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

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.