Dubbo is a city of about 56,000 people (as of September 2024) and is one of the larger cities not on Australia’s coast. Though not considered a huge tourist destination, there are plenty of things to see and experience in this area!
I lived about an hour outside of Dubbo for four months, and this was my closest form of “civilization” during that time. You can also find great pubs, restaurants, and shopping centers! Do remember, though, this is inland Australia, not the big coastal cities. So, best not to compare the options out here to a place like Sydney and appreciate it in its own right.
Western Plains Taronga Zoo
The sister location of Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, this is one of the most unique zoos I’ve ever been to! It has a no-enclosure concept, meaning it appears the animals aren’t locked up. However, don’t worry, that’s just the design of the fences.
You’re able to drive through this zoo, as it’s so large! Walking is also an option, which is what my friend and I opted for. Hello 25k steps! This made it feel like a nature walk more than a zoo, but then you’d turn, and there would be a giraffe. You might also see a bunch of kangaroos. Chances are those are just regular wildlife, but they’ll leave you alone as long as you don’t bother them.
I do recommend walking if it’s not too hot and you’re physically capable! You will need to make sure you have a good hat and enclosed shoes. My footwear of choice was Birkenstocks, and though I love them, they were very much the wrong choice for all the rocks, sticks, and ants…..so so many ants. Don’t forget a water bottle, as the cafes are pretty pricey as well.
Your ticket allows for two days of entry! So if you don’t want to do the zoo all in one day, you are able to split it up. As an additional note, you cannot bring any pets into the zoo with you even if they stay in your car.
Royal Flying Doctor Experience
You might know the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was founded in Cloncurry, Queensland, which has its own museum! The service has stations all over the country, with one of them being at the Dubbo Regional Airport.
This museum goes into the history and modern functionality of the RFDS. You can see live flight maps, hear stories from people whose lives have been saved, and even visit the observation deck! Inside there are artifacts and decommissioned planes, which helps with understanding how the organization has evolved technologically since its inception. Test out your ability to send messages in Morse code and even take pictures in the pilot’s seat!
Finish your visit with a trip to the cafe (closed Tuesdays)!
Tickets to this are available online as well as in the visitor center.
Old Dubbo Gaol
This former jail (yes, “gaol” is the old spelling of “jail”) is in the heart of Dubbo’s downtown area! A fun attraction that takes you back into New South Wales’ prisoner history, filled with original contraband and other items from the time. It’s crazy knowing this only stopped functioning as a penal institution in 1966 and then opened as a tourist attraction in 1974. That’s less than 10 years!
The overall area isn’t massive, but there’s a good amount of stuff to see, from the cells to the watchtower, exercise area, and even the gallows. Because yes, they were performing hangings here. There’s also a live performance put on a few times a day that’s a bit interactive. It lasts about 30 minutes and is a lot of fun!
If you’re more of a thrill seeker, they also offer late-night beyond the grave tours you can pre-book, but this wouldn’t have worked for my schedule, sadly.
Shoyoen Japanese Garden
If you’re looking for a green haven in the outback, the Dubbo Botanical Gardens will help get your fix, especially the Shoyoen Japanese Garden! It’s from Dubbo’s sister city, Minokamoin, Japan.
These gardens have beautiful trees, a koi pond, bridges, and walkways up to a traditional Japanese building. The whole experience was very calming and a nice break from nothing but dirt. If you continue behind the garden, you’ll also find yourself in the Sensory Gardens, which are also absolutely lovely.
My favorite things here were the pond and the weeping willow! The absolute best part is this is totally free to visit but does close at 5pm each day.
Places to Eat
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Cute, casual, and affordable Vietnamese spot right on Macquarie Street! They’re open early, seven days a week. I’ve been here many, many times!
Recommend their pork and prawn fresh rolls and pork vermicelli salad. Their banh mi is also good, but I’ve had better.
DO NOT recommend the bun bo hue, as it’s underwhelming. The Vietnamese iced coffee is awful, and the salt and pepper squid is pretty much flavorless.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Quite nice, but a bit pricier and higher-end Vietnamese restaurant. You can still dress casually here!
Recommend the lemongrass chili chicken, prawn fried rice, caramelized pork belly, spicy beef noodle soup, and the black sticky rice.
DO NOT recommend the fried ice cream, as it’s incredibly sweet.
Cuisine: Australian
Nice little breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot!
Recommend their iced ube latte! Not sweet, but that ube cream is lovely!
DO NOT recommend the matcha latte, as it’s made from a paste and tastes nothing like matcha. The breakfast burrito was oddly sweet, and the crab cake benny was way too heavy from the cakes also being put on toast.
Cuisine: Japanese and Korean
A casual Australian-Japanese and Korean restaurant just off the main road on Talbrager Street.
Recommend the seaweed salad, takoyaki, karaage, salmon sashimi, and the large fresh salmon and avo roll.
DO NOT recommend any of the signature rolls, as they’re covered in sweet sauces (but I’m a pure fish and rice girlie). Sadly, salmon is the only raw fish available here, and I did not try any of the Korean items.
Cuisine: Australian
Great pub right on the main road! I have only stopped in for a drink, but the food I saw coming out of the kitchen looked awesome. The entire establishment was very nice and clean.
