6 incredible day trips from Dubbo

Whether you’re after a quirky lunch with alpacas, a challenging hike or bike ride, or a campfire experience under a canopy of stars, there’s little the Great Western Plains can’t deliver.

Home to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience and Dubbo Observatory, there’s no denying Dubbo is one of the country’s tourism heavy hitters. Happily, day trips from Dubbo also get you into the heartland of NSW, the Great Western Plains.

Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo — When you’re done exploring Dubbo (Taronga Western Plains Zoo is always a must), it’s time for day-tripping.

Incorporating Wellington, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Warren, the Warrumbungles and, yes, Dubbo, the Great Western Plains strikes the perfect balance between blissful relaxation (hello fireside camping under the stars), heart-pumping adrenaline activities and everything in between.

Thinking about visiting? Embrace Dubbo’s extensive (and efficient) network of transport links that make it the perfect hub for central NSW exploration, and take a day trip to some of the most unique destinations Australia has to offer.

1. Explore epic hikes and starry nights

Dark Sky Park Warrumbungle — Stargaze in Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Right near Coonabarabran is Warrumbungle National Park , Australia’s first Dark Sky Park (zero light pollution makes those stars all the brighter). A magnet for stargazers from across the globe, this is the perfect spot for camping under the night sky.

Make a beeline for Camp Blackman, a camping ground nestled in nature that has designated fire pits (don’t forget the marshmallows), then be dazzled by the ultimate light show.

Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk Warrumbungle — Tackle the 14-kilometre Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Of course, Warrumbungle National Park isn’t only for after-dark enjoyment; its mountainous landscape also makes it a perfect hiking destination. Tackle the 14-kilometre Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk , considered one of the best trails in NSW; if you’re not much of a hiker, take on the Burbie Canyon walking trail, only two kilometres long.

2. Picnic with the alpacas

When the folks at Quentin Park Alpacas & Studio Gallery say they offer something for everyone, they really mean it. Featuring a gallery filled with all manner of products made from home-grown alpaca fibre, as well as a cafe complete with serene vistas and a menu teeming with produce from nearby farms, its visitors are encouraged to mingle with the woolly residents.

This is no straight meet and greet situation (although that can certainly be booked), as guests can lock in a dining experience or event with the alpacas, including high tea, grazing board parties, kids’ birthdays and movie nights.

3. Take in the street art

Gulargambone street art — Wander around Gulargambone’s street art. (Image: John Murray)

Makeover shows don’t have a patch on Gulargambone , a small town on the Castlereagh River. ‘Gular’, as it’s also known, underwent an epic glow-up in 2018 when a team of renowned artists transformed 12 buildings, one water tower and two footpaths with their artwork.

Additions to shopfronts and billboards have since been made, and you can take in the vibrant murals, installations and sculptures by taking a leisurely stroll around town.

4. See a window to the wetlands

Immerse yourself in the wetlands of the region, including Tiger Bay Wetlands and the Macquarie Marshes, with a day trip to Window on the Wetlands Centre at Warren.

A community-run educational, recreational and cultural centre committed to showcasing the natural environment, this is a space to relax with a coffee before grabbing a list of local birds, then tackling any number of the available trails. Don’t forget to download the app to discover interesting facts about regional native plants before you set off.

It isn’t all about hiking, of course. Speak to the team at Warren’s Visitor Information Centre to discover a range of guided tours, including canoeing and four-wheel-driving, then take some time to view the onsite art gallery and bird hide.

5. Enjoy the action at Coolah Tops National Park

Coolah Tops grass trees — Walk among the grass trees at Coolah Tops. (Image: David Kirkland)

Its official title may be Coolah Tops National Park , but for adventurers who make the trek to this spectacular landscape of giant grass trees, towering snow gums and eucalypt forests, it’s simply known as a playground for those keen to revel in nature’s gifts.

Some bring their mountain bikes – perfect for tackling the Bundella and Mullian Tracks – but trails such as the Norfolk Falls walk and Grass Tree walking track are also excellent for hikers who wish to check out the park’s magnificent waterfalls, birdlife and wildlife (it isn’t unusual to see eagles and wallabies around these parts).

Fancy turning your day trip into a weekend of camping? Campgrounds can be found around the park, with a stay at rustic Brackens Hut a particular highlight.

6. Harness the power of green spaces

Wander through Burrendong Botanic Garden & Arboretum. (Image: Dubbo Regional Council)

Why walk in your local park when you can meander through one of the largest collections of Australian plants in cultivation? The 164-hectare Burrendong Botanic Garden & Arboretum houses over 50,000 flowering plants, shrubs and trees from more than 2000 species on grounds which overlook Lake Burrendong.

Free guided tours of the garden are available by prior arrangement, and don’t miss a stroll through Fern Gully, a man-made rainforest with a swooping thatched canopy, complete with a trickling creek. Arrive with a heaving picnic basket, bird-watching binoculars and comfy walking shoes to make this an experience to remember.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .