Such an interesting and historic place. Very eerie walking through the jail cell building. Worth a visit. Street parking or parking near the information center available. Small little gift shop and toilets on site.

The old gaol has a fascinating history. You can do self-guided tours. Lots of info, pictures and holograms to bring to life the stories of the prisoners. Definitely recommend when in Dubbo.

I truly enjoyed the night tour. Lots more information on prisoners stories, more quiet to be able to hear and the two fantastic tour guides Chad and Milla. Enthusiastic, full of life and great sense of humour, excellence is my word for these wonderful young people. Thank you so much for an memorable and fun night. I did attend the day before and ended up leaving. Two groups of schools entered, at different times. Sadly it was so noisy we couldn't hear ourselves think. I feel the public could be informed of school visits to work around the school schedule, so the public can make a decision to whether to attend at that time. I feel the teachers, parents and dubbo jail have an obligation to teach our children some good old manners. This allows children to listen and respect others around them and some thoughtfulness to others. Constantly ringing the big bell was not only annoying but deafening. Never an issue or a problem on the kids having some fun, but not Constantly over and over. It was so bad we all left. But overall a fantastic experience.

Fun experience for kids with a show where kids can help a convict escape! Also really interesting and educational for Australian history.

Plenty to see and do here despite it looking really dull from the outside. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. There are character performances and self-guided tours of the cells, hospital and grounds. Plenty of exhibits and photos of the executed prisoners, if you like that part of the macabre. Worth a visit if you're in town. We spent about 90 minutes there.

Geez it wouldn’t have been an enjoyable stay in the Old Dubbo Gaol back in the day! Very well preserved and presented, gave you a real sense of what it would have been like to be a prisoner here years ago, stinking hot in Summer and bloody freezing in Winter…damn!! Glad we stopped in to check it out!

Loved it here and a pleasant way to spend a few hours,would have been a hard life here in those times and the special act they put in was fun

We came out to Dubbo in the July School holidays to visit the zoo with the kids. We’ve talked about it for a number of years and finally booked it in. We were considering staying at the zoo but you would need to remortgage the house to afford it so we choose much more affordable accommodation in town. We were considering booking the carts to get around as one of our kids has a disability and can’t ride a bike but they were all booked out for our visit. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as you can easily navigate the park if you have your own car and save some cash on the carts. It was super easy to ride around the loop on the bikes with the other kids and only one spot where we had to drop the gears to push up the hill. Was good being able to ride the bikes up to each enclosure and plenty of bike racks throughout the park to leave the bikes. We did the safari adventure but was a bit disappointed this was an additional cost on top of the park entry, surely this should be included, just feels like something you shouldn’t have to pay extra for. Overall the enclosures are great with heaps of room for the animals to roam but like most zoos the animals do look a bit bored and need some action. All the herding animals are too relaxed as there is no predator threats and the predators just chilling as they don’t have to hunt anymore. I’m sure punters would pay good money to see the animals in a more real world environment. Imagine seeing the big cats in action stalking their pray, now that would bring in the crowds. Anyways, I’ll just saviour the time I got to see a white lion take down a water hen in its enclosure many years ago at a different zoo……priceless. Overall an enjoyable day out with the kids.

We have just enjoyed a completely magical day at Dubbo Zoo. We booked a night at Zoofari Lodge. The day we spend leisurely cruising round the zoo in our car (we would have hired a “golf cart” but it was quite hot and very windy so we settled for aircon comfort). We did two circuits of the 5km round trip and saw pretty much all that we could have hoped for. Up close and personal with lions giraffes and a whole host of other animals. We checked into our lodge at two pm and sat on our balcony watching zebras rhinos and giraffes wander past as they grazed the food which had been left for them in front of our rooms. We were then taken to hand feed giraffes, and then onto a private after hours tour of the zoo after it was closed to public. Our guide Hallie was really informative, giving us a great commentary as well as answering all of our questions, and there were many! What a great experience, one we hope to repeat. And we still have another day to roam the zoo tomorrow. Andy and Gabs.

This is a great zoo with a wonderful variety of animals. I'd love if there were more carts available for hire as we arrived at time of opening and they were all sold out. It's a big day and by the time you get past the waterhole it's exhausting to think about getting out of the car....once again! But overall a wonderful day.

