There is plenty to see and do in this part of New South Wales. Dubbo lies on the Macquarie River, in the heart of Explorer Country. The traditional owners are the Tubbagah People of the Wiradjuri Nation but its more recent history goes back to the 1800s, the days of John Oxley and Robert Dulhunty. The remains of that time – the Old Dubbo Gaol, the Courthouse and the Dundullimal Homestead, one of the oldest homesteads in western NSW – are important sites around the area. Other popular draws are the Military Museum, the boomerang factory, Victoria Park and Dubbo Botanic Gardens.
Dubbo is within driving distance of Wellington, the twin-river town with fascinating caves; Parkes, which is home to the observatory that received images of the moon landing in 1969 and broadcast them to the world, Coonabarabran, the gateway to the Warrumbungle Ranges and the Astronomy Capital of Australia, and the wine area of Mudgee.
Dubbo has a temperate climate. Summer temperatures range between 17 and 31 C (63 and 88 F) and sometimes 38 C (100 F) days are an occurrence. In winter the temperature range is 3-16 C (37 to 60 F).
Peak Season:
High season times in Dubbo are mid-December to the end of January, beginning of April, and the end of September to the middle of October. The Dubbo Show, the annual agricultural show, takes place in May. The Eisteddfod – a festival of literature, music and performance – runs from May until July each year.
Off Season:
February is a low season month.
Shoulder Season:
March, June, July and September are all good shoulder-season times when there will be fewer visitors and good weather.
There are car-hire companies and taxi services at Dubbo Airport. It’s a ten-minute drive into Dubbo from the airport.
There is a good bus service and taxis, but a rental car is the best option if you’re going to explore the region.