This bite sized itinerary is the perfect starting place to plan a Dubbo Region adventure for visitors who like to travel at their own pace. Find inspiration to fill your time in the Region as you explore everything there is to see and do.
Are you looking for inspiration for activities, adventures and sights to see during your next visit to the Dubbo Region? We've got a mini-itinerary and some optional add on ideas prepared to get you started! These activities are best suited to travellers who like to take their time and explore at their own pace, we have a few tips for travelling off the beaten track included at the end too!
Rest your head
If you are looking for a comfortable home away from home to enjoy during your visit to the Dubbo Region then Country Apartments is just the place to put your feet up! Choose from stylish self-contained apartments and 2 bedroom townhouses, all conveniently situated in the heart of Dubbo. Enjoy a short stroll to the bustling CBD where you are spoilt for choice in options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Don't just take our word for it! Country Apartments is a regular winner of TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice award, Travellers' Choice Best of the Best, and TripAdvisor's Top 25 properties in Australia for families.
Brews and bites
Looking for a dining experience with a difference? Then Devil's Hollow Brewery might be just the place! Each carefully crafted brew at the Brewery is inspired by local stories and legends of days gone by.
Why not try a Nosey Bob Red Ale? Named for Robert "Nosey Bob" Howard who had the rather gruesome job of being the NSW State Hangman and presided over seven executions at the Old Dubbo Gaol in the late 1800's. His nickname 'Nosey Bob' was the result of one of his horses kicking him in the face, completely obliterating his nose!
Or enjoy sipping on a Flash Kate IPA, named for Catherine Mary Josephine Leigh, better known as 'Flash Kate', who was born in Dubbo. Along with her arch rival Tilly Devine, they were known as two of the toughest gangsters in Sydney. Their battle to become the ‘Queen’ of the Sydney underworld fuelled the razor gang wars of Darlinghurst, which lasted from 1927 to 1930.
Along with sampling the range of tempting brews you can enjoy a guided brewery tour before settling in to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner from the extensive menu.
Step back in time
Uncover pioneer history at Dundullimal Homestead which was originally a 10,000 hectare working property. Built in the 1840s this National Trust treasure is considered Australia’s oldest sophisticated slab house and gives an incredible insight into rural life of days gone by. Take your time to explore the homestead, sandstone stables, a timber church, and blacksmith’s forge for a real sense of working life on a sheep and cattle station.
The beautifully conserved buildings are located in a tranquil setting where you can explore the property and discover this iconic Australian treasure. Why not bring a picnic or enjoy a delightful Devonshire Tea at the cafe. the grounds are even dog friendly (on leash).
Discover the magic underground
The Wellington Caves has a range of experiences both above and below the ground! You can take a guided tour through the expansive Cathedral Cave, with the centrepiece being a limestone and crystal formation reaching a staggering 15 metres in height. You can also see hints of marine life from 400 million years ago and see where today's palaeontologists are digging for their next big discovery.
Or for a more up-close guided tour experience, the smaller Gaden Cave features a ceiling almost completely covered in delicate stalactites and unique coral-like formations. Gaden Cave can occasionally be impacted by environmental factors so make sure you plan ahead and reach out to ensure tours are running.
Back up above the surface you can wander through the free Ancient Landscapes Gallery to discover ancient seas, interact with life-sized Australian Megafauna, learn about traditional Wellington Wiradjuri stories and find out what scientists are still studying on site today. Discovery Lab Sessions are also perfect for the young and young at heart! You are equipped with all the tools of the trade so you can examine million-year-old fossils up close.
The Great Escape
Unhitch, unplug and unwind – the Dubbo Region is the ultimate destination of choice for those who travel at their own pace and choose to wander a little longer. From comfortable and well-appointed caravan parks and campsites, to off the grid escapes in free camping areas, you will find somewhere perfect to rest your head.
Free Camping
Terramungamine Reserve – located just outside of Dubbo nearby the Macquarie River, this small free camp is available for 24-hour stays only. A short walk from the campsite are the amazing Terramungamine Rock Grooves created over many years as the Wiradjuri people shaped tools and spears. Toilets on site.
Ponto Falls – Wellington’s best kept secret, this large and grassy campsite is located just 20km from Wellington alongside a quiet curve of the Macquarie River. With ample space to spread out and enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds of the Aussie bush before you retire for a night under a blanket of stars. Toilets on site.
Contact our Visitor Information Centres for up-to-date information about our free camping sites.
- 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
The Western Plains Cultural Centre is home to the Region’s gallery, museum and Community Art Centre. Whether your visit to the Region is a holiday, excursion, group tour, event or pursuing a family link our team here at the WPCC can make your visit unique. Free admission and open daily 10am - 4pm.
- 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.
- 18L Camp Road, Dubbo NSW 2830
Visit Dubbo’s award-winning winery and sample our range of handcrafted wines. Enjoy delicious dumplings or a cheese platter.
Tasting $5pp or free with any purchase of 2 bottles.
Open Thursday to Tuesday 11.00am - 5.00pm
- Coronation Dr, Dubbo NSW 2830
Stroll along the three paths representing the three rivers and plants of the Wiradjuri Nation. Look for the Rainbow Serpent, or enjoy a yarn at one of the yarning circles.
A facility of Dubbo Regional Council.
- Lake Burrendong NSW 2820
Adventure beckons at Lake Burrendong or 'The Dam' as it's known to locals. Spike the adrenaline in the warmer months and try your hand at water skiing, wakeboarding and biscuiting. Pack the reels, rods and tackle box and you may just take home the 'big one' with seven different fish species to catch
- 174 Darling Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Poppyseed Cafe has a wide range of dinning options with great breakfast, light and full lunches and store baked goods. There are great indoor and outdoor spaces, we are family friendly and cater for groups.
- Nanima Crescent, Wellington NSW 2820
Enjoy a picnic, laze under the huge leafy trees or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens. The park has excellent modern playground equipment for children of all ages and abilities.
A facility of Dubbo Regional Council.
- 56 Lee Street (Mitchell Highway), Wellington NSW 2820
Located at Wellington, Jespresso is open 7 days a week stocking a range of brewing equipment, coffee beans and more.
Offering blends created by local Jess Gough. The cafe has all day breakfast and lunch menus, a range of fresh juices and smoothies.
Come in and relax.
- 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.
- 90 Macquarie Street, Dubbo NSW
Head behind the bars and experience 19th century prison life at Old Dubbo Gaol. A State Heritage listed site which remains intact and restored, creating a pocket in time and unearthing powerful moments in Australian prison history. Guided tours available, visit the website for more details.
- Corner Macquarie Street and Newell Highway, Dubbo NSW 2830
Enjoy breakfast and coffee with friends and explore our Region’s fresh, seasonal produce. Buy direct from local producers with a range of fresh produce, herbs and plants, baked goods, local meats, award-winning olive oils, preserves, honey and so much more available. First and third Saturdays of the month.
- 33 Nanima Cres, Wellington NSW 2820
Ongoing exhibitions in all mediums supporting regional artists and creators. Visit wellingtonarts.org.au to discover our artist’s portfolios and our coming events. “Connecting Creativity”. Find us on Facebook wellingtonarts2820.
Discover the Great Western Plains
If you have plenty of time to roam, keep a few days spare and take the long way home! There is more to explore just a short drive away in the unspoilt surrounds of the Great Western Plains. A haven for native flora, fauna and wandering souls in need of respite, just a brief drive from the nearest town or city and yet you will feel a million miles away.