Dubbo 9-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
    5 mins (1.2 km) from Old Dubbo Gaol

    Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, and visitors can explore the zoo's open plains and get up close with the animals. Highlights include the African savannah, the Australian outback, and the endangered species breeding programs.

  • Day 2: Old Dubbo Gaol
    5 mins (1.2 km) from Taronga Western Plains Zoo

    The Old Dubbo Gaol is a historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into the life of prisoners of the past. Highlights include the gatehouse, the exercise yards, and the gallows.

  • Day 3: Western Plains Cultural Centre
    15 mins (3 km) from Old Dubbo Gaol

    The Western Plains Cultural Centre is a museum and gallery that showcases the history and culture of the local area. Highlights include the Dubbo Regional Gallery and the Dubbo Museum.

  • Day 4: Dubbo Observatory
    20 mins (17.5 km) from Western Plains Cultural Centre

    The Dubbo Observatory offers visitors the opportunity to stargaze and learn about the stars and planets with experienced astronomers. Observing the moon, planets, and other deep space objects through powerful telescopes is a highlight.

  • Day 5: Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden
    20 mins (12.5 km) from Dubbo Observatory

    The Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden is a 300-acre garden featuring a range of native and exotic plants. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and specialty gardens like the Japanese Garden and Sensory Garden.

  • Day 6: Wellington Caves
    45 mins (52.1 km) from Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden

    Wellington Caves offers both guided and self-guided tours of limestone caves with stunning formations, as well as a platypus sanctuary and a fossil exhibit. Visitors can relax in the picnic grounds and playground, or try their hand at fossicking.

  • Day 7: Goobang National Park
    1 hr (70 km) from Wellington Caves

    Goobang National Park offers visitors breathtaking landscapes featuring woodlands, grasslands, and cliffs. Visitors can explore the park's many walking trails, picnic and camping areas, and learn about the local flora and fauna.

  • Day 8: Macquarie River
    50 mins (51 km) from Goobang National Park

    The Macquarie River offers a range of activities for all ages, including fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy scenic walks and picnics along the river banks.

  • Day 9: Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience
    10 mins (3.5 km) from Macquarie River

    The Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and operations of the Flying Doctor Service. Highlights include interactive exhibits, a tour of the RFDS aircraft, and a film showcasing the lifesaving work of the service.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Taronga Western Plains Zoo (4-6 hours, $30-$50)
  • Old Dubbo Gaol (1-2 hours, $15-$20)
  • Western Plains Cultural Centre (2-3 hours, $10-$20)
  • Dubbo Observatory (2-3 hours, $25-$35)
  • Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden (2-3 hours, free)
  • Wellington Caves (2-3 hours, $11-$22)
  • Goobang National Park (4-6 hours, free)
  • Macquarie River (2-4 hours, free)
  • Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience (2-3 hours, $15-$25)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $121-$222 AUD

Transportation

Visitors can rent a car to get around Dubbo, with rates starting at approximately $30 per day. Taxi service is also available, with rates varying by distance and time of day. Public transportation is limited, so it's recommended that visitors plan their itinerary to avoid any transportation hassles.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting nearby towns like Mudgee or Parkes. Additionally, try to schedule your trip around one of the many annual events in Dubbo, such as the Dubbo Show or the Dubbo Stampede. If you have less time, consider skipping Wellington Caves or Macquarie River and adding an extra day at Taronga Western Plains Zoo or Old Dubbo Gaol.

Airports

Dubbo City Regional Airport (DBO) is located 5km southwest of Dubbo's city center. It's a small airport with limited service, but has regular flights to and from Sydney and Broken Hill by major airlines and regional carriers.

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