This bite sized itinerary is the perfect starting place to plan a family friendly Dubbo Region adventure! Find inspiration to entertain big and little kids as you explore everything there is to see and do.
Are you planning a family getaway to the Dubbo Region? We have put together this mini-itinerary and optional add on ideas to spark inspiration for activities, adventures and family-friendly fun to get you started! These activities are best suited to families travelling with kids.
Rest your head
Located just minutes from the zoo, Discovery Parks – Dubbo is a fabulous option for families looking for a holiday resort that covers all their entertainment needs. Enjoy the resort-style pool, waterpark, bouncing pillow, activity room, BBQ and a variety of accommodation options, including cabins, safari tents, caravan and campsites.
The Abel Tasman Motor Inn has all the creature comforts, including 2 and 3-room units, offering extra space and privacy for families. Enjoy in-room breakfast, free Wi-Fi and on-site BBQs if you want to stay close to home base. Or Club Dubbo is just a quick walk across the road, complete with bowling green and a family friendly bistro offering a great selection of meals to please the whole family.
If you want to keep the adventure going after your days of fun then Rhino Lodge is an ideal choice, offering safari style glamping tents with peaceful bush surrounds and the occasional visit from a friendly kangaroo or two! Even better you can enjoy breakfast and dinner on weekends at the Lodge Restaurant, featuring delicious wood fired pizzas, meals to share and classic favourites for the whole family.
Or if you want to get back to nature and let the kids run off some steam then the Wellington Caves Holiday Park could be the perfect place to set up your base while you explore the region. Choose from suites overlooking the golf course, family friendly cabins, campsites or powered sites.
Feed the family
A firm favourite with local Dubbo families and visitors alike The Pastoral Hotel serves up an extensive and affordable menu with options to please even the pickiest eater. The little kids will love exploring the indoor air-conditioned playground, while the grown-ups can enjoy watching the game on the big screen or relax with a drink from the impressive wine menu or cocktail bar.
Brekkie, brunch or lunch - Short Street Store is serving up all your favourites with their very own unique twist. All dietary requirements are carefully catered for, and their plant filled courtyard is even pet friendly. Hint: their famous, smiley babycinos are always a hit with the little ones!
Tweens and teens love a family dinner at The Shire where the menu has everything from pizza, pasta, burgers, steak, chicken, seafood and much more. Dessert is always a must, with a great selection to choose from everyone will find a sweet treat to enjoy.
Poppyseed Cafe on Darling Street is a great option for breakfast, lunch or a sweet treat. The sunny courtyard is the perfect place to soak up the crisp Autumn air.
Exciting adventures
The State Heritage Listed Old Dubbo Gaol is a must do on any visitor's itinerary. You can choose to explore at your own leisure or join a guided tour to discover more of the Gaol's fascinating history from the knowledgeable local guides. Wander the cellblocks and sandstone walls, gaze upon the gallows and take in the bird’s-eye view from the watchtower.
During School Holidays the Gaol springs to life with costumed characters and daring escape attempts.
For some outdoor fun the Dubbo Adventure Playground has over 40 play elements for the kids to go wild and explore. Kids big and small will love soaring on the flying fox, speeding down the giant slide or flying high on the basket swing. Everything you need is catered for including, BBQs, toilets and accessible elements including a wheelchair friendly Liberty Swing, plus a senior’s fitness area this is the ultimate playground for all ages and abilities! Conveniently located across the road from a major shopping centre Orana Mall, where you can grab all the essentials or treat the family to lunch or a tasty afternoon snack.
Keep everyone busy
Make sure you grab a copy of the Dubbo Region Visitor Guide to plan your days of adventure! You can grab a physical copy at one of our Region's Visitor Centres (or in one of over 150 Centres in NSW, QLD, VIC and ACT) - if your Visitor Information Centre doesn't have it in stock let us know and we can post one directly to you. Or you can access a digital copy of the Visitor Guide here.
Not only does the Guide have amazing tips, tricks and inspiration for planning your great escape, you will find special Kid's Activities on pages 63 and 64 to keep the little ones entertain during breaks.
- Caves Road, Wellington NSW 2820
Discover the underground at Wellington Caves. Take a guided tour through Cathedral Cave and Gaden Cave. Be amazed by 15m tall crystal formations, intricate cave corals, 400-million-year-old marine fossils and 1-million-year-old megafauna fossils.
- Obley Road, Dubbo NSW 2830
Experience an unforgettable zoofari adventure! See hundreds of rare and endangered animals. Explore the 5km zoo circuit by car, on foot or ride around on hired bikes or carts. Catch a keeper talk, behind the scenes tour or up close animal encounter.
- 17L Camp Road, Dubbo NSW 2830
Become an astronomer for a night and explore the universe at Dubbo Observatory. Join one of our night sky tours to view the stars, planets and galaxies through 6 telescopes. Bring your DSLR camera to capture a spectacular photo through the telescope!
- 95 Tara Road, Mumbil NSW 2820
Explore over 164 hectares dedicated to the conservation of Australia's unique and incredibly diverse flora, overlooking the majestic Lake Burrendong. Open from sunrise to sunset every day.
- 113A Darling Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Savour the timeless flavours of Village Bakehouse, a must-visit destination. Step inside and be captivated by the irresistible aroma that fills the air, enticing you to taste our delicious creations.
- Mount Arthur Reserve, Wellington NSW 2820
Situated on the doorstep of Wellington (NSW) the mountainous 2,123ha Mount Arthur Reserve offers scenic viewpoints as well as picnicking, bushwalking, horse riding and bike riding opportunities. The Reserve is managed by local volunteers.
- 45 Whylandra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Cravings is a family friendly venue with a relaxed dining room and kids play area. We offer gluten and dairy free options and our friendly staff can always help with any allergy questions. Open 7 days a week.
- 1/43 Macquarie Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Embark on immersive virtual reality and escape room games: solve mindbending puzzles, unravel mysteries, and work together to beat the clock and emerge victorious!
Thrilling adventure awaits!
- 15 Church Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Discover CSC, where foodie dreams come true and fun is always on the menu! We’re your ultimate destination for incredible snacking experiences in town. Our talented chefs are culinary wizards, with creations that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
- 10A Commercial Avenue, Dubbo NSW 2830
Offering a core range of beers on tap and seasonal brews to tempt your palate. Come on a guided tour and tastings of the brewery. Learn how beer is made and explore the stories behind our beers. Then the tasting begins.
- Corner Macquarie and Talbragar Streets, Dubbo NSW 2830
The Library has lots to offer during your visit. Free Wi-Fi and computer access, a fun children’s area, books, magazines and newspapers to read, an online library of eBooks, eAudiobooks and films, and friendly staff to assist.
- Coronation Drive, Dubbo NSW 2830
Enliven your senses and explore four distinctive garden spaces, including the Shoyoen authentic Japanese Garden, the Biodiversity Garden, the Sensory Garden and the cool surrounds of Oasis Valley.
A facility of Dubbo Regional Council.
Bundle your entry and SAVE!
Make family time great. Take home big memories. Plan an unforgettable adventure.
Make the most of your holiday with the Dubbo Region Great Big Adventure Pass! It's one pass, four incredible attractions and an adventure you won't forget.
The Great Big Adventure Pass is a multi-ticket to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience and Wellington Caves.
BUY NOW at greatbigadventurepass.com.au
Information, Terms and Conditions can be found at greatbigadventurepass.com.au