you an insight into the working nature of the site, from the blacksmith’s forge and the sunken cool room, to the coach room and timber church, reflecting the practical, yet essential elements of homesteading life in the past.
Terramungamine Reserve and Rock Grooves
Terramungamine Reserve and Rock Grooves is located on the banks of the Macquarie River, near Dubbo, NSW. The reserve plays an important part in preserving the area’s biodiversity by protecting the region’s diverse wildlife and its habitat, while enabling free public access to the river and surrounding environment.
Western Plains Cultural Centre
Western Plains Cultural Centre, a state-of-the-art facility boasting a gallery, museum, and modern café, is Dubbo’s creative soul. The Centre offers a rich program of high-quality exhibitions and installations by local and visiting artists, which includes an online studio for kids of all ages,].
Dubbo Farmers Market
Held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, the Dubbo Farmers Market offers a range of seasonal fresh produce, fresh bread, local meat, and so much more! Stalls open at 8am and close around 12pm on the lawn of the Macquarie Lions Park, situated behind the Information Centre on the corner of Newell Highway and Macquarie Street, Dubbo.
Special Events
Exhibitions at the Western Plains Cultural Centre
WPCC has a rolling list of amazing, thought provoking and exciting events throughout the year, which can be viewed by clicking here.
Dubbo Show Society, New Years’ Eve
Join the Dubbo Show Society and The Fletcher Family for New Years’ Eve Fireworks at the Dubbo Show Grounds to ring 2022! Bid 2021 farewell and welcome in the new year with an evening packed with family entertainment, market stalls and rides.
Gates open at 4.30pm with fireworks starting at 9.00pm. This event has been produced in line with current NSW Government conditions and restrictions. All attendees must register online to enter the venue regardless of age. Register here.
Festival of Athletics
A new event for the Dubbo Region, the Festival of Athletics is a 3-day carnival hosted by the Dubbo Athletics Club. Running from 6th to 9th January 2022 the Club is hosting a two-day open carnival from Tiny Tots > 80+. They are also hosting a one-day Level 1 Coaching course (6th Jan), Officiating courses on the 7th and a School Holiday Clinic on the 7th. For more information contact the Dubbo Athletics Club.
Take in a Show
Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre is proud to announce
- Club Soda on Saturday, 22nd January 2022 tickets available online. Travel back in time to the 1920’s and let Mr Sandman lead you down the rabbit hole into a surreal and magical speakeasy.
- Hotel California the Eagles Experienceon Tuesday, 25th January 2022, tickets available online. With a stage full of show-stopping voices and musicians, relive the beautiful country harmonies, the rockin’ guitar solos and the masterful song writing in all its glory, performed live on stage.
Stay at The Palms Motel Dubbo
Located in the heart of Dubbo and within walking distance to many attractions, The Palms Motel is a convenient and wonderful place to stay. With a range of affordable king- and queen-sized rooms, The Palms Motel Dubbo provides all the comforts of home including air conditioning, free unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, a 55” HD flat-screen TV with free Stan, Netflix, and Foxtel, plus a refrigerator and tea- and coffee-making facilities
There are wheelchair accessible and interconnected rooms available if required. Book online by clicking here. Alternatively, please call us on +61 2 6881 8155 or 1800 185 322, or click here to send us an online message.
