8 of the best accommodation options in Dubbo to retreat into

Whether you’re after a safari site, a boutique stay or a self-contained cottage, Dubbo has got it all.

It’s easy to come undone by a simple ‘Accommodation Dubbo’ search online. After all, this vibrant regional town, located a five-hour drive west of Sydney, is the sort of place where you can camp among the giraffes one night, then stay in a slick space with an interior that would put the curation at The Met to shame.

Happily, our list of the best accommodation options in Dubbo, perfect for relaxing after a day of activities.

1. Zoofari Lodge

Zoofari Lodge Dubbo — Check into one of the safari tents at Zoofari Lodge.

Insisting on a slice of Kenya in the ‘wilds of Dubbo’ isn’t the stuff of fairies and pixie dust, but a reality with a stay at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo’s atmospheric Zoofari Lodge .

Positioned by a savannah teeming with all manner of giraffe, rhino, zebra and antelope, guests have the option to bed down in one of two styles of spacious canvas lodge options: Animal View Lodge, which sleeps up to four people and features a shaded, furnished deck overlooking the wildlife; or Bushland Lodge, which sleeps up to six and includes a shade outdoor area to make the most of that leafy setting.

It can’t all be about the lodges of course and happily, every stay at Zoofari Lodge is inclusive of breakfast, dinner, exclusive tours, zoo entry and bike hire.

Address: Obley Road, Dubbo

2. The Repose

the exterior view of The Repose accommodation in Dubbo — The Repose is a charming cottage complete with a Tuscan courtyard.

Two-bedroom cottage, The Repose , has been dominating column inches since the media caught a whiff of this elegant property and it’s easy to see why.

Nested amidst the western plains just a short stroll from Dubbo City Centre, the historic property – meticulously restored and flawlessly curated to blend the charm of yesteryear with the mod-cons of the present, boasts a master bedroom, a queen bedroom and what could be called a garden, but is instead described by its owners as a ‘verdant garden oasis’.

Does The Repose have all the essentials for that romantic getaway – that roaring fireplace, a clawfoot bath, a Tuscan courtyard and a coffee machine for the morning after? Not only that, it even has an outdoor fireplace – the perfect thing to keep you warm while you watch the stars.

Address: 263 Darling Street, Dubbo

3. The Westbury Dubbo

the accommodation interior of The Westbury Dubbo — Vintage meets contemporary design at The Westbury Dubbo.

Everyone needs a friend who owns an impressive 1910 homestead set to entertain, yet only moments away from the city centre. For those of us who are in short supply of such acquaintances, we present The Westbury Dubbo , a luxurious home-away-from home featuring five guest bedrooms, each one individually (and tastefully) decorated and furnished.

Located in the heart of Dubbo’s CBD, this is a property that has it all: a library, a sun-drenched courtyard, complementary continental breakfast and a sumptuous guest lounge, as well as rooms rich on the finer details, from local original artworks to antique touches (the ensuites, happily, are modern).

Popular with large groups and families, The Westbury Dubbo is available for exclusive use but a two-night minimum on weekends is required.

Address: 169 Brisbane Street, Dubbo

4. Jacaranda Cottage

We could talk about how meticulously restored Jacaranda Cottage is and wax lyrical about its convenient location mere moments to the local shops. There is definitely a pull to discuss how this four-bedroom, two bathroom property offers the ultimate in all the modern luxuries, from easy self-check-in, complimentary access to Netflix and reverse-cycle air conditioning to a fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso machine.

Instead, we’re going to leave you with the imagery of venturing into the leafy backyard to enjoy a picnic under the vibrant blooms of a jacaranda tree, your faithful pooch by your side (yes, the cottage – like all others under the Country Chic Cottages umbrella – is pet-friendly).

Address: 21 Jubilee Street, Dubbo

5. Arthur

a door opening up to the outdoor deck at Arthur, Dubbo — Enjoy relaxed al fresco lunches and dinners.

It’s hard to go past a property with a name like Arthur – particularly when style, substance and a strong name meet to create this sleek two-bedroom cottage which stands as a testament to minimalist elegance.

Recently renovated to showcase a Danish aesthetic (think plenty of natural materials and natural light), Arthur is located a short walk from Dubbo CBD and offers two soothing lounge spaces (not to mention a solid vinyl collection), an outdoor area with a fireplace, light breakfast and complimentary welcome drinks.

Pet owners will be thrilled to hear Arthur is just as enamored with four-legged guests; expect a dog bed and bowls to be laid out in wait for those visiting with a doggy plus one.

6. The Settler

the living room interior with a fireplace at The Settler, Dubbo — The light-filled Airbnb comes with a fireplace to keep you warm.

It’s rare you’ll come across a private Airbnb property which launches straight into the brands the owners have used to style the house, but the folks behind the newly renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom The Settler – located a short walk from Dubbo’s CBD – are clearly serious about comfort as well as good design.

Sit back and relax in The Settler’s open-living space, enjoy a barbeque on the outdoor deck, cook a meal for up to six guests in its fully equipped kitchen, or just soak in the freestanding bath. Each room is abundant in natural light, leaving you feeling relaxed and either ready to drift off to the land of slumber, or take charge of what else Dubbo has to offer.

Perfect for groups of friends and family gatherings.

Address: 15 Tamworth Street, Dubbo

7. Paradise on Palmer

the exterior of Paradise on Palmer accommodation in Dubbo — The charming country-style property is spacious enough for families.

There’s so much to love about Paradise on Palmer , a two-bedroom charmer located in South Dubbo near the wilds of Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, but it would be crazy not to start with the digital guest guide made accessible to guests. Designed to provide those who’ve booked a stay with all the essential information needed to enjoy both the property, you can use the service to request late check-out or ask for more firewood for the backyard firepit.

Firepit? That’s right, Paradise on Palmer is the ultimate place for entertaining, its enclosed deck area practically begging for barbeques. This isn’t to say the property isn’t family friendly; those travelling with little ones will love the fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso machine, streaming services, and you’ll even find a high chair and a portacot on premises. So handy!

Address: 94 Palmer Street, Dubbo

8. Fernley

the terrace at Fernley, Dubbo — Enjoy your morning coffee on the terrace.

Go big or go home? No one lives up to the hype quite like Fernley , a spacious four-bedroom, centrally located cottage.

Popular with larger groups – particularly those who rent out the home to prepare for a wedding or a special event within the Dubbo region – you can expect four queen beds, two generous living spaces (one with a double bed) and two full bathrooms to give everyone the space they desire during their stay.

Address: 17 Quinn Street, Dubbo

Discover the best things to do in Dubbo.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .