Dubbo Australia
Visit Old Dubbo Gaol and Western Plains Zoo. Hotels, Accommodation, Motels, Apartments. Visit The Central West of New South Wales Australia. Dubbo Australia, Central West, NSW Visit Dubbo, Gilgandra, Parkes, Forbes, Wellington, Narromine

Dubbo lies on the banks of the Macquarie River and is a major service centre for the area. It is widely known as the home of The Western Plains Zoo.  It is the biggest open range zoo in Australia (over 300ha). Unlike conventional zoos where animals are enclosed in relatively small enclosures, The Western Plains Zoo provides extensive habitats allowing the animals to roam freely.  Water-filled or dry moats surround the animals while still allowing visitors to get as close as possible.  There is more than 1000 animals, including some endangered species, from six continents, Africa, Asia, North America, South America and Australia.   A visit to this amazing zoo is really unlike any other zoo experience you may have had before and is almost akin to a real safari.  An 18km circular track encompasses the animals’ simulated natural habitat which can be toured either on foot, by buggy, bicycle or by car and the Tracker Riley Cycleway links the centre of Dubbo with the Zoo. The Western Plains Zoo also offers early morning walks for a closer behind-the-scenes look at the animals.  Nearby to the zoo is the oldest surviving home in the district, Dundullimal Homestead. Built from timber slabs in the 1840s, the National Trust-protected Dundullimal has a high-pitched roof that was originally shingled, low verandahs and stone stables.   The Old Dubbo Gaol is a tourist attraction not to miss, displaying the harsh conditions past criminals endured.  There are many parklands, walking tracks and cycling tracks around the Macquarie River as well as river boat cruises.    Relax at the Shoyoen Dubbo-Minokamo Sister City Japanese Garden on Birch Avenue.  There you can enjoy a traditional japanese tea ceremony in the Tea House and wander through rock gardens and authentic plant species shipped directly from Japan.