Dubbo

A regional hub in central-western New South Wales, where you can cycle through Taronga Western Plains Zoo to see rhinos. The old Dubbo Gaol, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Experience and Wellington Caves are also worth a visit.

Dubbo lies on the Macquarie River in central-western New South Wales, about 400 km from Sydney. It is one of the largest regional centres in the inland part of the state and a crossroads for several highways, including the Newell and Mitchell highways and roads to the goldfields. The city's biggest drawcard is Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where you can cycle or drive the 6 km loop to see rhinos and giraffes, and even camp overnight in the grounds. In town, you'll find the colonial-era Dubbo Gaol and the Western Plains Cultural Centre, while the Royal Flying Doctor Service Experience beside the airport tells the story of inland aerial medical care. A riverside cycle path along the Macquarie links the city centre, the Japanese Garden in the Botanic Gardens and Dundullimal Homestead.

For a day trip, head about 50 km southeast to Wellington Caves to see stalactites and the giant fossils of extinct megafauna, and stop at Lake Burrendong on the way. About 120 km southwest is the Parkes Radio Telescope, the dish that relayed the broadcast of the Moon landing.

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