📍24 Best Things To Do In Dubbo, Australia (Activities & Attractions.) (2024.)
LOOKING TO DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBBO, AUSTRALIA?
Four hundred kilometres northwest of Sydney in the Orana region lies Dubbo. Considered the heart of country New South Wales, it lies at the intersection of three national highways, the Newell, the Mitchell and the Golden Highways, connecting Sydney and Newcastle to the Outback and Brisbane and Rockhampton to Melbourne. It’s a major thoroughfare, and a place many road trippers crisscrossing the state find themselves visiting.
So, if this vibrant regional city is the destination or stopping place on your next adventure, here’s a list of things to do in Dubbo and surrounds I’ve discovered from visiting the area on my 3-month trip throughout NSW and the ACT to ensure you don’t miss out on the best it has to offer.
👉 My top 3 picks for what to do in Dubbo:
- Explore prison life at the Dubbo Gaol.
- Learn about the wonderful medical aviation efforts at the Royal Flying Doctor Museum.
- Go underground at the Wellington Caves.
Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources!
Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator.
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Renting Vehicles: I recommend RentalCars.com.
Best Things To Do In Dubbo.
1. Discover The World’s Largest Virtual Drive.
Solar System Drive.
Driving is the most popular way people like to reach Dubbo. It’s a great road trip destination. And if you happen to be travelling to or from Coonabarabran along the Newell Highway, you’re in for a fun drive.
That’s because Coonabarabran is the Astronomy Capital of Australia, and the Warrumbungles National Park next to the township is home to the must-visit Siding Springs Observatory. Continuing the space theme starting is the Solar System Drive, the world’s largest virtual drive.
This massive, to-scale depiction of our intermediatory solar system starts at the observatory, which represents the sun and features all eight planets and the dwarf planet Pluto on huge signboards along all the highways leading away from Coonabarabran, including along the Newell Highway to Dubbo.
It’s a great way to break up the long drive between the towns and provides a fantastic insight into these planets, how they were named, how far they are from the sun and how big they are in comparison to each other. Jupiter and Pluto’s sizes are particularly notable!
It’s an especially fun thing for kids to do as they can get restless on these kinds of trips, and getting them to spot the planets is an excellent way to engage them and keep them occupied during the long drive. Best of all, it concludes at the Dubbo Visitor Information Centre, so you can stock up on information and souvenirs before exploring the rest of the beautiful inland city.
2. Discover Prison Life.
Old Dubbo Gaol. – $.
One of the best things to do in Dubbo that every visitor must see is the Old Dubbo Gaol. Step back in time to when prisoners faced much more brutality in this outstanding heritage-listed gaol-turned-museum.
Built in 1847 and located in the middle of the CBD, this beautifully rustic sandstone lock-up facility is a stark reminder of the harsh conditions faced by felons until 1966, when prison operations ceased.
Now a tourist attraction, visitors can learn all about life in this place and uncover inmate stories while roaming the grounds and discovering the old cells, including padded rooms and pitch-black solitary confinement rooms. Amongst all the other areas to explore, you can get your head locked in the stockade and climb the watchtower, two of my favourite aspects of visiting.
The most intriguing part though is the Gallows Gallery, which showcases the darkest side of prison life. See the tools and equipment used to dish out capital punishment on misbehaving prisoners and see the faces of the most heinous criminals that came to the gaol, such as murderers and rapists.
It’s a fascinating place to see and one of the best historic countryside gaols you’ll find, so it’s not somewhere to pass up on visiting.
👉 Most of the parking around the Gaol is only one hour. Luckily, it’s typically not super busy so it’s not hard to find another one if you wish to spend more time there.
3. Explore The Old Buildings.
Dubbo Heritage Walk.
While uncovering history at the Old Dubbo Gaol, why not extend your time in the city and go for a self-guided stroll around the CBD and discover the stories behind the most beautiful and notable heritage buildings?
You’ll need to pop into the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a brochure first so you don’t miss any of the places that interest you the most and learn why they are historically significant. It is not only a great way to discover hidden nuggets of information about the city, but it’s a fantastic way of getting a feel for the country city too.
4. Discover Some Local Art.
Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC).
Adding to the list of fantastic things to do in Dubbo is the Western Plains Cultural Centre or the WPCC. With rotating displays and permanent exhibitions, the centre is a great place to enjoy local art and discover regional treasures, thanks to generously donated possessions from locals wishing to preserve artefacts from bygone eras.
They are also a variety of shows to enjoy and a range of workshops suitable for people of different ages, so there’s always something to see at the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
5. Cool Off In The River.
Sandy Beach.
