Winter is here, but there is still plenty to see and do in the Dubbo Region - even on cold and rainy days! Check out our blog for some ideas on things to do with your family out of the elements.
1. Dubbo Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience - Enjoy a fully immersive experience - rain, hail or shine! The RFDS facility is fully accessible, and the exhibition has interactive displays, augmented reality and state of the art equipment waiting to satisfy your little explorer's curiosity. Not only is the experience visually appealing but you will leave with a greater understanding of the incredible work being undertaken by Australia's beloved Flying Doctors. Before you depart make sure you stop for a freshly brewed coffee, lunch or tasty treat at the on-site Outback Trek Cafe.
2. Western Plains Cultural Centre - Our region's heart of art and culture offers the perfect respite from a blustery Winter's day. Take your time and wander through the Gallery enjoying the latest touring and local exhibitions before stepping back into the region's past in the Museum. The impressive collection is made up of historical possessions from the people within the Dubbo Region, telling the rich story of days gone by. The replica 1950s classroom is also not to be missed - the kids will delight in experiencing a learning environment that relied on books, blackboards and ink wells. You can sate your appetite at the on-site cafe Creo after enjoying your indoor exploration.
3. Macquarie Regional Library - Cozy up with a comforting read or take advantage of the Library's free Wi-Fi and computer access. The little ones will love exploring the fun children’s area, and there are books, magazines and newspapers, plus an online library of eBooks, eAudiobooks and films sure to satisfy everyone. The Library also has a great range of events and workshops on catering to kids of all ages and adults so make sure you check out the calendar to see what is on today.
4. Wellington Caves and Holiday Complex - If the weather isn't ideal, why not head underground and discover a subterranean world? Tours of the spectacular Cathedral Cave are available on rainy days - just make sure you wear appropriate footwear as the stairs can get a little slippery! Or stay above ground and take in a Discovery Lab session, examining million-year-old fossils with all the tools of the palaeontologist trade. Enjoy a tasty lunch or snack in the cafe before you take a stroll through the free Ancient Landscapes Gallery, featuring life size fossil replicas and interactive display projections.
5. Pastoral Hotel - If you are looking for a family-friendly lunch or dinner location with options to please everyone then the Pastoral Hotel is the place to go! The menu is extensive and affordable, catering to all tastes, and the indoor playground will help the little ones burn off some steam while you wait for your meals. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy sneaking away to catch the big game in the sports bar - with multiple screens and the biggest indoor screen in Dubbo for the full experience.
6. Dubbo Escape Room - Enjoy a daytime or nighttime activity to bond the whole family at the Dubbo Escape Room. Offering hands on escape room games as well as immersive virtual reality experiences, you and your kids will love working together to solve puzzles, unravel mysteries and work together to beat the clock and make your escape! This experience is recommended for kids aged 12 and up.
7. Riverside walkway - If your little adventurers want to explore and delight in jumping through puddles, then pop on the gumboots and head to the Dubbo riverside walk and Tracker Riley Cycleway. While the rain holds off you can enjoy a stroll along the convenient pathways, with plenty of breaks to collect their new favourite rock, stick or other treasure! A walk down to Sandy Beach is a must to watch the river rush by before you head back to the CBD and warm up with a cozy hot chocolate at one of the many delightful cafes. Find the paths on the online map here.
8. There are plenty more indoor activities to delight in, from catching a flick at the Cinemas, to knocking down a few pins at Ten Pin Bowling, or even letting the kids bounce off their extra energy at Inflatable World.
Contact or call in to one of our Region’s Visitor Information Centres for more information, ideas and directions.