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Sitting at the heart of the lush Macquarie Valley, Dubbo showcases the natural beauty of New South Wales. This vibrant regional city also boasts rich local history, from bushrangers and Indigenous Aboriginal people to modern artists on display in inviting galleries.

Things to do

Set in the Dubbo countryside, Taronga Western Plains Zoo is one of the state's top family-friendly attractions. A six-kilometre circuit wraps its way around the zoo, taking you past silvery bushland, scenic picnic spots and a menagerie of elephants, giraffes and rhinos.

The Macquarie River forms the town's western border, flowing down from the Great Dividing Range. Canoeing and kayaking trips are a great way to take in the waterscape, while anglers will jump at the chance to cast a line. In fact, the Macquarie is such a fishing hotspot that it's often referred to as “Cod's Country”.

Want to visit the town’s past? Visit the 19th-century Old Dubbo Gaol, home to gloomy cells and eerie gallows that preserve local history. The nearby Dundullimal Homestead was built in the early 1840s and is Australia’s oldest standing timber slab homestead.

There's no better place to discover Aboriginal history in Dubbo than at the Western Plains Cultural Centre. There are more than 500 artefacts on display in addition to a beautifully carved "Dendroglyph" tree to admire.

Getting around

Renting a car is the best way to get around Dubbo and explore the Macquarie River region. The roads are easy to navigate and there's plenty of parking in the city centre. If you feel like stretching your legs, rent a bike and cruise along the 12.5-kilometre-long riverside Tracker Riley Cycleway.