If you’re looking for nature-based things to do in Dubbo, you can’t go past a wild swim in the Macquarie River, especially when it’s hot. There aren’t many places where you can enjoy doing this nearby, but one place where you can is along Sandy Beach.
Accessible from the eastern banks on the southern side of the CBD, this spot is a fantastic area to enjoy a refreshing play in the water. If you have a kayak, it’s even better. Alternatively, take a picnic and just drink in the ambience of the outdoors in this beautiful city.
6. Roam The Gardens.
Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden.
Another fantastic place in Dubbo to immerse yourself in nature is the Regional Botanic Gardens. This picturesque place in the city’s east is a great way to unwind and relax.
Stroll through the four distinctive settings and appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of each section. There are the stunning Shoyoen Japanese Gardens, the Biodiversity Garden, the Sensory Garden and the Oasis Valley Garden. It’s a lovely place to explore and perfect for when the days get too hectic and you want somewhere soothing to de-stress.
7. Appreciate A Crucial Service.
Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience. – $.
Australia is known for being a vast landscape, with towns becoming increasingly further apart the more inland you go. That means there are very few services in these extremely remote areas, and when something goes awry, it’s difficult to get help. Sometimes it’s hours and hundreds of kilometres away.
That’s where the Royal Flying Doctor Service comes in. It was created out of necessity to provide urgent medical assistance to people living in the most isolated areas of Australia where there are no adequate facilities to help take them to places where they can get the care they need. Due to the seclusion of these areas and the time it takes to get to the patients and fly them out, it’s often a life-and-death situation.
The Visitor Centre near the Dubbo Airport does a tremendous job showcasing the crucial work the flying doctors do, allowing visitors to appreciate this critical operation. And because all proceeds from admissions and the merchandise sold in the shop go back to the service, they can continue providing medical assistance to Outback communities, which is why seeing the centre is one of the best things to do in Dubbo.
8. Discover World War I & II Relics.
Military Museum. $.
People who enjoy reflecting on Australian war history will find the Military Museum on the southern side of Dubbo interesting. This private collection of World War I and II memorabilia features numerous planes, tanks, guns, uniforms, documents and other relics from the bloodiest battles in history. It’s a fascinating insight into these catastrophic events that changed the world and will reignite an appreciation for all those who died serving our country.
9. Look Deeper Into The Night Sky.
Dubbo Observatory. – $.
If you’re looking for things to do in Dubbo at night that’ll captivate both the adults and the kids, you can’t go past the Dubbo Observatory, where you can glimpse the magnificent universe we live in. There are three experiences available to choose from: the Night Sky and Telescope Viewing, the Premium Session and an Astrophotography option.
The Night Sky and Telescope Viewing is a one-hour session where up to 50 participants have an astronomy presentation whilst observing the spectacular night sky formations.
The Premium Session is a much more intimate experience, with only six people permitted for the two-hour session. That means more time to look at the universe through the telescopes and the binoculars they provide and a more in-depth talk of what’s happening out there.
Lastly, the Astrophotography tour is for the photographers out there. Bring your own DLSR for this two-hour session and capture some incredible shots of the galaxy with your own lens.
👉 Note: Sessions are on most nights, and booking ahead is advised. Weather can affect whether the experiences go ahead.
10. Explore A Heritage Building.
Dundullimal Homestead. – $.
If you’re intrigued by rural architecture, you’ll love the Dundullimal Homestead. Built around the 1840s, this beautifully restored working residence invites people inside the historic structure.
Appreciate the surprisingly sophisticated interior of what is believed to be the oldest remaining slab house of its kind in Australia and explore the working areas such as the blacksmith’s forge, coach room, sunken cool room, stores, stables and more. It’s a fascinating insight into early rural life and is a must-visit for those who enjoy discovering historical gems.
11. Mugga Hill Mountains Bike Raceway.
If you’re itching to add some thrills to your Dubbo trip, there’s no better place to do that than to whip out your bike and hit the trails at Mugga Mugga Reserve.
Located next to the Golden Highway a few kilometres out of the CBD, there are easy tracks for beginner riders and harder ones for more skilful cyclists. The trails are shared use, making it a great place to go bushwalking if you don’t have a bike, but both parties will need to keep their wits about them to avoid crashing into people.
12. Discover The House Of Bottles.
Aladdin’s Cave Bottle House.
One of the quirkier things to do in Dubbo is to visit the Aladdins Cave Bottle House. This unusual attraction on the eastern outskirts of the city is a yurt-style hut filled with over 3000 glass bottles. Some of them even feature things inside, such as messages, photos and toys.
It’s a curious find, but it doesn’t stand alone as there’s a shed filled with plenty of other joyously random bits and pieces such as old bikes, machines and other do-dads. So pop by this peculiar attraction and see what oddities you can find.
