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.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.