Dubbo.

Straddled across the Macquarie River, Dubbo, the name originates from the Wiradjuri aboriginal word, meaning ‘Red Earth’, has a population of over 38,000 and this key regional centre offers old fashioned country hospitality in a contemporary setting with a good number of restaurants, great shopping, comfortable accommodation of all kinds and plenty of things to see and do.

Famous for, amongst other things, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo is a place where you can discover some fine historic buildings, visit and enjoy the tranquility of a traditional Japanese garden, sample wines from the wineries in the region and learn all about the history of Australian aviation at Narromine.

Dubbo has an intriguing past.

From bushrangers and underworld figures to renowned architects and ornate buildings, Dubbo is steeped in history.

Starting life as a village in 1849 it became a town in 1872 and Dubbo officially became a City in 1966.

you can take The Dubbo Heritage Walk which begins at the Dubbo City Information Centre on the corner of Macquarie and Erskine streets and with over 30 historical sites to see, all within about 6 city blocks, it's well worth the effort.

Yes there's plenty of history to explore in Dubbo.

Dundullimal Homestead allows you to step back to early Colonial times and is Australia’s oldest surviving timber slab building, built in the 1840s.

Set on 4 hectares, Dundullimal is surrounded by farmland but only 5 minutes from Dubbo city centre (2km past the Western Plains Zoo).

You can experience Australian pioneering history with a leisurely self guided tour of the property.

The homestead's garden is traditional and spacious providing ideal spots for picnics and children's play and the kids will enjoy a visit to the farm animals.

Then there's Taronga Western Plains Zoo where you can drive around in your car as if you’re on an African safari.

The 300-hectare zoo is home to 1,500 animals including rare and endangered species and it's the only place in Australia where you can see African elephants.

The old Dubbo Gaol (Jail), used from 1871 to 1966, is another must see attraction in Dubbo.

Dubbo gaol still has a gallows where men were hanged for their crimes and is a museum that shows what convict life was like in the Colony and the 200 years following.

After seeing what our convict forefathers had to contend with perhaps a glass of something a little stronger than water might be in order and where better to quench your thirst than at one of the 7 great wineries in the near proximity.

First established in the 1870’s, the local wine industry has a number of wineries you can visit to sample their wines.

Red Earth Estate, Lazy River Estate, Boora Estate, Tombstone Winery and others are all within easy driving distance, just outside of town.

Other things to do in Dubbo include cruising the Macquarie River, caving and mine tours, viewing the clear night skies at the Observatory, playing a round or two of golf, visiting art galleries, the Japanese gardens and the weekend markets.

There is a brilliant bushwalk along the river with plenty of birdlife and bush scenery, passing the Western Plains Zoo and, of course there are the National Parks.

Aside from the many parks within Dubbo itself, in the surrounding area there are the Jinchilla Gardens and art gallery, the Goonoo State Forest, the Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum and the Goobang National parks, all within easy drive.

Yes, for many families the peace and quiet of Dubbo, together with so many attractions which nature has provided, make Dubbo in New South Wales the ideal place to spend a holiday without emptying your bank account.

Dubbo, visit us soon and .........enjoy,

John.

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