13. See Aboriginal Rock Carvings.
Terramungamine Reserve.
Terramungamine Reserve is somewhat of a hidden gem. Situated northwest of Dubbo, I stayed overnight at this picturesque place on the banks of the Macquarie River as it is an excellent free camping spot beloved by road trippers looking for somewhere to stay.
But that’s not the foremost reason it’s worth visiting as the reserve is home to ancient Aboriginal rock carvings. The hard surface of the rocks was used as a means to sharpen things such as tools and weapons by indigenous Australians long before European settlement. Although archaeologists are unsure how old these carvings are, it’s an intriguing piece of history.
Head through the small gate on the left-hand side of the reserve and follow the path a short distance and you’ll come across a constructed metal lookout. It’s here where you’ll get lovely uninterrupted views of the river and find the carvings nearby. It’s a fascinating find, made even more so after reading about them on the sign.
Best Day Trips From Dubbo.
If you’re looking to spend a day exploring more of the region than what the city has to offer, Gilgandra and Wellington are two notable towns with some fantastic attractions to explore.
Gilgandra.
Gilgandra lies just north of Dubbo on the Newell Highway, so if you’re heading along the state-spanning motorway, here are some places worth stopping for.
14. Gilgandra Museum. – $.
While there aren’t many things to do in Gilgandra, if you’re coming through town, something that may catch your interest is the Gilgandra Museum. Full of local history and artefacts, this small country attraction with a massive windmill out the front depicts rural life from days gone by. It’s a great place to stop on the long distances between towns and understand how things used to look and operate in the not-so-distant past.
15. Orana Cactus World.
People who love plants, in particular cacti, will love Orana Cactusworld. This unusual attraction is home to over 1000 species of the spikey plants gathered from across the globe. The extensive collection features cacti of all sizes, from cute, tiny specimens to towering giants.
Furthermore, exploring the unique gardens is a fantastic way to get the kids out of the car and engaged with their surroundings. They’ll marvel at all the different types of plants and enjoy tempting their siblings into touching them. It’s a fun excursion for everyone, except maybe the parents who will have to encourage their offspring not to handle the sharp objects and will have to deal with the consequences if they do.
16. Gilgandra Flora Reserve.
There are not many nature trails in the Gilgandra area, but one place nearby that has some is the Flora Reserve. Located a short drive north of town along Flora Reserve Road, this picturesque eight-hectare area features numerous rare and endangered plants set amongst native bushland.
It’s a lovely place to explore any time of the year, but it’s particularly beautiful between August and September when the flowers bloom, making wandering the tracks even more special.
There are two access points to this stunning reserve, one on each side of the road, so be sure to check out both areas. One even has a picnic table, so you can enjoy being out here longer. But whether you’re there for a walk or to eat, take some insect repellent as bugs love hanging out here too.
Wellington.
Those looking for outstanding nature-based things to do in the Dubbo Shire will want to dedicate at least a full day to exploring Wellington, which despite its small size and anominity, is of full of fantastic natural treasures.
17. Mount Arthur Reserve.
Dubbo doesn’t have an abundance of walking trails, and of the ones it has, most aren’t long or overly scenic, making Mt Arthur Reserve near Wellington a local gem and must-visit for hiking enthusiasts.
There are six tracks to choose from, ranging from short and easy to long and challenging people of all ages and fitness can enjoy. Along the trails, discover rugged landscapes and beautiful lookouts that gaze out over the town and valleys below.
It’s a gorgeous place to visit and is a fantastic addition to any regional Dubbo adventure because you can easily spend a few hours here enjoying the picturesque landscape.
18. Oxley Lookout.
If you cannot walk the Mt Arthur Reserve trails or don’t have time to, no problem-o. Mt Oxley Lookout is an easily accessible viewpoint within the park with lovely views overlooking the Wellington Township.
It’s a beautiful spot next to a parking bay that allows people to see some of what Mt Arthur has to offer and is great for those less able-bodied or short on time to enjoy the beauty of the area.
19. Wellington Caves.
When it comes to things to do in Dubbo Shire, one attraction not to be missed is the Wellington Caves. Discover spectacular underground landscapes full of stalagmites, stalactites, limestone and crystal formations, marine fossils and more.
Three caves are accessible for guided tours providing visitors with a fascinating insight into these breathtaking subterranean worlds, the Gaden Cave, Cathedral Cave and the Phosphate Mine.
The Cathedral Cave Tour is the most popular because it features a breathtaking 15m tower of limestone and crystal. I was very lucky to be able to do this tour at the very last minute and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the landmark with the friendly and bubbly guide. (Although I highly recommend booking beforehand so you don’t miss out like I almost did.)
The Gaden Cave is the smallest and most intimate of the three caves allowing participants to get up close to the intricate formations. Lastly is the Phosphate Mine. It’s the least physically demanding tour and follows a restored WWI mine shaft into the caves filled with fossils of extinct mammals.
Speaking of fossils, this area is home to the first megafauna discovery in Australia, including the giant wombat-like Diprotodon and has made some recent Mega Chonk skink finds making this already fascinating place even more intriguing.
👉 Bookings are not essential but strongly advised to avoid missing out.
20. Osawano Japanese Gardens.
While you’re at the Wellington Caves, be sure to check out the nearby Osawano Japanese Gardens nearby. While only small, it’s a beautiful and tranquil place that is perfect to go to before or after exploring the underground caves.
For those heading south, the beautiful county town of Cowra has WWII ties to Japan and is a fascinating place to visit for those interested in the North East Asian country and Australia’s enduring friendship with them
21. Wellington Caves Bottle House.
Opposite the Japanese Gardens is the Bottle House. Made of over 9000 wine bottles, this is a fun and quirky attraction that adds a little intrigue to the area and is worth the walk across the road to visit.
22. The Wellington Gateway Sculpture.
Whether or not you’re heading to the Wellington Caves, if you’re going along the Mitchell Highway, you’ll come across the Gateway Sculpture on the corner of Caves Road.
But don’t just drive past, because this massive intricate artwork is one of the coolest pieces of roadside artworks you’ll find. Giving off a strong steampunk vibe, this sculpture of jagged rock and twisted metal is fascinatingly detailed and worth a closer inspection to uncover all the details.
23. Animals On Bikes.
Although most people heading south out of Dubbo do so along the Newell Highway or Mitchell Highway/Wellington Road, that would mean missing out on one of the region’s most fun attractions.
If you’re heading to Parkes, Orange or Cowra, a fantastic alternative is to travel the road between those two highways. Obley Road is a long country lane that features a series of sculptures called Animals On Bikes. As the name suggests, there are a variety of comically created animals riding all sorts of bicycles.
They are made from metal bits and pieces and add a delightful whimsy to the landscape that kids particularly will adore seeing. It’s one of those situations where taking the road less travelled is way more fun.
24. Lake Burrendong.
If you want to get further away from the city and towns and enjoy some water-based fun, Lake Burrendong is a great day trip from Dubbo. This large inland reservoir is the largest inland dam in New South Wales and is a popular place for swimming, boating and kayaking.
It’s such a lovely and serene setting that people also love coming here to picnic, enjoy views of the lake from the lookout and walk the 6.4km return trail from the dam wall to the spillway. Nearby, there are the botanic gardens and arboretum to explore, which feature a diverse range of unique Australian flora across 167 hectares, so there’s no shortage of things to do at the lake.
But for those who wish to enjoy the peaceful place even longer, a couple of caravan parks by the shoreline will allow you to do just that.
Dubbo Shire Map.
Accommodation: Where To Stay In Dubbo.
- Budget: Orana Motel.
- Mid Range: Bubblegum Dubbo Motel.
Frequently Asked Questions.
How To Get To Dubbo?
There are several ways to get to Dubbo.
The most cost-effective way to reach the regional city from Sydney is on an intercity train departing Central Station, which takes six and a half hours.
Many people also like driving to the regional city. That way, they can enjoy seeing stuff along the way in addition to all the things to do in Dubbo. And if you’re heading to or from Sydney, that means passing through the Blue Mountains, a destination in itself!
You can also fly to Dubbo. Qantas and Rex are two airlines that fly between the two cities daily.
How Far Is It From Sydney To Dubbo?
The driving distance from Sydney to Dubbo is 400km along the Great Western Highway, Castlereagh Highway route via Mudgee, or slightly longer staying on the Great Western Highway to Bathurst than going along the Mitchell Highway via Orange.
A third route is the longest at 500km and involves heading north along the Pacific Motorway to Newcastle before heading inland on the Golden Highway.
Which Driving Route Is The Most Scenic From Sydney?
The first two routes follow the same highway through Australia’s famous Blue Mountains for the beginning half of the drive and are absolutely gorgeous.
As for the second half, the first route has more visual appeal, but the Bathurst and Orange way has better things to see and do.
The last route is the least scenic.
What Is Dubbo’s Weather Like?
Dubbo is in a warm temperate area and experiences many days of sunshine. It typically has hot summers and coldish winters, although the city is also occasionally prone to exceedingly hot days in summer and freezing temperatures in winter.
Conclusion: What To Do In Dubbo, Australia.
Between the historical gaol and homestead, the reserves and caves, there are plenty of things to do in Dubbo and the surrounding areas that are perfect for travellers of all kinds.
