If you’re visiting the Dubbo Region over the Summer holidays (or showing your friends and family around), we’ve got some top tips on the best places to check out and beat the heat!
The Waterhole at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Photo: Rick Stevens
1. Cool off at The Waterhole
Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s newest precinct, The Waterhole, is sure to be a hit with the little ones! Approximately half way around the 5.5km Zoo circuit, make sure you check out the new Meerkat exhibit, water play area for the kids and café while you’re there – it’s the perfect spot to relax, recharge and cool down on a warm Summer day.
Bookings essential, click here to secure your tickets.
2. Enjoy the night sky
Become an astronomer for a night and explore the universe at Dubbo Observatory. The night sky tours are perfect for viewing the stars, planets and galaxies through six telescopes, and are a perfect way to spend a Summer evening!
Make a splash at one of our fabulous Aquatic Leisure Centres!
3. Make a splash at one of our fabulous Aquatic Leisure Centres
With Centres in Dubbo, Geurie and Wellington, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Let the kids play on the splash pad (Dubbo & Wellington), cool down with an ice block from the on-site kiosks or for the bigger kids, there’s even a large double slide to enjoy at the Dubbo site.
4. Stay cool underground at the Wellington Caves
Take a guided tour through the magnificent Cathedral cave, or don your hard hat and take a step back in time on the Phosphate and Fossil mine tour! While you’re visiting the Wellington Caves, you can also grab lunch or a cool drink at the new Visitor Experience Centre cafe, or let the kids find a fossil in the Discovery Lab! Sift through 800,000-year-old fossil rich sediment and get a hands-on experience and an introduction to Palaeontology, Geology, Hydrology and Chemistry!
Hit the water for a day full of action at Lake Burrendong.
6. Hit the water for a day full of action
For the boat-owner, spike the adrenaline on the water and try your hand at water skiing, wakeboarding and biscuiting at Lake Burrendong. Or pack your paddleboards and kayaks and enjoy the super smooth, vast waters – perfect for water sports! Don’t forget to pack the reels, rods and tackle box as well – you may just take home the ‘big one’ with a number of different species to catch!
7. Be immersed in art and culture (and air conditioning!)
Beat the heat indoors at the Western Plains Cultural Centre as you stroll through the latest installation at the Gallery or step back in time at the museum. Uncover the city’s history and view Australia’s largest and best-preserved wool wagon! There’s also a fabulous range of school holiday activities for the kids – check out what’s on, here.
Inflatable World at Dubbo Sports World is lots of fun!
8. Let them play, inside!
Inflatable World at Dubbo Sports World is the place to be in Summer, especially for families and children under 12. Let the kids bounce away a couple of hours on the giant inflatable playground, or challenging themselves on the new interactive gaming Impact Wall. With full canteen facilities available, you can also grab a snack and cool drink with ease.
9. Get interactive, engaged and informed!
Enjoy the indoor, wonderfully immersive and wonderfully air-conditioned Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience! See an unforgettable exhibition full of exciting, interactive displays on how the Royal Flying Doctor Service works, and why it’s still vitally important. When you’re done, take time out and relax with a cool drink and snack from the on-site café, or browse the fabulous range of souvenirs to take a memory home with you!
Bookings essential, click here to secure your tickets.
10. Try to escape
Another fabulous indoor activity - try using only your brainpower to solve a series of puzzles to escape a ‘locked’ room! Dubbo Escape Room is a great activity for the whole family to attempt as a team and test your problem solving skills, and is open every day in the school holidays.
Bookings essential, click here to secure your tickets.
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We encourage anyone travelling to our Region to maintain social distancing practices and stay home if you are feeling unwell. For the latest travel advice please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Great Big Adventure Pass
Looking for one pass to experience an adventure the family won't forget? The Great Big Adventure Pass is a multi-ticket to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, the new Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience and the Wellington Caves.