Looking for somewhere to have dinner in Dubbo, we found the Old Bank Restaurant not far from our hotel. Located in Macquarie Street, and completed in 1876 the building operated as a bank until 1921. From then it passed through several owners including the RSL, council and police, before being purchased by the current owners in 2012.
We did not have a booking but were lucky there were tables still available. People arriving after us were turned away because it is very popular. So, if you want to eat here, book ahead.
While there, have a look at the decorations on the walls, including old photos and a great collection of guitars.
Dining in an old heritage building was nice, with the old fixtures and wooden floors. We ate in the boardroom, which is one of six areas available. The bar served a nice range of beers and ciders, so we enjoyed a few pre-dinner drinks before eating.
We ordered the lamb rump, which arrived on a huge plate, looking fantastic. A great meal in a wonderful environment, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Old Bank Restaurant and Bar
Front of the Building
Main Meal Lamb Rump
Beer and Cider
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
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.
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden
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.
Waterfall in the Japanese Gardens
Waterfall in the Japanese Gardens
Willow and Lake in the Japanese Gardens
Lake in the Japanese Gardens
Pond in the Japanese Gardens
Japanese Gardens
Japanese Gardens
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.
Part of the Sensory Garden
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.
Boardwalk Through Oasis Valley
Platypus Rock Sculpture
Wombat Rock Sculpture
Frog Rock Sculpture
Lizard Rock Sculpture in the Biodiversity Garden
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.
