About our Region

The Dubbo Region is a must visit on the quintessential road trip, offering visitors all the comforts of an established city just a stone’s throw from the allure of the Aussie outback.

Affectionately known as 'the city of smiles', Dubbo is a thriving regional centre with all the advantages of a city on the rise. Just down the road is the charming town of Wellington, offering breathtaking natural beauty and a rich history, delivered with a dose of old-fashioned country charm. The Region’s diverse villages offer an escape to the country complete with rolling vistas and unbelievable sunsets.

Seek adventure and find those magic moments where you know you are creating memories to last a lifetime. It’s all here in the Dubbo Region, what are you waiting for?

See the wild, in the wild / No doubt, Taronga Western Plains Zoo is right up the top of your to-do list! The 6km circuit of animal exhibits and picnic grounds is bordered by magnificent bushland. Whether you travel by car, bike, electric cart or trek on foot at your own leisurely pace, your experience will take you through some of the most distinctive global wildlife habitats in the world.

Journey into the past / From the chilling corridors of a 19th Century prison, to a tale of endeavour and vision at Australia’s oldest timber-slab homestead, the City boasts a variety of unique historical experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Abundant art and culture / Enjoy world class exhibitions and discover Dubbo’s history and heritage at the Western Plains Cultural Centre and Dundullimal Homestead. Experience traditional Aboriginal Australia through a local cultural tour or catch an international show at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.

Take a breath of fresh air / The long, winding and spectacularly beautiful path stretching from Dubbo’s CBD to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, known as the Tracker Riley Cycleway, is the perfect way to experience Dubbo’s river corridor. If you prefer blossoms over bushland, the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden sits on the side of 10 hectares of undulating land, providing a place for recreation, stimulation, science and learning. It’s a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, physical abilities and cultures can explore and discover the natural world.

The wonder underground / Australia’s prehistoric past is within reach at the incredible Wellington Caves. Unearth the mysteries of megafauna that once roamed the land and find out what those miners were up to 100 years ago in the Phosphate Mine. Marvel at the 15m tall stalagmite in the Cathedral Cave and the delicate dripping stalactites in the Gaden Cave.

Hit the water / 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 many different fish species to catch. More than just aquatic life, the dam is a haven for native Australian animals and there’s no better way to spot them than on a scenic hike. Or head out on the gently winding waterways of the Macquarie River, a favourite destination for kayakers and stand up paddleboarders.

Head back to the bush / Immerse yourself in the serenity of Wellington’s countryside at the 2,123 hectare Mount Arthur Reserve. There are six marked walking trails ranging from 30 minutes to a half day trek and vary in difficulty with all trails delivering spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Along the way you can enjoy spotting some 400 species of native flora and fauna that call the Reserve home along with many native Australian animals and birds. Or discover a natural haven at the 164 hectare Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum where you can wander through Fern Gully, a man-made rainforest situated beneath an enormous suspended, thatched canopy.

Gardens and greens / Mingle with Mother Nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the Osawano Japanese Gardens or pack your clubs and enjoy a round of golf on the quiet fairways of the Wellington Golf Club. Alternatively, head to the heart of town, put your feet up and enjoy a relaxed picnic in Cameron Park.

Ballimore / This quiet village offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle. Stop in for a leisurely meal or to stretch your legs before you continue your journey. Stop by the popular inn for some classic country fare, conversation and a drink amongst the locals.

Euchareena / Drop by a village where history and community run deep. Though small in size, Euchareena has its own unique claims to fame. The nearby heritage-listed mud brick Nubrygyn Inn was held up by the notorious bushranger Ben Hall only weeks before he met his untimely end. A number of original buildings still stand dating back to the time the village was formed in 1834 including the Euchareena School, which is one of only a few ‘beehive buildings’ still standing in Australia.

Eumungerie / Less than 30 minutes drive from Dubbo and you are surrounded by hectares of stunning Australian landscape in Eumungerie. Avid bird watchers and naturalists are in their element in the nearby Goonoo National Park, where you can while away the day bushwalking, cycling and even horse riding on marked trails.

Geurie / Situated right between Wellington and Dubbo along the Mitchell Highway is the quaint village of Geurie. Residents are delighted to play host to a collection of annual events that appeal to the equestrian enthusiast, including pony club camps, camp drafts, picnic races and the popular rodeo. Stop by Wise Park on the fifth Saturday of the month (when applicable) to browse the treasure trove of goodies to be found at the Geurie Lions Markets.

Mumbil / The name ‘Mumbil’ comes from the Aboriginal word for black wattle which was once abundant in the area. Mumbil enjoys an envious location as the closest centre to the shores of the Region’s largest water sports playground – Lake Burrendong.

Stuart Town / Formally known as Ironbark and referred to in the famous Banjo Paterson poem ‘The Man from Ironbark’, the village of Stuart Town was home to many hoping to find their fortune during the days of the NSW gold rush. Locals take great pride in their heritage and history, celebrating the Man from Ironbark Festival every year.

Wongarbon / Enjoy spectacular views across the hills and the woodlands of the nature reserve and the laid back country lifestyle in Wongarbon, 15 minutes drive southeast of Dubbo. Stop in for some good old fashioned pub grub at the local watering hole and enjoy a lively chat with the friendly patrons.