15 Best Things To Do In Dubbo, Australia

1. Meander through Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon and soak in the scenic views from Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden. This beautiful park includes four meticulously crafted garden spaces to stroll through, and each features breathtaking biodiversity and a bounty of picturesque panoramas. Stroll through Shoyoen and marvel at an exemplary example of a Japanese-style planting, then engage your nose, eyes, ears, and fingers by exploring the spectacular Sensory Garden. The Biodiversity Garden highlights plant life local to the region around Dubbo, while the Oasis Valley showcases how the ancient Gondwana rainforests transformed into the present’s dry bushland. The Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden also features an Adventure Playground and an on-site café.

Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden

Address: Coronation Dr, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Website: Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 5pm; Mon - Fri: 7am - 5pm

2. Learn about aeromedical planes with the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Step into the shoes of the medical, engineering, and aviation teams that deliver care to the Dubbo region, and try out the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience. This service provides 24-hour aeromedical emergency service to people living in remote and rural parts of Australia, and the visitor center provides a behind-the-scenes peek into the extraordinary efforts of the frontline teams. The interactive visitor experience uses augmented reality to showcase the cabin of an aeromedical airplane, as well as the specialized equipment that the healthcare professionals utilize daily. The visitor center also has a replica of the first ambulance airplane, and visitors can climb the Observation Tower for panoramic views of the airfield.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience

Address: 21 Judy Jakins Dr, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Website: Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 9am - 3pm; Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm

Price: 14 USD

3. Step back in time at Dundullimal Homestead

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Dundullimal Homestead is a historic landmark that showcases the wonder and hardships of rural living. Built in the 1840s, this property is thought to be Australia’s oldest surviving slab house, and it features original design details that provide a fascinating glimpse into a past generation. In addition to the house itself, the property has working areas to explore, such as the sandstone stables, blacksmith’s forge, coach room, and sunken cool room, as well as large open grounds where guests can picnic. There is also a tea room where guests can purchase snacks and drinks.

Dundullimal Homestead

Address: 23L Obley Rd, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Website: Dundullimal Homestead

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 3pm (closed from Sat - Mon)

Price: 8 USD

4. Explore the exhibits in Western Plains Cultural Centre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Western Plains Cultural Centre is a multi-purpose venue designed to highlight the rich culture and legacy of the Western New South Wales region. Inside the communal building are a gallery, museum, and community art center. The exhibits here are eclectic and exciting, and they include historic diaries and journals from local residents, interactive recreation of the 1950s classroom, and a wide-ranging art collection. There are also special exhibits throughout the year, as well as wonderful art programs for all ages.

Western Plains Cultural Centre

Address: 76 Wingewarra St, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Website: Western Plains Cultural Centre

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

5. Peruse the wares at Orana Mall Shopping Centre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Scout out the best souvenirs and shop until you drop at Orana Mall Shopping Centre. This fantastic shopping mall is filled with a wide assortment of stores so you can browse fashion items, entertainment goods, electronics, and more. There is also a load of great food options so you can stop for a snack in between all your browsing. Whether you’re looking for homewares or health items, Orana Mall Shopping Centre is a great place to start your search.

Orana Mall Shopping Centre

Address: 56 Windsor Parade, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Website: Orana Mall Shopping Centre

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm; Mon - Wed: 9am - 5:30pm; Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri: 9am - 5:30pm

6. Step inside Aladdin's Cave Bottlehouse

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Aladdin’s Cave Bottlehouse is a one-of-a-kind attraction located just outside of Dubbo. This yurt-style building is filled with over 3000 bottles, as well as other unique knickknacks and surprising collections. The landmark first started as a family project, but it was expanded into a public attraction in 2008. Visitors today can explore the unique Bottlehouse, as well as the themed gardens that surround the building.

Aladdin's Cave Bottlehouse

Address: 36R Dunedoo Rd, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

7. Shop at Dubbo Farmers' Market

For a sample of regional delicacies, stop by Dubbo Farmers’ Market. This delightful market is open the first and third Saturday of every month in Macquarie Lions Park, and it features local vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced meats, plants, snacks, and spreads. Grab a bite to eat for breakfast, then spend the morning perusing the wide variety of goods on display. With over 60 vendors on-site, you’re sure to find plenty of wonderful souvenirs, gifts, and more.

Dubbo Farmers' Markets

Address: Macquarie St &, Newell Hwy, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Website: Dubbo Farmers’ Markets

Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

Price: Free

8. Catch a movie at Reading Cinemas

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This movie theater always has something of interest playing! Reading Cinemas offers five wall-to-wall screens with terrific sound and display projections, and showcases a variety of first-release films, Hollywood blockbusters, and family-friendly screenings. Pick up a tasty treat at the snack bar, then sit back in the comfy armchair seats and relax. With stadium-style seating, there’s not a bad seat in the house! Whether you’re ready for a comedy, action-adventure, or animation feature, Reading Cinemas is a terrific destination for your next movie screening.

Reading Cinemas

Address: 49 Macquarie St, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Website: Reading Cinemas

9. Take to the skies with Warrior Warbirds

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Dubbo with Warrior Warbirds. This company offers exciting adventure flights where you’ll get to loop and roll about New South Wales at 4000 feet (1219 meters). There are two flight options available, and each offers exciting aerial and aerobatic experiences, including stall turns and barrel rolls. After a pre-flight briefing and suiting up in your flight suit, you’ll head to the tarmac where you get to take plenty of pictures with the CJ-6A Nanchang, a Chinese military trainer. Then, it’s into the skies for an unforgettable way to experience Dubbo.

