10 of the best things to do in Dubbo

African safaris, 400-million-year-old cave wonderworlds and a quaint Japanese garden; a trip to Dubbo allows you to traverse not only the globe, but time itself.

Could Dubbo be the regional city that has it all? It’s a question that continues to trump ‘What is there to do in Dubbo?’ or ‘Things to do in Dubbo?’ (which we’re pretty sure haven’t been asked in the best part of a decade).

Set on the banks of the Macquarie River and surrounded by a sprinkling of towns and villages rooted in quintessential rural living, Dubbo itself is a powerhouse of world class attractions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences designed to delight every member of the family.

Only got a few days in town? Mark the following as your must-visits:  

1. Old Dubbo Gaol

a historical display at the Old Dubbo Gaol — The sandstone gaol is now a heritage-listed museum in Dubbo. (Image: Destination NSW)

Heading straight to prison may not sound like much of a sell, but then Old Dubbo Gaol isn’t just any old property. State Heritage-listed and beautifully restored, this historic sandstone gaol – located in the heart of Dubbo – operated between 1847 and 1966, capturing over 119 years of stories and artefacts which run the gamut from the curious to the grim.

Macabre night tours (held during the NSW school holidays) remain a popular choice for those who enjoy their tales on the dark side, but it’s hard to go past the Gallows Gallery featuring the latest collection of hangman ropes in Australia.

Address: 90 Macquarie St, Dubbo

2. Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

a calf and a mother elephant at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo — Spot Asian elephants roaming the zoo. (Image: Destination NSW)

Fancy an African safari in the heart of New South Wales? Thanks to its large, open plains (not to mention its healthy population of big cats, rhinos, elephants, and more), that’s exactly what Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo has been offering Australians since it opened in the late 1970s.

Getting around this gargantuan, open range sanctuary is easy: not only is it possible to explore its 5km circuit by car, on foot, by bicycle or by electric safari car, you can even hire a pedal boat and explore the Savannah Lake, home to the spider monkeys and lemurs.

Three accommodation types are available, including the Zoofari Lodge, which offers a complete safari-style experience, including meals, exclusive tours, zoo entry and bike hire.

Address: Obley Road, Dubbo

3. Dubbo Observatory

guests exploring Dubbo Observatory — See the planets through a 17-inch telescope at Dubbo Observatory. (Image: Destination NSW)

Anyone can take a photo of Dubbo’s street-level attributes, but it can hardly hold a candle to the ultimate memento of what locals call ‘the city of smiles’: shots of the nebula above. It can only happen with a visit to Dubbo Observatory , of course, where local astronomer Peter Starr treats visitors to explore the wonders of the universe.

Night sky tours, telescope viewing and astrophotography sessions are all available, but advance bookings are recommended.

Address: 17K Camp Road, Dubbo

4. Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience

the gallery at Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience, Dubbo — Touch down at the immersive Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience. (Image: Destination NSW)

Touching down in the world of heroic medical professionals servicing outback communities sounds far more courageous than it needs to be; in fact, a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience is all it takes to immerse yourself into the remote reaches of our vast country.

Explore (in Augmented Reality) both the cabin of an aeromedical aircraft and an interactive health station, check out day-to-day medical emergencies unfolding courtesy of the big screen, and hear real stories about how Royal Flying Doctor teams deliver life-saving help across the outback, or what they like to call ‘a 7.69 million square km ‘waiting room’.

Address: 21 Judy Jakins Drive, Dubbo

5. Dubbo Farmers Market

people shopping for fresh produce at Dubbo Farmers Market — Dubbo Farmers Market opens every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s nothing to say you have to stock up on a bounty of fragrant preserves and honey, freshly roasted nuts or marinated olives when you pop in at Dubbo Farmers’ Market, located on the corner of Macquarie Street and the Newell Highway, but why would you want to miss out?

Okay, those visiting Dubbo Farmers Market – held on the first and third Saturday of the month – can and should pop by for a mouthwatering breakfast centred on local produce or a coffee – but with over 60 stallholders on site to showcase their wares, it makes sense to commit to the experience.

Address: Cnr Macquarie Street & Newell Hwy, Dubbo

6. Western Plains Cultural Centre

the People, Places, Possessions: Dubbo Stories permanent exhibition at the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo — Get to know Dubbo straight from the relics of people who lived there. (Image: Destination NSW)

Welcome to the heart of Dubbo’s creative identity, an expansive gallery home to three distinct exhibition programs: the Dubbo Regional Gallery, Dubbo Museum and a community arts centre. Western Plains Cultural Centre features permanent exhibitions that speak to people, history and place, a HomeGround program which nurtures and grows local contemporary artists, and an impressive National Touring program which allows a peek behind major metropolitan galleries, there’s no better place to visit if you want to get a feel for the region’s pulse.

Address: 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo

7. Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens

mini waterfalls within lush greenery at Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens — Find Zen at the Shoyoen Japanese Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Everyone loves a free activity (particularly when it’s so picturesque) but with Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens, it almost feels criminal waltzing through the gates without paying a fee.

Home to five distinctive garden spaces: Shoyoen Japanese Garden, the Sensory Garden, the Biodiversity Garden, the Oasis Valley and the Wiradjuri Garden, every corner invites a new sight, sound or scent as you take your morning walk.

Families, too, are catered for with an adventure playground and that all-important cafe.

Address: 851 Coronation Drive, East Dubbo

8. Lazy River Estate

vineyard views surrounding Lazy River Estate, Dubbo — Go on a relaxing stroll through the estate’s vines. (Image: Destination NSW)

Located on the banks of the Macquarie River on the outskirts of town, the Lazy River Estate winery might be known as THE wedding venue of the region, but there’s nothing to say you need to get hitched to enjoy a stroll through the estate’s vines or some R&R under the shade of 300-year-old gum trees.

Our advice? Make a booking at Cultivate at Lazy River Estate, a degustation event hosted once a week in the Lazy River Estate dining room, and/or keep an eye out for their calendar of events which include a Summer on the Deck series.

Address: 29R Old Dubbo Road, Dubbo

9. Wellington Caves

a father and son exploring Wellington Caves — The magnificent cave formations took millions of years to form. (Image: Destination NSW)

Time travel is a crazy thing;  the drive to Wellington Caves only takes half an hour from Dubbo’s city centre, but upon entry to this underground playland, you discover you’ve travelled hundreds of millions of years.

Discovered in 1830 by colonist George Ranken (when he accidentally fell into one of the caves), the Wellington Caves & Phosphate Mine provides a chance to explore a world of subterranean waters, dramatic formations and marsupial fossils. You can take a guided tour through Cathedral Cave (famous for its 32-metre-wide and 15-metre-high stalagmite), Gaden Cave, which dazzles with its display of crystal formations or just roll up your sleeves and play paleontologist for the day and examine ancient fossils in the Discovery Lab.

Address: Caves Road, Mitchell Hwy, Wellington

10. Press

alfresco seating at Press Cafe, Dubbo — Pull up a seat in the lush courtyard at Press Cafe. (Image: Destination NSW)

At face value, Press is a cafe, coffee roastery, pantry shop, and event space housed in a heritage home in Central Dubbo, but you could also argue it also serves as the heart of the town. Devoted to serving up dishes showcasing local ingredients (you’d be crazy not to take a seat in the light-filled space at least once), you can lose whole hours drinking, browsing, chatting and driving away with a car boot full of coffee. Visit at your own risk.

Address: 33 Bultje Street, Dubbo

Need more ideas? Check out of city guide to Dubbo

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.