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  • Dubbo to Tamworth Road Trip

    Dubbo to Tamworth Road Trip

    Dubbo to Tamworth Road Trip

    We planned a road trip to take us from our home town of Singleton to Dubbo, Gunnedah and Tamworth. Along the way we planned to stop at several other places and see what else there was to see.

    During the trip we passed through several towns we visited before but have included them below with links to our blogs. If you are driving here for the first time these other towns have a lot to offer, so take your time and explore.

    Merriwa

    Having stopped at Merriwa many times in the past we drove through this time. A beautiful country time, with Silo art, and golden canola flowers at the right time of year. For more photos and more ideas, read our full blog here.

    Welcome Sign Dubbo to Tamworth Road Trip
    Merriwa Welcome Sign

    Dunedoo

    Now with a recently completed Silo art of the racehorse Winx, Dunedoo is a great place for a break driving those long country roads. We stopped here for a snack at the White Swan Cafe and walked around the Silo and sculpture garden. Our full story and pictures click here.

    Winx and her Jockey Hugh Bowman Along with Trainer Chris Waller on the Dunedoo Silo Art
    Winx and her Jockey Hugh Bowman Along with Trainer Chris Waller

    Dubbo

    Our first major stop with a two-night stay, Dubbo is a large regional town, with lots to offer. The main attraction is Taronga Western Plains Zoo, but Dubbo is much more than just the zoo. Historically it is the home of the Kamilaroi people, you can see their history at the Western Plains Cultural Centre. European settler history is on display throughout town with buildings like the Old Gaol. Slightly out of town at the airport learn the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, or discover astronomy at the Dubbo Observatory.

    More detail and photos can be found in our Dubbo blog.

    Black Rhinoceros
    Black Rhinoceros

    Coonabarabran

    We didn’t stop in Coonabarabran this time, having spent a few days here before. However, if you have a extra few days, this is a great place to spent them, because it has attractions all around it. From Siding Spring Observatory and the Warrumbungle National Park to sandstone caves and sculptures in the bush, there is plenty to see and do. Read our blog on Coonabarabran here.

    Diprotodon Skull at the Visitors' Centre Coonabarabran
    Diprotodon Skull an extinct giant marsupial at the Visitors’ Centre

    Gunnedah

    Using its connection to Dorothea Mackellar to advantage, Gunnedah, has a memorial statue in addition to a huge piece of Silo art dedicated to the poet. The beautiful buildings in the town centre, along with a sculpture park, also make the town worth visiting. Our blog has more details and photos.

    Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Statue
    Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Statue

    Baan Baa

    A quick stop, as we passed through, when we saw the old bus being used as a grandstand for the local cricket club. A fun interesting stop, all the better for being unexpected.

    Derelict Bus Dubbo to Tamworth Road Trip
    Derelict Leyland Titan

    Paul Wild Observatory

    A great find, as we were unaware of this Observatory, until reading about it at our hotel. It was certainly worth the visit, being able to see five huge radio telescopes up close. Our blog has more details and photos.

    Five Antennas
    Five Antennas

    Sawn Rocks

    A marvel of nature and geology, Sawn Rocks appear to be organ pipes growing up a cliff in the Australian bush. An easy walk from a nice car park with picnic facilities and barbecues. See more details and photos here.

    The Cliff Face From the Viewing Platform
    The Cliff Face From the Viewing Platform

    Barraba

    Barraba was a quick stop on our way to Tamworth. A large silo art, visible from the highway, depicting a water diviner makes it a must stop if you like these huge art works.

    Barraba Silo Art
    Barraba Silo Art

    Tamworth

    The country music capital of Australia, Tamworth is famous for its music festival and hall of fame. Although many of the town’s attractions associate themselves with country music, the historical buildings in the centre of town provide something else to see.

    Outside town, Goonoo Goonoo Station provides quality accommodation and dining. We spent the last night of our road trip here, enjoying the peaceful setting.

    Tamworth Conservatorium of Music in the Old Dominican Convent Building
    Tamworth Conservatorium of Music in the Old Dominican Convent Building

    Wallabadah

    Another surprise find during our trip, the First Fleet Memorial Garden at Wallabadah is a great stop. You get to stretch your legs while walking around a nice garden and discovering facts about the First Fleet. More information here.

    Dubbo to Tamworth Road Trip Picnic Shade Area, Designed to Resemble a Sailing Ship
    Picnic Shade Area, Designed to Resemble a Sailing Ship

    Scone

    Close enough to home for a day trip, we have visited Scone several times, so only stopped for petrol. Our Scone trip can be found here.

    Dubbo to Tamworth Road Trip Campbell's Corner Scone NSW Australia
    Campbell’s Corner
  • Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden

    Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden

    Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden

    Located next to the Orana Shopping Centre, the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden is a green oasis in a sometimes hot dry central west. A large car park provides ample space to leave your car, with only a short walk to the entrance.

    Japanese Gardens

    Wandering through the Japanese gardens on a hot day was refreshing because of the running water and quiet surroundings. Waterfalls, a lake with Koi, sculpted dry gardens and beautiful trees make this a beautiful place to visit.

    We loved the lake and fish because they were very relaxing to watch from the shade of a willow tree.

    Sensory Garden Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden

    You can enjoy this section of the gardens with all five senses because the design uses different plants for each. Colour, texture and smell are obvious, but sound comes from rustling leaves and running water, while taste comes from strawberries (or did during our visit).

    This was an interesting section to visit, because it engaged all of the senses. With several areas to sit and relax, it’s a peaceful place to visit.

    Oasis Valley

    Oasis Valley displays plants from dry rain forest environments. A board walk winds through and over the plants, allowing great views of them. A nice surprise was the sculptures located here. Made from sandstone and depicting Australian wildlife, they are a great addition to the area.

    The board walk continues into the Biodiversity Garden, providing a continuation of the local plant life.

    Biodiversity Garden

    The Biodiversity Garden is a living model of the major vegetation communities that thrived in this region before European settlement. The trails take you through grassy white box woodlands, past wetlands and climbs up a rocky, volcanic slope via a boardwalk. This is great because it lets you see endangered local plant life without going to difficult to find places.

    What Did We Think?

    This was a relaxing places to visit, especially the wonderful Shoyoen Japanese Gardens, which were beautiful.

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Old Dubbo Gaol

    Old Dubbo Gaol

    Old Dubbo Gaol

    Located in the centre of the Dubbo CBD, Old Dubbo Gaol which operated from 1847 to 1966 is now a tourist attraction. As it is heritage listed , it is one of the more popular places to visit in Dubbo.

    Not only are the buildings preserved in excellent condition, but displays and information boards give an insight into the gaols operations and how prisoners were treated.

    Male Prison

    The section of the gaol used to house male prisoners is the first building you see on entering. A long dark corridor with heavy metal doors along the walls greets you as you walk through the main door.

    Looking through the doors reveals how spartan the cells were, containing only a basic bed and little else. Several cells contain displays of manacles restraints used on the prisoners. Others display manikins dressed as inmates, with explanations of their crimes.

    Female Prison

    A section used for female prisoners located at the rear of the gaol, shows that their conditions were no better than the men. Concrete floors and wooden beds were all that furnished the rooms.

    Watchtower Overlooking Old Dubbo Gaol

    The watch tower, located near the female prisoners’ cells, can be accessed via a modern stairway. The short climb is worth it because you get great views over this part of the gaol. An audio recording plays inside the tower explaining its use to visitors.

    Washing Area

    The area where prisoners washed and did laundry now contains an exhibit of prisoner information forms. Printed on bed sheets and laid out as drying laundry they give a great insight into the people imprisoned here.

    Infirmary

    Condon’s at the infirmary were better than the general prison, with wooden floors and better beds, but still primitive. Built from sandstone blocks like several other buildings at the prison, the infirmary is a very solid building.

    Gallows

    Standing near the exercise yard, the gallows remind you that prisoners were executed here. Interesting to look at but a grisly reminder of the past.

    What Did We Think of Old Dubbo Gaol?

    As one of Dubbo’s main tourist attractions, this is a must see for visitors. We found it a fun place to visit, mainly for the history. Situated in the middle of town it is easy to get to, making it an easy place to see. Whilst we were there maintenance going on at the end of the female prison, so this little part was out of bounds.

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

    Our photos are available for purchase on