Dubbo: Nature, Culture and Special Discoveries

Dubbo brings together wildlife, culture and unusual discoveries: a large open-range sanctuary, rock engravings by the Tubbagah people and nighttime telescope viewing give your trip a range of different highlights. There is also a cycling and walking path along the Macquarie River, as well as regional produce. When choosing your holiday rental, consider which of these sides of Dubbo matter most for your trip.

Culture and history in many forms

At the heart of Dubbo is the Western Plains Cultural Centre. Under one roof, it encompasses a gallery, a museum and a community arts centre. Its exhibitions, events and programs are connected to the community and culture of Central West NSW. If you are interested in local culture, this offers a different way to experience Dubbo than a trip focused solely on nature.

Among the notable historic sites is Dundullimal. Built around 1842, the building is considered significant at the state level and is the oldest known surviving residence outside the settlement boundaries. The Terramungamine Rock Grooves offer a very different insight into the region’s history: the 150 rock engravings were created by the Tubbagah people. Together, these places reveal different cultural and historical aspects without reducing them to the same period or tradition.

The Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre is a performing arts venue. It hosts local, national and international performances. Another special experience is the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience, which explores the Royal Flying Doctor Service interactively. On display are a Fox Moth, the Flying Doctor Service’s first aircraft for use in Broken Hill, and a Beechcraft King Air currently in use.

Wildlife, gardens and paths along the Macquarie River

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a large open-range sanctuary with hundreds of rare and endangered animals. If experiencing nature and wildlife is the main focus of your trip, you can weigh this up against cultural offerings or an evening under the stars. Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden offers a different focus: its four distinct garden areas include the Shoyoen Japanese Garden and native landscape areas.

The 13 km-long Tracker Riley Cycleway runs along the Macquarie River. It connects the centre of Dubbo with Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Dundullimal Homestead, and is suitable for walking, cycling or running. The route may therefore also be important when planning your day: you can consider whether you’d like to walk, cycle or run along it. Its length remains a practical factor to take into account when planning your day.

Stargazing and regional produce

At Dubbo Observatory, you can view planets, stars and galaxies through telescopes at night. The observatory also offers a two-hour astrophotography session. You can use either your own DSLR camera or the observatory’s camera through the telescope to capture deep-sky objects. This offers a distinctive focus for travellers interested in the night sky and photography.

Dubbo Farmers Market offers fresh regional produce, artisan foods and handmade goods. The range of experiences therefore spans art and performances, wildlife, gardens, stargazing and regional products. When looking for a holiday rental in Dubbo, this variety can help you decide what you want to focus on during your trip, without assuming that your accommodation will have any particular amenities. If you’d like to explore more places in this area of the site, you can also find Wongarbon.

For the wider travel overview: Dubbo City Council.