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

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.