Dubbo, Central NSW Region — New South Wales

Dubbo is a city of New South Wales, located in its Central West area. The city has experienced fast growth and development in the last decade and is a major hub in terms of commerce and transportation. Just like Bathurst, it is on the banks of the Macquarie River.

This inland city is accessible through train, bus, and air connections.

A visit to the visitors’ information center on Macquarie Street will also yield information on taking cruises on the Macquarie River.

The city is also a major tourism hub in the area. Its Western Plains Zoo is considered one of the finest of the state, and houses native and exotic animals. This open range zoo, accessible through the Obley Road, also offers amenities for bicycling. Accommodations are provided at the Zoofari Lodge for those wishing to stay the night.

Also on Obley Road is another historic structure called Dundullimal, considered one of the oldest homestead in the area.

Nearby, on Camp Road, is the Dubbo Observatory. Most visitors come here in groups to take a peek of the area’s skies through the use of computerized telescopes.

The city also offers its Heritage Walk that visits several of Dubbo’s historic structures and buildings. Along Talbagar Street is the Queen Anne-style Land Office building, constructed in 1897. Another interesting structure is the courthouse, built in 1890 and was constructed in Classic Revival style. The Holy Trinity Church, located on Brisbane Street, is built in English Rural style. Also included in the tour is a visit to the Victorian Park, a major recreation destination since the 1890s. Along Brisbane Street is the St. Brigid’s Catholic Church. This Gothic Revival-styled structure was built in 1874 and has a pyramid-shaped steeple as its most distinguishing feature.

On Macquarie Street is the Dubbo Museum, another historic structure dating back to 1873. It now contains artifacts related to the city’s past and showcases several 19th-century buildings in the rear part of the structure. Nearby is the Old Dubbo Gaol, a well-preserved structure that contains animatronic models to demonstrate the life of inmates in the olden days.

A building built in Italianate style is located along Church Street and is now occupied by Colonial Mutual.

Art lovers will surely enjoy their visit to the Dubbo Regional Gallery, on Darling Street, which displays artworks that mostly depicts animals. At the Claypan Gallery, itself a historic structure located along Depot Road, local crafts, jewelry, and artworks can be viewed and purchased. For more in-depth information on Aboriginal arts and crafts, visitors can go to the Indidjinart Aboriginal Art & Craft Studio and Workshop on Old Dubbo Road. Aboriginal rock paintings are also found at the Terramungamine Reserve, along Burroway Road.

Also worth a visit is the Dubbo Military Museum, located in the Dunoon Tourist Park. Items showcased include airplanes, tanks, and weapons.

Another interesting destination for both adults and children is the Jedda Boomerangs on Minore Road. Attractions include a gallery of boomerangs and a playground for children. Visitors can also purchase boomerangs and have them decorated in preferred styles.