Camping near Dubbo

A 5-hour drive west of Sydney, Dubbo is a draw for families with kids thanks to the open-range Taronga Western Plains Zoo, home to more than 5,000 animals. Visitors can explore via golf cart or bicycle, or choose a behind-the-scenes, after-hours tour with a glamping package. The Old Dubbo Gaol is also popular among families, with costumed performances during school holidays. Meanwhile, Australian history buffs love Dundullimal Slab Homestead, one of the oldest homes in western New South Wales, and nature lovers head down to the Macquarie River for a dip and to see ancient carvings in Terramungamine Reserve. Accommodation options range from Goobang National Park camping grounds to provide spots to park your motor home.

Summer in Dubbo can be baking hot but dry, while winter can be very chilly but perfect for campfires. Spring and autumn are delightful times to visit with many events taking place during school holidays. Cool days are best for zoo visits, as the animals tend to sleep when it’s hot out.

• Hit the Dubbo Farmers Market on the first and third Saturday of every month, open from 8am till around midday.
• Cutting through the centre of Dubbo, the Macquarie River features several pretty river beaches that beat a swimming pool any day.
• The Wellington Caves feature a lot of steps, so they’re not very stroller-friendly. The Phosphate Mine, however, is wheelchair- and pram-accessible.
• Allow a full day to visit the zoo if you want to see everything. If you’ve got bicycles, the Tracker Riley Cycleway is a rail trail that runs in a 13-km loop from Dubbo town centre out to the zoo and back.