Warrior Warbirds

Address: Aero Club, 8 Howe Place, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Website: Warrior Warbirds

Price: 223 USD

10. Feast on a tasty meal at Old Bank Restaurant & Bar

Situated in one of Dubbo’s historic buildings, Old Bank Restaurant & Bar is a fabulous option for a fantastic meal in a scenic setting. The menu is filled with delicious appetizers, globally-inspired main dishes, hearty burgers, and great side options. There are also plenty of terrific drink options on tap, with a changing lineup of beers, ciders, and local brews. Old Bank Restaurant & Bar also offers live music every Friday and Saturday night, and it hosts a weekly event known as Vinyl Saturday, where you get a free drink on arrival when you bring a record to play.

Old Bank Restaurant & Bar

Address: 232 Macquarie St, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Website: Old Bank Restaurant & Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 12am (closed on Sun)

11. Walk back in history at the Old Dubbo Gaol historical sight

The history of this site began in 1847 as a courthouse lock up and one of the first buildings of the new town. It housed two cells and one large room. It eventually received gallows to begin executing the death penalty for the more severe crimes committed by those imprisoned within its cells. Over time, the goal expanded to housing 13 cells, adding a separate all female section along with a special section for psychiatric prisoners. In August 1966 the goal was closed, later to be re-opened in 1974 for tourists. For adventurous souls, you can tour the prison at night while hearing a more theatrical chilling tour. For those wishing to interact with the dead, you can embark on the grave tour. The group will use EMF readers to try to make contact with the spirits in the area.

Old Dubbo Gaol historical sight

Address: 90 Macquarie Street, Dubbo NSW 2830

Price: from 17.50 AUD / ~13.25 USD

Opening Hours: 9 am to 4 pm. Open Sunday through Saturday. Closed on Christmas Day.

Duration: around 1.5 hours required.

Contact: +(02) 6801 4460

Website: Old Dubbo Gaol historical sight

12. Explore the Terramungamine Reserve and Rock Grooves

Preserved because of its significance to Aboriginal culture and history, this reserve is worth a visit. The land used to be a gathering area for various Aboriginal tribes and it houses the Tubbagah Aboriginal Burial Ground. The over 150 rock grooves found in the area were used to sharpen tools and weapons of the Aboriginals who lived in the area. This spot offers a beach area that is great for swimming, fishing, and camping. A visit to this beautiful area of nature offers great views full of rich history.

Terramungamine Reserve and Rock Grooves

Address: Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia

Price: free

Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm. Closed on public holidays.

Duration: as long as you like

Website: Terramungamine Reserve and Rock Grooves

13. Search the sky at the Dubbo Observatory

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Coady LoMonaco (@thejubawuki)

Explore the skies above Dubbo at the Dubbo Observatory. Booking a tour will allow you to learn from Peter Starr, an individual who holds a Masters degree in astronomy and who used to manage Australia’s largest telescope facility. The show includes a powerpoint presentation going over astronomy information and information about what you can see through the telescope. Then the group will head up to the observatory where the 17 inch (43.18 cm) telescope is housed. You can check out constellations, stars, and planets with a stunning view. Ask away any questions you have about what you are seeing. At the conclusion of the show, you can take a picture through the telescope with your camera. You can also visit the observatory during the day to view the sun with a tour that costs 5 AUD (~3.75 USD).

Dubbo Observatory

Address: 17L Camp Rd, Dubbo, New South Wales 2830, Australia

Price: from 25 AUD / 18.90 USD

Opening Hours: times vary depending on the month, usually between 7 pm and 8:30 pm. Check out the website for the information on the opening hours.

Duration: around an hour and fifteen minutes

Contact: +61 488 425 940

Website: Dubbo Observatory

14. Explore the sea by kayak or stand-up paddleboard

Kayak Hire season starts today in Dubbo! #smiledubbo #kayakhire #Kayaking #MacquarieRiver #dubboriver #familyfun #getoutdoors #experiencelife #seeyouonthewater

A post shared by Adventure Watersports Dubbo (@adventurewatersportsdubbo) on Sep 25, 2015 at 2:25pm PDT

Glide along the gorgeous Macquarie River on a kayak or stand up paddle board tour. You can rent a single seat kayak or a two seat kayak for one hour, two hours, four hours, or eight hours. Or you can rent a stand up paddle board for an hour. You can also rent a wetsuit, fishing rod, and a tackle box. Go on the journey of your choosing, as slow paced or fast paced as you desire. Go on a relaxing course or give yourself a workout. You can go along or go with a group to enjoy the gorgeous sights together.

Adventure Watersports

Address: Dubbo, New South Wales 2830, Australia

Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm. Open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. You can book a time outside of this when arranged ahead of time.

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Contact: +61 419 774 906

Website: Adventure Watersports

15. Encounter the wild at the taronga western plains zoo

Explore a zoo filled with hundreds of species, many of them native Australian wildlife. Walk along the 3.7 mile / 6 kilometer pathway and gaze upon the open style exhibits and the bushland. Snack on food from the zoo cafes or bring your own food to enjoy at various picnic spots. You can even enjoy a classy high tea, which includes pastries and tea or wine, while taking in the stunning view of Savannah Lake. Enjoy a day full of seeing the 4,000 animals (including several endangered ones) at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The zoo is passionate about animal care, offering conservation programs, breeding programs, and wildlife hospitals.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Address: Obley Rd, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Opening Hours: 9:30 am - 5pm Sunday through Saturday.

Duration: as long as you like

Contact: +61 2 9969 2777

Website: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Dubbo, Australia transports you back in time

When you visit Dubbo, you can explore nature reserve sites rich with Aboriginal history and gaze upon the sky at night. Enjoy a leisurely paddle along the river or spot several animals at the zoo. However you spend your time in Dubbo, it is sure to be memorable.