Quite disappointed with my visit. Most of the animals looked tired and not very active — the only tiger seemed depressed, pacing back and forth in the same spot. The rhino was just laying down the whole time, looking quite lifeless and uninterested. Didn’t see any platypus at all, even though there’s a Platypus HQ. I stayed around the viewing deck and pond area for about 15 minutes, trying to spot one under the trunks, branches, or hiding spots — but not a single platypus in sight. There was only one siamang, and a few Tasmanian devils, but they were really far away because of the enclosure and fencing setup — it kept people at too much of a distance to see clearly. The lions were in a group, and one male lion seemed alert and aware of his surroundings, which was nice to see. The meerkats were plenty, but honestly, it felt quite repetitive since you pass by several meerkat viewing points along the way. There was only one small bird enclosure with a honeyeater and a few other birds. The place overall looked a bit run down, and most of the big animals were just too far to enjoy. The best part was the Galapagos giant tortoises — there were a few of them, we could view them up close, and they seemed well cared for. The koalas were also lovely; I managed to spot three of them resting. Overall, the $50 entry fee really didn’t feel worth it. Melbourne Zoo offered a much better experience for the price. Also, make sure to buy tickets beforehand if you want to feed the giraffes, as they sell out quickly and can’t be purchased on the spot.

We had a great time at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. You can drive your own car through the zoo for free, hire a bike (not sure how much), or rent a cart for around $80 a day. There are several stops where you can park, get out, and see the animals up close. The zoo is really well maintained and easy to explore. We had burgers at the cafe freshly made and good! They mentioned our tickets were valid for two days, though I’m not sure if that’s the same on weekdays.

An awesome day out for the whole family. You can bicycle around, hire a buggy or even drive your own car, stopping at each enclosure with heaps of parking. Lots of animals to see in a more natural setting.

Great fun for families with young children and adults alike! The zoo is beautifully laid out, with spacious enclosures and plenty of opportunities to see the animals up close. The walking and cycling paths make it easy to explore, and the staff are friendly and informative. A wonderful day out that combines fun, learning, and fresh air!

Good exhibits about the area but a shame there was no interactive things which would be great for kids and adults alike. The view at the back where there is a Cricket pitch is stunning. Love the 1950's style classroom.

Absolutely fantastic facility. The museum was in the same building as the art gallery with a fantastic restaurant between them. The museum was very informative and the displays were innovative. I found the art exhibition somewhat confronting and feel that it needed a warning for parents. Highly recommended when in Dubbo

Interesting museum full of local history, even a school room. Cafe was good. Good coffee and scones, friends recommend the chicken salad. Exhibits free. Outdoor and indoor seating. Very pleasant.

Great place highly recommend! Staff very helpful.

Beautiful location for work meetings as we have organised sessions via the auditorium on many occasions. There is the ability to stroll back in time through the historical artefacts and rooms on display for those who wish to learn more n the Western Plains culture. For those who love local fish river roasters coffee and a delicious feed too, the creo cafe on site has a divine range of pastries and baked goods , as well as all day breakfast options . Parking on site and on both corner streets too is a bonus.

Fantastic regional gallery and museum, very impressive

Didn't mind that the 2 other spaces were closed due to preparing for another event. The Indigenous artists exhibition just blew me away. Am emotional tour de force (sic) The museum exhibits were also very good and well displayed. Only quibble... Very littlr about the history of indigenous peoples of the area.

Enjoyable if there are no clouds. We were lucky to have a clear sky at night. The presentation was informative and useful for children. The star gazing was spectacular. Recommends to choose a night when it's a new moon and clear sky for the best experience.

We had a beautiful clear night for visiting Dubbo Observatory. Friendly staff, very welcoming. A small selection of items and postcards available for purchase as a souvenir. A talk given while scopes were being set up was outside, rather than in their small theatrette. I personally would have held talk inside sitting down before going outside to point out astronomical highlights, as it was a long time to be standing about.. Witnessed with the naked eye at least two satellites and two shooting stars during our session, which we were thrilled to see. A great time was had by all. Would recommend if you are interested in our universe. Best time to go would be a clear night with no moon.

