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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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.

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.