It’s almost a rite of passage for families to experience Dubbo sometime during the kids’ early years. Whether it’s the long drive out to regional NSW or the must-do Taronga Western Plains Zoo; you’ve got to get the kids out there some time or another.

Full of family-friendly activities and the terrain that Australian is famous for, Dubbo is well-worth hitting the road for a family getaway. Here are our top spots for families to play and stay throughout the booming regional town of Dubbo!

Play

Western Plains Cultural Centre

The Western Plains Cultural Centre is home to the Dubbo Museum, Dubbo Regional Gallery, and the popular Gallery café. 

The Dubbo Museum collection originated in 1954 and is now home to two distinct spaces; a permanent space devoted to the story of Dubbo and temporary exhibition space for travelling an in-house curated exhibition.

The Dubbo Regional Gallery features four galleries and a space devoted to the moving image with the main gallery space devoted to large touring and in-house curated exhibitions, a project space, and solo shows.

If you need to fill in a few hours, want to show the kids more about the history, or just want a good bite to eat, drop into Dubbo’s Western Plains Cultural Centre.

Where: 76 Wingewarra St
When: Mon-Sun | 10am-4pm
More Info: click here

Taronga Western Plains Zoo 

Well, it’s no surprise to see this one sitting at the top of the list and it’s an absolute must-do for ANYONE visiting Dubbo. The open-range zoo is home to hundreds of animals all of which visitors can view from the 6km circuit that can be explored by foot, car, buggy, or even bike!

Taronga is home to over 5,000 animals from over 350 species. Our top picks would have to be the African Lions, Asian Elephants, Giraffes, and Sumatran Tigers. To find out exactly which animals you could see at the zoo, click here.

Planning on heading to Dubbo in the warmer months? Be sure to swing by the recently opened Waterhole and let the kids explore the African waterhole themed area featuring hippo and elephant sculptures and heaps of water fountains; no doubt the Waterhole will burn that energy well and truly out.

Where: Obley Rd
When: Mon-Sun | 9am-4pm
More Info: click here

Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience

Launching in October 2019, the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s interactive Visitor Experience celebrates the vital work of the non-for-profit organisation.

“Get hands-on with our ‘operations control’ screens, experience the work of our medical, engineering, and aviation teams, and explore an actual emergency aircraft.”

A first of its kind in Australia, featuring interactive exhibits and engaging experiences for both young and old. Features include a unique cinematic experience, augmented reality, and the opportunity to explore the fuselage of a Royal Flying Doctor Service plane.

Where: 21 Judy Jakins Dr
When: Mon-Fri | 9am-5pm
Sat | 9am-4pm
Sun | 9am-3pm
More Info: click here

Old Dubbo Gaol

Take the kids back in time to experience the past of Old Dubbo Gaol. The state heritage-listed site is an absolute must-see. Operating for 119 years from 1847 to 1966, the Gaol is still nestled in the main street of Dubbo.

Wander the site’s corridors and learn about the gaol’s haunted past and climb up to the prison guard’s watchtower. Sign up for a guided tour or head in for a night tour; whatever it is, the Old Dubbo Gaol is a rare piece of history for all to explore.

Where: 90 Macquarie St
When: Mon-Fri | 12pm-7pm
Sat-Sun | 9am-4pm
More Info: click here 

Wellington Caves

Only 45 minutes from the centre of Dubbo, the Wellington Caves are a perfect day-long adventure for the whole family. Discover the hidden world beneath the ground at Wellington Caves. The perfectly preserved caves have daily guided tours.

Explore the Cathedral Cave, which contains Wellington’s famous stalagmite; the smaller of the three caves, The Gaden Cave; and the Phosphate Mine with thousands of fossils and bones embedded in the rock walls.

Where: Caves Rd
More Info: click here

Dubbo Observatory

Spend a night looking at our skies with a tour with Dubbo Observatory. Gaze at the planets, stars, and galaxies through telescopes.

Visitors can choose from three separate tours; the Night Sky & Telescope Tour, Premium Tour, and Astrophotography tour.

Take along your DSLR camera and you have your very own photo taken of a nebula through the team’s telescope.

Where: 17L Camp R
When: Mon-Sun | 6.30pm-10pm
More Info: click here

Dubbo Royal Botanic Gardens

Step in an oasis at Dubbo Royal Botanic Gardens and wander the four distinctive garden spaces; Shoyoen, the Sensory Gardens, the Biodiversity Garden, and the Oasis Valley.

Entry into the public garden is free, and there is even a huge adventure park for the kids to explore. You can also feed the ducks and fish – just pick yourself a bag from the donation box and see who can spot the biggest fish in the pond!

Where: Coronation Dr
When: Mon-Fri | 9am-4pm
Sat-Sun | 9.30am-4.30pm
More Info: click here

Westview Drive-In

Located just outside of the city centre, Westview Drive-In hosts movie screenings each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Featuring both old school classics, family-friendly movies, and a range of newbies hitting the screen.

If you’re out in Dubbo over the weekend, experience the local movie scene and book your tickets ahead for Westview Drive-In. 

Where: 12R Narromine Rd
Most Info: click here

Dundullimal Homestead

Believed to be the oldest slab house in Australia, Dundullimal Homestead. and its stables is a living illustration of rural life on an isolated property.

Alongside the homestead, the property includes the working sandstone stables, timber church, and shed.

You can spend hours wandering the expansive grounds and learn about the history of the property. The Homestead itself is almost still in its original condition from 1842. The property is a perfect illustration of rural life on an isolated property during those times.

Where: 23L Obley Rd
More Info: click here

Stay

NRMA Dubbo Holiday Park

Located just off the Newell Highway and only a two-minute drive (or ten-minute walk), NRMA Dubbo is perfect for a small family looking to situate themselves right in the middle of all things Dubbo.

Complete with pool, cycle paths, in-ground trampoline, kids playground, and a giant bouncing pillow; if you’re having a slow day and deciding to spend an afternoon at the accommodation; the kids have still got plenty to do to burn some energy! Got pets? The Holiday Park is also pet-friendly with its very own dedicated off-leash area.

Choose to stay in a cabin or enjoy the great outdoors on a caravan or campsite, and make the most of your time in Dubbo with a stay at the NRMA Holiday Park.

Where: Whylandra St
More Info: click here

Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Taking the kids to the zoo? If you want to make the most of your time, you can even spend the night there! Choose from a range of accommodation options including the Billabong Camp, Savannah Cabins and the luxurious Zoofari Lodge.

Where: Obley Rd
More Info: click here