Dubbo is a visitor winner in Australia
Dubbo is probably one of Australia’s best kept secrets, although its tag title; Hub of the West, does give the game away. Another game; wild game, is one of the town’s major draws. There are once in a lifetime opportunities here to see wild animals and birdlife in their truly natural habitats. Sea and beach loving Aussies love the different appeal that Dubbo offers. Consequently, the town is now a prime New South Wales visitor destination. It’s all happening in Dubbo. The first stop is Dubbo’s all-important and busy Visitor Information Centre. Just look out for the three life-size bronze rhinos waiting outside to greet you.
All roads lead to Dubbo
Dubbo is set in the Macquarie Valley. It has enjoyed city status since 1966 and is the capital of the Orana region. A glance at the map reveals it to be, geographically, a natural centre of activity. Some of the civic architecture is Victorian in style but there is a happy blend with many ultra modern buildings. The result mirrors the town’s affection with the past and enthusiasm for the future. Typifying this is the very modern Western Plains Cultural Centre on Wingewarra Street, in the heart of the city. Here, modern day thinking and the area’s long-term history are combined via cinema showings, exhibitions and workshops. Then, rather than just hanging around; why not suspend belief and prepare to be captivated by the gallows and hangman’s tools at Old Dubbo Gaol. There’s more historical fascination at Dundullimal Homestead, Australia’s oldest timber slab homestead. Dubbo’s many attractions make it a regional centre, with all roads leading here. It’s a longer road to Sydney though, some 250 miles away.
There’s much more to Dubbo than finding Dumbo
Hippos, giraffes, big cats and of course, elephants, draw visitors every day of the year to Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The prime thrill here is that you can witness thousands of animals roaming around as free as air in their natural and extensive environments. The approximate four miles of safari trail really does add a dimension to the visitor experience. Whilst there are hotels nearby; if staying over, the zoo can arrange Billabong Camp, Zoofari Lodge or Savannah Cabin accommodation for you. Back in town, enjoy the authentic Japanese themed Dubbo Botanic Gardens, cycle through the bushland on the Tracker Riley Cycleway and kayak or paddle board the spectacular River Corridor. Dubbo’s Aboriginal heritage is best experienced at Terramungamine Reserve. Then there are conferences, exhibitions, pop and classical concerts and touring productions at the 500-seat Theatre and Convention Centre. The elephant in the room may still be Dumbo and that fantastic zoo; but the room itself is crammed with fascination for everyone.
Staying and surviving in Dubbo
It is the constant flow of attractions and activities that draw the crowds to Dubbo. Some are staged at indoor locations; while others take advantage of the great climate and choose venues such as Cameron Park. Visitors need accommodation, food and drink. There are hotel, bed and breakfast and other accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. Major hotel chains, delightful guesthouses, apartments and budget accommodation; all have a presence here. Call in to the Information Centre and those never flagging, stalwart staff members will help find the place to suit you. Later, when prowling for food, refreshment and entertainment, you’ll find that family-friendly restaurants include the unsurprisingly titled Lion’s Pride. The Old Bank is a late night haunt with live music and entertainment. Some restaurants offer accommodation as well, so that takes the worry out of otherwise journeying back to the hotel. As with all other things Dubbo-style; variety is the spice of life, so you will be really hard pressed not to find your own happy solution.
Every day there’s something new
Farmers Markets are held regularly and throughout most of the year. Athletics, international celebrity concerts, ballet, tribute shows and the Rotunda Markets, are all part of an ongoing and unusually vibrant scene of activities and attractions. The Rotunda Markets are held on the fourth Sunday of the month on Macquarie Street. Buskers, artisan and antique items form part of a great atmosphere. The acclaimed Zoo has its own regular programme of walks, talks and animal feeding attractions. You can feed the otters and monkeys, stretch your neck to get face to face with the giraffes and of course … really talk to the animals. Zoo attractions are in an environment bordered by picnic areas and bushland. The Dubbo Jazz Festival has been a feature of the town’s entertainment scene for several decades. If you are the first person to become bored with Dubbo, don’t give it the boot. There’s a lot going on in Wellington as well and it’s just a few miles away.