It was a great experience, Peter is knowledgeable and passionate of his craft. You would learn a lot. We joined the 9 pm session, it was chilly, so rag up when you visit there. The telescopes were impressive and to actually experience it... Mind blowing. Worth a visit. 😊

An absolute must for people interested in the stars and space! Highly recommend coming here, it might get cold, but it'll be worth it. You get to see a good range of what is out there. Peter is very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. The cost of entry was reasonable, and when checking against other observatories, is a bit cheaper than the others too. We left the observatory frantically googling how expensive it is to buy a telescope with similar digital calibration. One day... one day.

Unmissable Dubbo experience! Peter and Jane are such a great team, making star gazing accessible and interactive. The session included a presentation which taught me so much, followed by the opportunity to view a wide variety of outer space landscapes. It was really special opportunity, set against the soundtrack of the distant sounds of the zoo. Suitable for kids old enough to understand not to touch the telescopes :) 10/10 would recommend!

Extremely cool and humbling experience. Interesting presentation and very knowledgeable guide who took the time to answer my silly questions. A little bonus that the astronomer’s surname is Starr — nominative determinism at its finest!

Great experience for anyone interested in astronomy! The Dubbo Observatory offers a fascinating look at the night sky, with knowledgeable guides who make complex topics easy to understand. The telescope viewing sessions are fantastic, seeing planets, stars, and galaxies up close is an unforgettable experience. A must-visit while in Dubbo, especially for families and anyone curious about space.

This is a Must-visit attraction in Dubbo. This Japanese garden is beautiful with a little lake that has some of the most amazing colourful, huge sized Koi fish, few different types of ducks and other birds, many exotic varieties of trees plants and flowers etc. There's also bbq and seating areas located within. The relaxing atmosphere here provides for a refreshing experience. Highly recommended.

Beautifully landscaped and well maintained gardens and playground. The playground is fenced with several picnic shelters, and a toilet block right in the middle, with a flying fox, large concrete slide, climbing frames, hammock, and wheelchair accessible swing which appeared to be in good working order when we visited. Note that although fenced, the gate is left open. The Japanese gardens are enclosed separately to the playground. It features meandering pathways, a magnificent weeping willow and a large pond with waterfall, ducks and koi. Small children need close supervision in this space due to easy access to the water. There are also toilet facilities at the back of the Japanese gardens. Definitely worth a visit for all ages. We loved it so much we came twice during our stay in Dubbo.

The botanic garden development began in 1999 and currently comprises one adventure playground, and five distinctive garden spaces; Shoyoen Japanese Garden, the Sensory Garden, the Biodiversity Garden, the Oasis Valley and the Wiradjuri Garden. It is open 7 days with shorter time on weekends. You can book for guided tours by calling the council. Alternatively there is an audio app that you can download on your mobile phone. It is over a large area and can take some hours to visit. The Japanese house on site has limited numbers at any one time and hence needs to be prebooked. Popular place, need to go early to avoid the heat as well. You can get there by car or public transport. Toilets available. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. You can spend several hours here depending on your interests. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Free entry. Beautiful place. Lots to see especially in spring when blooms are out. Lovely place for picnic. Great place for photography.

Beautiful lil Japanese garden. Nice place to chill out get couple thousand. Steps up. Also across rd major shopping centre

Very interesting place. There is no need to buy tickets for garden entry. The garden was so beautiful and very silent, peaceful. We have play area opposite Garden. Kids can Spend time the play area if they get board. When We went, we had plenty of parking but during school holidays and peak time may be busy.

Beautiful gardens especially the Japanese Gardens 😍 love it, was a great surprise. Would definitely recommend them when in Dubbo

Very nice garden to visit while in town, there is also a great large playground for the kids which is bigger than the average neighbourhood playground. The Zen Gardens are awesome and love all the roses.

Easily the best butter chicken and naan I’ve ever had and I have tried a lot of different places. All of the staff were very friendly and welcoming. I was only in Dubbo for 2 nights, so glad I tried this place the first night. Was so impressed went back again the second night and tried the mango chicken. Will definitely visit again to try the rest of the menu! Thanks guys (from the bike guy :) )

Fantastic night. Attentive staff but not pushy. Asked how much time we wanted between courses instead of rushing us. The food was delicious and authentic. Lovely atmosphere and very reasonable prices. Highly recommend

I’ve had many exceptional Indian meals over the years; places like The Clove and Zaafran come to mind. Royal India Restobar is on par with these restaurants. We went on a Tuesday evening and it was packed. Fabulously authentic food accompanied by excellent service. Dubbo continues to surprise with the emergence of some brilliant local restaurants. Congratulations to the owners of Royal India Restobar - you have created a wonderful dining experience.

