Challenge yourself this Summer and have the best memories in your own back yard with our Summer in the Sun challenge calendar. Featuring 51 activities to inspire your family this school holidays.
This summer, the Dubbo Region is your playground! Dive into our Summer in the Sun Challenges, a daily adventure-packed calendar filled with fun, family-friendly activities. Keep the whole family entertained during the school holidays with unique experiences for all ages, energy levels and budgets - there’s no better way to make the most of the sunny season.
Summer in the Sun Challenges are more than a fun way to spend the holidays; it’s a chance to connect with family, explore the stunning Great Western Plains, and create unforgettable memories right here in your own backyard.
The challenge calendar is full of exciting activities that showcase the best of our region. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect...
Let’s make this summer unique and unforgettable! Download your calendar, get those crayons ready, and gear up for a holiday full of discovery, fun and endless sunshine.
Don't have a printer? No problem! You can also find a calendar at:
- Page 9 of Dubbo Photos News' Thursday 5 December edition (free regional newspaper)
- Dubbo Visitors Information Centre (limited quantity)
- Wellington Visitors Information Centre (limited quantity)
- Summer in the Sun Challenges Calendar 1.4MB PDF
Download your challenge calendar
We can’t wait to see you out and about in the Dubbo Region. Track your Summer in the Sun challenge success by uploading your pics to socials with #DubboRegion and #SummerChallengeCalendar
Terms and conditions
- The Summer in the Sun Challenges calendar is provided as a suggested guide only.
- Some activities may require entry fees or bookings. Please check with individual venues for costs and availability.
- Activities are subject to weather and venue conditions. Dubbo Regional Council is not responsible for cancellations or changes to scheduled activities.
- Dubbo Regional Council reserves the right to use photos or content tagged with the campaign hashtag for promotional purposes.
- Ensure appropriate supervision for children during all activities.
- Participation in the campaign does not guarantee entry to competitions, if applicable, or any prize giveaways.
- 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.
- 155 Darling Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Dubbo’s award-winning performing arts centre features a kaleidoscope of entertainment throughout the year. Local, national and international touring shows stud the stage of this 500-seat, fully air-conditioned, tiered theatre.
A facility of Dubbo Regional Council
- 21 Judy Jakins Drive, Dubbo NSW 2830
Immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Explore our unforgettable exhibition full of exciting, interactive displays, augmented reality, and state of the art equipment. Fully accessible and appropriate for all ages.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Castlereagh Highway, Coonamble NSW 2830
Coonamble’s 26m water tower located in the sportsground has been transformed into an artwork by Lightning Ridge artist John Murray, Bob Barret and local Coonamble resident and Aboriginal painter Sooty Welsh.
- 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
- Coo-ee March Memorial Park, Newell Highway, Gilgandra NSW 2827
Follow in the footsteps of the famous 1915 Coo-ee March, or delight in some local Aboriginal culture, produce or art at the Coo-ee Heritage Centre. Journey into Australia’s past through the Rural Museum’s collection of inventions and memorabilia, or relax with an easy stroll down Windmill Walk.
- Observatory Road, Coonabarabran NSW 2357
Visit the Exploratory Centre and Australia’s largest optical telescope, for the total astronomy immersion. Learn about Dark Energy, the nature of Space Time, the importance of a Dark Sky, visit the Dome Cafe and gift shop. Don’t miss Starfest each October long weekend!
Image credit: Destination NSW
- Talbragar Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre has buckets of fun for everyone. Boasting an Olympic-sized pool, leisure pool, water slides and a huge splash park for the kids, we have something for the whole family! Delicious snacks and cold drinks are on offer at the Pool Deck Cafe or take advantage of our free BBQs.