In the Dubbo Region we love to be home town heroes! You can get involved and share the great treasure trove of local gems on offer – from the wide open spaces of Taronga Western Plains Zoo to the underground wonderland of the Wellington Caves, a wealth of adventure is waiting.
A number of attractions and activities are ready to reward you for being a home town ambassador and showcasing our region to your visiting friends and family by offering local residents free or discounted entry.
Take a walk on the wild side and explore Taronga Western Plains Zoo, home to hundreds of animals from around the world, with a 6km circuit that you can drive, cycle, run or walk through natural bushland and around large open style exhibits.
Discover an underground wonderland at the Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mine! You will be transported back millions of years in time as you journey through two limestone show caves and the beautifully preserved mine.
The history buffs among us love the Old Dubbo Gaol, a state heritage listed must see. This remarkably complete and intact gaol operated for 119 years from 1847 to 1966 and is still nestled in the main street of Dubbo.
You will love getting lost in the beauty of nature at Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum, which houses one of the largest collections of Australian plants in cultivation. Over 50,000 flowering plants, shrubs and trees from more than 2,000 species are growing on 164 hectares overlooking the beautiful Lake Burrendong. A favourite of many residents is the lush simulated rainforest known as Fern Gully.
Thrill seekers and leisure lovers alike flock to Lake Burrendong just outside of Mumbil. With a capacity three times that of Sydney Harbour this picturesque water playground is a haven for fishing, water sports, camping and relaxation year round.
Unleash your creative soul / Enjoy world-class touring and in-house exhibitions at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, the largest gallery space west of the Blue Mountains and one of the few regional galleries to regularly host the Archibald.
Wellington offers a passionate community and a thriving arts scene. The annual Arts and Sculpture Festival, Springfest and Music In Between Festival provide loads of opportunities to be involved in rich and diverse cultural pursuits.
Sit back and relax as you watch the latest international touring show in one of our theatres; or take in a local pub gig or warm up those pipes for one of the regions regular ‘muso’s nights’. Cultivate your own creative talents and join one of the region’s cultural organisations. There is a diverse range of hobby groups to suit all tastes including writers groups, theatre companies, dance troupes, arts and crafts societies, music bands and more.
Unearth our history / Explorer John Oxley passed through the region during his 1817 and 1818 expeditions and noted the rich potential for grazing and agriculture. You can almost step back through time in the Dubbo region, with many fine examples of heritage architecture including the National Trust’s Dundullimal Homestead, built in the early 1840s and believed to be Australia’s oldest timber slab homestead and Dubbo’s oldest building open to the public.
Where can I get mates rates?
A number of attractions and activities across the Region are ready to reward you for being a hometown ambassador and showcasing Dubbo, Wellington and the surrounding villages to your visiting friends and family. As a local resident you can access free or discounted entry at the following attractions (conditions apply):
What can we do in the Region?
Grab your friends and family and tuck into a non-stop feast of discovery, adventure and entertainment. Scroll through our directory to create your own itinerary, or find inspiration in our ready-made itineraries:
What can we do for free?
Our Region has plenty of fantastic attractions and activities that don't cost a cent, if this is the tenth time you've hosted friends and family lately and you just want to go somewhere quiet where you can relax you may want to try:
- Coronation Drive, Dubbo NSW 2830
Enliven your senses and explore four distinctive garden spaces, including the Shoyoen authentic Japanese Garden, the Biodiversity Garden, the Sensory Garden and the cool surrounds of Oasis Valley.
A facility of Dubbo Regional Council.
- 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
State-of-the-art facility boasting a gallery, museum and modern cafe, in Dubbo's creative soul. Uncover the city's history and culturally significant artifacts within the museum or wander through high quality exhibitions and installations from local and visiting artists. Free admission open 7 days.
- Coronation Drive, Dubbo NSW 2830
Let your kids go wild at and explore around 40 play elements. Soar on the flying fox, speed down the giant slide and fly high on the basket swing! With BBQs, toilets and accessible elements including a wheelchair friendly Liberty Swing. A facility of Dubbo Regional Council.
- 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, wine, nuts and so much more available. First and third Saturdays of the month.
Where should we eat?
Need to replenish and recharge? Show off Dubbo's dining hot spots to your friends and family and let them sink their teeth into an array of local dishes that will leave their tastebuds reeling.
- 91 - 93 Lee Street, Wellington NSW 2820
Conveniently located on the Mitchell Highway. We offer a choice of sit down, take-away or drive-through meals and snacks, 7 days a week. Our store is a proud supporter of the Wellington Community. Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 10am-9pm | Friday 10am - 10pm.
- 113 Darling Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
We're open from 6am for breakfast and barista made coffee. Pies are always a winner but if you're after a salad or baguette we have you covered. Discover 'Australia's Best' pies. Freshly baked treats and sourdoughs made daily. We are a fourth generation bakery operating since 1918. Open 7 days.
- 10 Commercial Avenue, Dubbo NSW 2830
We appreciate great food as much as we appreciate great beer. Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sample our craft beer range brewed on-site with a tasting paddle. Savour signature coffee blend roasted on-site, share a meal over wine. You have all the ingredients for a great time with friends.
- 18L Camp Road, Dubbo NSW 2830
COVID-19 UPDATE: CURRENTLY CLOSED.
Delight in handmade, traditional Bejing-style dumplings and pork buns with local wine from our cellar door in a tranquil vineyard setting.
- 55 Wheelers Lane, Dubbo NSW 2830
Found across two convenient locations including 38 Victoria Street, Dubbo. All our delicious products are made on-site from preservative and additive free artisan breads to pies, pastries, bespoke cakes and delectable sweets. From our family to yours, welcome to Farmer's Bakehouse.
- Corner Brisbane and Wingewarra Streets, Dubbo NSW 2830
One 7 Eight is an award-winning restaurant. Enjoy a tantalising cocktail on our balcony and watch the sun escape through our City's streetscape, before dining in our stylish and sophisticated restaurant. The a la carte menu boasts culinary delights crafted by our award winning chefs.
- Whylandra Street (Newell Highway), Dubbo NSW 2830
Club Dubbo offers stunning views and is only a short walk from the Zoo, motels and caravan parks. The Riverview Bistro is open:
Coffee Lounge - 10.00am
Lunch - 11.30am
Dinner - 5.30pm
- 144 Brisbane Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
The Grapevine Cafe offers great coffee and superb food. Comfortably situated in a beautiful heritage listed building; enjoy first-class full table service with the choice of dining indoors or in the spacious courtyard. Takeaway available.
Open: Mon to Fri 7.00am - 4.00pm, Sat to Sun 8.00am - 3.00pm
Where can they stay?
Dubbo has more than 70 accommodation providers and over 4,500 beds to suit every budget, ranging from 5 star B&B's through to pub-stay options.
- 216 Brisbane Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
A unique 4 star boutique-style motel situated in the heart of the city with a mere 10 minute drive to the Zoo, golf club or airport. Free Wi-Fi, Foxtel, saltwater swimming pool and off street parking. Sound-proof, non-smoking rooms. Restaurant with breakfast and dinner available. 24 hour check in.
- 79 - 85 Cobra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Stay in the heart of Dubbo and experience comfort and style at the Comfort Inn Blue Lagoon. Featuring 55 motel rooms with a range of flexible bedding options, outdoor pool, free guest laundry, Wi-Fi and on-site Sails Restaurant. Stroll across the road to Elston Water Park.
- Corner Brisbane and Wingewarra Streets, Dubbo NSW 2830
We make you feel good! Absolutely everything you would expect from a luxury 4 star inner city establishment. Quiet, off-highway location opposite Dubbo’s largest Club. Located in the heart of the CBD.
- 8 Whylandra Street (Newell Highway), Dubbo NSW 2830
The Cattleman’s Country Motor Inn and Serviced Apartments is proudly Dubbo’s largest and busiest accommodation complex, with over 14 different room types from motel style to serviced apartments. Facilities include 1 indoor heated pool, 2 outdoor pools, a gymnasium, a daily buffet breakfast and an award-winning a la carte restaurant and bar.
- 230 Brisbane Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Listed by TripAdvisor in their top 25 properties in Australia for Families for 4 years in a row. • Affordable tariffs for short and long stays • Alfresco BBQ and pool setting • Short walk to restaurants and Dubbo CBD • Self-rated 4 star plus and supported by online reviews.
- 133 - 135 Whylandra Street (Newell Highway), Dubbo NSW 2830
Opposite Club Dubbo, 1.5km from Taronga Western Plains Zoo, moments from the CBD and local attractions. Abel Tasman offers 38 immaculate deluxe units including free wireless internet, off-street parking and an in-ground pool.
- 43 Cobbora Road, Dubbo NSW 2830
1-bedroom self-contained apartments including, Standard, Executive and Family Apartments, plus 2 x 3-bedroom Cottages. Located just 5 minutes from the CBD, directly opposite Dubbo Base Hospital and a short drive to Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
- Corner Myall Street and Wheelers Lane, Dubbo NSW 2830
Great value for money motel. Spacious units in a quiet location. Foxtel, air-conditioning and pool. Close to hospitals, uni, TAFE, racecourse and Orana Mall. Breakfast 7 days, restaurant closed on Sundays.
- 95 Cobra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Awarded ‘Best of the Best’ and included in Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Hotels in Australia in 2021, the Orana Motel is the place to stay in Dubbo! Here you can expect comfort, style and 5-star service with a country smile.
- 85 Whylandra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
23 spacious units offering a variety of accommodation options, including self-contained rooms with kitchens and Netflix, Four Bedroom Cottage. Guest laundry, BBQ and pool area. FREE continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. Room service available.
- 109 Cobra Street (Corner of Gipps Street), Dubbo NSW 2830
Bluegum Dubbo Motel offers modern and fresh accommodation in a quiet yet convenient location. Enjoy in-room dining for breakfast and dinner, free Netflix, Foxtel, Wi-Fi and covered parking.
- 165 Whylandra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830
Zoo packages, freshly renovated rooms. Wide choice of single, twin, king and family rooms. Swimming pool, tennis court and gym. Corporate and meeting facilities.
What's on?
Check out our Region's events calendar and find our what's on these school holidays. Encourage your friends and family to join you at any one of the Region's unique events - from lantern parades, farmers markets, live music and street performers, to fun runs, river paddles and major spectator sports - they'll be spoilt for choice.
Visitor Information
You’re guaranteed a friendly smile and a wealth of information when you stop in and see the teams at one of our Region’s Visitor Information Centres. The friendly staff at Dubbo and Wellington are always happy to point you in the right direction, help plan your to-do list and even share some local secrets to ensure you have a holiday adventure you won’t soon forget.