We had a wonderful dinner for four at Royal India Restobar on Saturday night and were so impressed by the whole experience. The restaurant itself is stunningly over the top — lavish velvet seating, grand chandeliers, and rich colours make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a Bollywood movie set, right in the heart of outback Australia. We chose the Maharaja Khanna banquet and it did not disappoint. There was an incredible variety of authentic dishes — starting with beautifully spiced entrees like Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kebabs, and Onion Bhaji. The mains were just as impressive with Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, Vegetable Korma, and Palak Paneer, accompanied by fluffy rice, fresh tandoor cooked cheese and garlic naan, and cooling raita. Every dish was packed with flavour and cooked to perfection. There was so much food — plenty to satisfy even the hungriest appetite — and the quality was consistently excellent across the entire banquet. Staff are very attentive and friendly. A truly memorable and enjoyable dining experience.

I can confidently say this was some of the best Indian food I’ve had in a very long time. The naan breads were exceptional—soft, fluffy, and incredibly tasty, almost like cotton buds. The kebabs were next-level, melting in the mouth—something I haven't experienced in years, especially compared to other Indian restaurants I’ve tried across Australia. The chicken tikka masala was spot on—full of flavour with a rich, creamy texture. It had everything you'd expect from a well-made curry. The service was also excellent. The staff were attentive, checking in multiple times to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. It’s rare to find that level of attentiveness these days. I spent $80, but honestly, it was worth every dollar. I was very hungry and looking for a proper feast—and this meal delivered. I left full and genuinely happy. I’ll definitely be coming back!

The chandelier is definitely the showstopper! Lol but on a more serious note, the food was bursting with authentic Indian flavours, and the butter chicken was hands down the star of the night. Truly one of the best I’ve had ❤️ service was excellent. The staffs were warm and attentive regularly checking in on us which made our whole experience feel relaxed and welcoming

My sister and I came across this restaurant while staying in Dubbo overnight on our way from Melbourne to Gympie. It was her birthday and she couldn’t have been happier that we stopped to have dinner there. Wonderful decor, food and service. We couldn’t fault it!

I honestly wasn’t expecting to be this impressed, but Press Café in Dubbo completely blew me away. The breakfast was absolutely phenomenal — from the fresh ingredients to the beautiful presentation, everything was spot on. The breakfast was just bursting with flavour. You can tell they care about quality and detail. The staff were welcoming, the vibe was relaxed yet polished, and the place had that chic, rustic charm that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. If you’re in Dubbo and even thinking about where to eat go to Press. You won’t regret it. This is the kind of breakfast that makes you want to come back to Dubbo just for a second round.

My son and I were in town for a couple of days and stopped in for breakfast both mornings. The service is outstanding, coffee and food was amazing! Walking into the garden area out the back was beautiful. Highly recommend this place!

Get here early if you're coming on a Sunday! I arrived at 7:55 and was about 10 in the queue! After opening at 8am they seated everyone very efficiently and my coffee arrived within 5 minutes and it was then that I understood why there had been a steady stream of people arriving since they opened. This was the best coffee I've had in Dubbo by some margin. A coffee that would not be out of place in the trendiest of cafes in Sydney's inner west. Service was friendly and efficient and my big breakfast was excellent. Prices were more Sydney than Dubbo but so was the quality.

We stopped for takeaway coffee on our way to Nyngan and were so impressed by the quality coffee/service/ that we dined in on our return trip. Definitely recommend both! Service made us feel special, food was spot on, coffee was top notch and the ambience in the rear courtyard eating area was amazing! Great history as well making good use of the old The Land newspaper offices! Not to be missed when visiting or passing through Dubbo!

At Press, the country is on par with the inner city. The staff are friendly, efficient and right across food allergies. The atmospere is relaxed, tasteful and comfortable. The menu is well curated, catering for all tastes and diets, with flexibility for vegetarians and coeliacs. Dog friendly.

