Whether you’re after a safari site, a boutique stay or a self-contained cottage, Dubbo has got it all.
It’s easy to come undone by a simple ‘Accommodation Dubbo’ search online. After all, this vibrant regional town, located a five-hour drive west of Sydney, is the sort of place where you can camp among the giraffes one night, then stay in a slick space with an interior that would put the curation at The Met to shame.
Happily, our list of the best accommodation options in Dubbo, perfect for relaxing after a day of activities.
1. Zoofari Lodge
Check into one of the safari tents at Zoofari Lodge.
Insisting on a slice of Kenya in the ‘wilds of Dubbo’ isn’t the stuff of fairies and pixie dust, but a reality with a stay at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo’s atmospheric Zoofari Lodge.
Positioned by a savannah teeming with all manner of giraffe, rhino, zebra and antelope, guests have the option to bed down in one of two styles of spacious canvas lodge options: Animal View Lodge, which sleeps up to four people and features a shaded, furnished deck overlooking the wildlife; or Bushland Lodge, which sleeps up to six and includes a shade outdoor area to make the most of that leafy setting.
It can’t all be about the lodges of course and happily, every stay at Zoofari Lodge is inclusive of breakfast, dinner, exclusive tours, zoo entry and bike hire.
Address: Obley Road, Dubbo
2. The Repose
The Repose is a charming cottage complete with a Tuscan courtyard.
Two-bedroom cottage, The Repose, has been dominating column inches since the media caught a whiff of this elegant property and it’s easy to see why.
Nested amidst the western plains just a short stroll from Dubbo City Centre, the historic property – meticulously restored and flawlessly curated to blend the charm of yesteryear with the mod-cons of the present, boasts a master bedroom, a queen bedroom and what could be called a garden, but is instead described by its owners as a ‘verdant garden oasis’.
Does The Repose have all the essentials for that romantic getaway – that roaring fireplace, a clawfoot bath, a Tuscan courtyard and a coffee machine for the morning after? Not only that, it even has an outdoor fireplace – the perfect thing to keep you warm while you watch the stars.
Address: 263 Darling Street, Dubbo
3. The Westbury Dubbo
Vintage meets contemporary design at The Westbury Dubbo.
Everyone needs a friend who owns an impressive 1910 homestead set to entertain, yet only moments away from the city centre. For those of us who are in short supply of such acquaintances, we present The Westbury Dubbo, a luxurious home-away-from home featuring five guest bedrooms, each one individually (and tastefully) decorated and furnished.
Located in the heart of Dubbo’s CBD, this is a property that has it all: a library, a sun-drenched courtyard, complementary continental breakfast and a sumptuous guest lounge, as well as rooms rich on the finer details, from local original artworks to antique touches (the ensuites, happily, are modern).
Popular with large groups and families, The Westbury Dubbo is available for exclusive use but a two-night minimum on weekends is required.
Address: 169 Brisbane Street, Dubbo
4. Jacaranda Cottage
We could talk about how meticulously restored Jacaranda Cottage is and wax lyrical about its convenient location mere moments to the local shops. There is definitely a pull to discuss how this four-bedroom, two bathroom property offers the ultimate in all the modern luxuries, from easy self-check-in, complimentary access to Netflix and reverse-cycle air conditioning to a fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso machine.
Instead, we’re going to leave you with the imagery of venturing into the leafy backyard to enjoy a picnic under the vibrant blooms of a jacaranda tree, your faithful pooch by your side (yes, the cottage – like all others under the Country Chic Cottages umbrella – is pet-friendly).
Address: 21 Jubilee Street, Dubbo
5. Arthur
Enjoy relaxed al fresco lunches and dinners.
It’s hard to go past a property with a name like Arthur – particularly when style, substance and a strong name meet to create this sleek two-bedroom cottage which stands as a testament to minimalist elegance.
Recently renovated to showcase a Danish aesthetic (think plenty of natural materials and natural light), Arthur is located a short walk from Dubbo CBD and offers two soothing lounge spaces (not to mention a solid vinyl collection), an outdoor area with a fireplace, light breakfast and complimentary welcome drinks.
Pet owners will be thrilled to hear Arthur is just as enamored with four-legged guests; expect a dog bed and bowls to be laid out in wait for those visiting with a doggy plus one.
6. The Settler
The light-filled Airbnb comes with a fireplace to keep you warm.
It’s rare you’ll come across a private Airbnb property which launches straight into the brands the owners have used to style the house, but the folks behind the newly renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom The Settler – located a short walk from Dubbo’s CBD – are clearly serious about comfort as well as good design.
Sit back and relax in The Settler’s open-living space, enjoy a barbeque on the outdoor deck, cook a meal for up to six guests in its fully equipped kitchen, or just soak in the freestanding bath. Each room is abundant in natural light, leaving you feeling relaxed and either ready to drift off to the land of slumber, or take charge of what else Dubbo has to offer.
Perfect for groups of friends and family gatherings.
Address: 15 Tamworth Street, Dubbo
7. Paradise on Palmer
The charming country-style property is spacious enough for families.
There’s so much to love about Paradise on Palmer, a two-bedroom charmer located in South Dubbo near the wilds of Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, but it would be crazy not to start with the digital guest guide made accessible to guests. Designed to provide those who’ve booked a stay with all the essential information needed to enjoy both the property, you can use the service to request late check-out or ask for more firewood for the backyard firepit.
Firepit? That’s right, Paradise on Palmer is the ultimate place for entertaining, its enclosed deck area practically begging for barbeques. This isn’t to say the property isn’t family friendly; those travelling with little ones will love the fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso machine, streaming services, and you’ll even find a high chair and a portacot on premises. So handy!
Address: 94 Palmer Street, Dubbo
8. Fernley
Enjoy your morning coffee on the terrace.
Go big or go home? No one lives up to the hype quite like Fernley, a spacious four-bedroom, centrally located cottage.
Popular with larger groups – particularly those who rent out the home to prepare for a wedding or a special event within the Dubbo region – you can expect four queen beds, two generous living spaces (one with a double bed) and two full bathrooms to give everyone the space they desire during their stay.
Address: 17 Quinn Street, Dubbo
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