Why three days in Dubbo is just the beginning

Apart from wildlife encounters and LUXURY SAFARI LODGES close to majestic African wildlife, the range of diverse offerings in NSW’s vibrant west lures visitors to linger.

WE’RE ALL INCLINED to hurry through regional towns and cities on a road trip. Big mistake in Dubbo. Instead of hours, budget days. The flourishing hub of the Western region is the highlight of a quintessential Aussie road trip that leads you from city to outback.

ANIMAL ATTRACTION

Dubbo’s biggest experience is TARONGA WESTERN

ZOO, with its wildlife collection. Along the PLAINS six-kilometre circuit through the open-air zoo you’ll encounter giraffes, zebras and antelopes. Black rhinos, Asian elephants and cheetahs among the endangered species.

Tickets are valid for two consecutive days, and you’ll want to return, particularly for the inclusive keeper activities. There are various fun ways of getting around – car, electric cart, bicycle or even on foot – with newest attraction THE WATERHOLE offering a cafe and water-play area for kids.

For the complete African safari experience, stay overnight at the stunning LODGE. ZOOFARI

Waking up in your safari-style tent to the sight of giraffes and majestic eland is a unique romantic experience for couples, and a thrill kids will never forget (or their parents). A stay at the lodge is all inclusive of meals, an African-inspired dinner and à la carte breakfast to be precise, plus two exclusive guided tours for Zoofari guests only.

TIME TRAVELLERS

Don’t miss the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR VISITOR

EXPERIENCE. Kids will love clambering through an emergency aircraft or watching real-time operations unfolding on giant screens.

Dubbo’s other diverse offerings include a rich culture and history. offers OLD DUBBO GAOL glimpses into the life of 19th-century inmates through interactive exhibits, while DUNDULLIMAL

demonstrates life in 1840s Australia, HOMESTEAD from kitchen to stables. State-of-the-art WESTERN PLAINS CULTURAL

combines a gallery with a museum, with CENTRE exhibits showcasing everything from 1950s classrooms to youth art.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

For the energetic, the beautiful TRACKER RILEY

runs 13 kilometres along the CYCLEWAY Macquarie River, passing great spots for fishing and kayaking.

Need more encouragement to linger? Gaze through a telescope at the star-spangled universe at OBSERVATORY, or visit DUBBO RED EARTH ESTATE winery for its interesting grape varietals such as Moscato and Frontignac.

Challenge the family in ROOM, DUBBO ESCAPE where you have 60 minutes to solve brain-twisting puzzles, or brace yourself for a loop-the-loop and a mid-air stall in a flight with WARBIRDS. WARRIOR

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Slow and steady at Taronga Western Plains Zoo; African savannah views from your ‘tent’ at Zoofari Lodge; Inside the emergency aircraft at the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience; Not your typical greeting at the Old Dubbo Gaol.