Being from Sydney, this is one of the best coffee shops I’ve ever been to. Food was delicious but the overall feel of the place is so nice. Lovely outdoor area that feels spacious but as if you’re in a rainforest! I would love to go back.

Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5 Wonderful service & delicious food! The entire team was so friendly and attentive. I had the avocado, feta, tomato salsa and pistachio dukkah on sourdough (the bread was truly outstanding!!!) Danny was an outstanding server. He was thoughtful, warm, and really looks after you. I had to step away briefly before my meal arrived, and he covered my dish with a plate to protect it from the open fire soot. I admire this great attention to detail, and super grateful for how quickly everything was served. Thank you to the whole Press team. I’ll definitely be back!

Went here while on holiday on the recommendation of the manager of the place we stayed. The food was really well presented and the menu was small enough to ensure that what did show up was made with attention. We had some pizzas and the Korean chicken with some sides. I would happily eat everything we chose again. The food arrived promptly, the staff were efficient and the dining area was inviting and open without being too overwhelming. There are a selection of beers available (obviously) that will cater to every palate but there are other options if you need them. There are a selection of desserts but I did not partake, so can’t say if they’re any good.

Good food and beer. Quick friendly service. Kid menu also available. Nice relaxing atmosphere. Lots of parking.

Food was amazing. Venue was amazing. Pea Blossom Lemonade was delicious. Our friend & I had the Vietnamese Pork Belly, it was so tender & melt-in-your-mouth yummy. My husband had “meat lovers” style pizza, apologies but I can’t remember the name of it. He said it was really good. Happy days all round. Highly recommend!!!

I never like to write bad reviews but for this place i definitely wanted to… We went for my sons 21st birthday and everyone waited an hour for our entree’s, and another hour for mains. When the food arrived my husband and I got the lamb for 2 it was very dry and over cooked with one tiny cup of gravy, we asked for more gravy as it was that dry, it was so bad we didn’t even eat half of it. We thought we would just eat the veggies and they were also bad… very disappointing 🥹 and I paid a fortune for meals and entree’s. We won’t be back!!!

If you know what good beer taste, don't go here. There is better in town! Took a tasting paddle, I couldn't finish any, even a simple IPA.

Nice establishment. IPA was tasty. Disappointed in the “sweet potato salad” which wasn’t. More like a coleslaw with a few slices of sweet potato on top and flavour combo was odd. My partner enjoyed his Diavola burger.

Extremely disappointing experience with the manager, Caitlin. I visited Devil’s Hollow Brewery and politely asked for a simple lemon wedge. Caitlin’s response was shockingly rude, she gave me an aggressive look, slammed the till drawer, and placed the lemon wedge on the kitchen counter far from where I was standing, without a word of acknowledgment. Her attitude was completely unprofessional and lacked even the most basic customer service skills. It’s really unfortunate to have such a negative interaction in what could otherwise be a great place. Management should seriously look into improving their staff’s approach to customer service a smile and a bit of courtesy go a long way. One star review is a lucky google review to have, i would give below 0 if ever existed.

So my Mum’s now husband used to own this store back in the day when it was the neighbourhood milk bar, so had to come and check it out. Apparently they lived in the residence and ran the milk bar / kitchen from the front room. We nipped in for a late breaky and was impressed with the food. The B&E roll I ordered was delicious and kept me full for the majority of the day. We sat inside in one of the back rooms as it was raining but would be nice on a sunnier day sitting outside in the courtyard. Definitely worth stopping in for a feed if you love locally or passing through town.

"I recently tried the iced strawberry matcha latte, and it was absolutely amazing! A big shout-out to the team for creating such a delicious drink. I truly appreciate the great service and effort you put into your work. I’ll definitely be coming back next time. Keep up the excellent work!"

Short Street Store in Dubbo is a hidden gem and well worth a visit! With its colourful decor, tasty and original homemade food, and friendly service, it's a delightful spot.

This is a cute little cafe with a nice menu, good choices for kids and delicious drinks from home made lemonade to fruity frappes, milkshakes and great coffee.

A café that really surprised us—in a good way. Right from the start, it felt different. Thoughtful touches were everywhere, from the layout to the little details. You could tell someone actually cared. Service was warm and efficient. We were greeted straight away and made to feel welcome. Before we even ordered, it was clear this place runs with heart. The gluten-free menu was done well. It wasn’t just a token option—there were plenty of choices, and each one was marked clearly with a small flag. One detail that stood out: all the women at our table were served first. It was a simple gesture, but it said a lot about the care behind the scenes. The food was spot on. The hash brown was house-made and crisp—not the frozen kind. Pancakes (gluten-free) were a hit, and the bacon and egg roll was packed and cooked just right. We all had different egg requests—some runny, some not—and they nailed every one without issue. It’s the small things too: a bite-sized brownie with each coffee, a quiet green courtyard, and tidy, unfussy decor. Only minor note: the cappuccinos were a bit heavy on the chocolate, almost like a mocha. Nothing major, just a personal taste. To the team—kitchen, floor staff, and whoever’s behind it all—thank you

After I finish my work commitments I make a point of exploring the cafe/restaurant offerings in small and large regional communities. I discovered Short Street Store last August 2023 and visited again a few days ago. Just as good and just as friendly. Located in a quiet residential street about 1.5 km west of the Dubbo CBD, this cafe continues to look, feel and taste different to most of the local establishments. Once again greeted with a wide smile and enthusiastic table service I ordered a toast dish that in my widespread travels remains unique. Call my lazy however I had to try it again. Called a “Fancy Toast” (compared to what???) you get a two substantial pieces if Vienna white bread topped with a house made spinach and pistachio mousse. It was just as lovely the second time however my photograph probably does not do it justice. The cafe claims this fancy toast is awesome with bacon or chorizo - that delight is for next time in a couple of months. Coupled with a freshly pressed “Green Juice” (apple, cucumber, mint, spinach & ginger) and a macchiato I set myself up for the long drive home. The juice is very flavoursome and will balanced. While the macchiato was very good I can’t give it more than an 8/10 rating. I am a bit of a coffee nut so forgive me the indulgence of hard rating. Having said that, I would still come back for another coffee. I had two while there. If you really want an all day Breaky to fortify you for a long drive, try the Butter Chicken Bene - Vienna toast topped with baby spinach, pulled butter chicken, 2 poached eggs, curry hollandaise & crispy fried onions. Wow! Then there is the Breaky Risotto with saffron oil ….. So my suggestion in Dubbo is get out of the busy and rather feature less main street and head up to Short Street Store. I certainly will when I return in the near future. Looking around I could see the local community meets here for food and chat.

Sadly the food was a bit of a letdown. The eggs benedict and tikka eggs benedict did not hit the mark. The tikka shredded chicken was cold, minimal hollandaise, and the eggs were not runny. If you are chasing eggs benedict, there are much better and consistent places elsewhere in Dubbo. Probably would have been good to know that the hash browns were also indian inspired and not suitable with pancakes or other more western foods. The bacon and egg roll/burgers the table next to us ordered did look great though. The cafe looks rustic and old, which is quite charming.

Beautiful set up, customer service is fantastic! Love the Ipad ordering. Helps with anxiety. Omg the drinks... beautifully presented and tastes amazing. The music filled the room with such passion. Well done. I'll definitely be visiting again. First impressions is 10/10!!!

Thoroughly enjoyed the cosy atmosphere. Lemon meringue Sour cocktail really has to be tried, hints of vanilla with the turmoil of sweet and sour in each tasting! Yum!

It's a small, exclusive bar, unusual for Dubbo. They have events and entertainment on a regular basis. We had tickets to a comedy show, which was lots of fun.

I love the place, the energy, costumer service was amazing plus the best cocktail ever ✨❤️ thank you so much for the experience 🙌

Apart from pretzels there is no food but that's ok. This is a great place and definitely worth trying

Really cool, speakeasy-style bar with great cocktails and friendly service. Convenient iPad based ordering system, nice range of Vietnamese nibbles delivered from the restaurant down the road. Really wonderful place for putting more diverse cultural activities on the map in Dubbo. Great place to spend a quiet evening.

Sunday afternoon live music, terrific! Believe all the reviews, huge range of drinks, even beer