Discover Dubbo
We stayed at Toongi Hall, 20 minutes out of Dubbo. It was a nice shady place, with a fire pit right out the front of the caravan.
We went to the Royal Flying Doctor Base and it was interesting to learn about how they operate. Their base is in Dubbo. In the afternoon we went for an hour trail ride. I loved it!
On the 14th of March Chloe turned 6. She was very excited to receive some books, some cds as well as two dressing-up dresses. She read to herself "There's a Wocket in my Pocket" and Josh read to her "Trip to The Top end- Our trip across Australia." We went out for dinner to celebrate her birthday.
As a treat for Chloe's Birthday, we went to Western Plains Zoo. As the tickets were valid for two days, we went on Saturday and Sunday. We had planned to use our bike rack to transport our bikes (we were riding around), however realised we did not have the connection for the bike rack to the car. We could fit 3 bikes in the car (Mum would just drive round and Tahlia had a baby seat), but we did not know what to do with the other 2. we figured out that if Dad and Josh rode, we could all get their with the correct number of bikes. It was 20km, so Dad and Josh left a bit before us as we had to purchase a helmet for Chloe.
It was a 5km circuit around the zoo, but Chloe (who has only recently got her training wheels off) made it fine and still had energy to spare! The rest were all exhausted (even Tahlia who was complaining her legs were tired).
Did You Know?
- The Common Eland can jump up to 2m even though it weighs 2 tonnes.
- The Siberian Tiger can run, climb and swim better than us, so if it attacks you, just hope for the best.
- The greatest threat to the Siberian Tigers is loss of their habitat due to deforestation and palm oil plantations.
- Hippopotamus' can get up to 50 miles an hour in 2 steps from a standing start.
- When giraffes are first born they stand at about 2m tall. The tallest baby!
Dubbo
"The City Of Smiles"
Our favourite camp spot:
Toongi Hall:
Obley Rd,(honesty box $5 per night) About 25 km from Dubbo on the way to Yeoval. We stayed for one week. Has toilet block and drinking water tap. Plenty of grassy space to camp and for the children to run around. Plenty of shade. We used our generator. There were no other closer cheap accommodation alternatives. We highly recommend this camp spot.
Places to visit:
Taronga Western Plains Zoo ($): Obley Rd, Dubbo. Ph: 02 6881 1400. Drive, walk or cycle around the zoo. Electric carts & bikes can be hired. Kids enjoyed the feeding shows. We rode our bikes around, which was a great way to see the animals. There were two day tickets which worked well for viewing animals one day and focussing on the animal shows the next day. The children really enjoyed watching the shows. There is a kiosk and cafe there. We brought our own picnic esky due to cost. Bring plenty of cool water!Tahlia aged 3 reported tired legs from sitting in the toddler seat on the back of my bike!
Old Dubbo Gaol ($): 90 Macquarie St, Dubbo. Ph: 02 6801 4460. Day or night tours available. You may need to talk your younger children through this experience so they do not feel scared. We found that it was a valuable educational experience for all.
Western Plains Cultural Centre (free): 76 Wingewarra St, Dubbo. Ph: 02 6801 4444.
Dubbo Flying Doctor Base Visitor Education Centre (free): At the Dubbo Airport. All the children from oldest to youngest enjoyed this visit and talked about it afterwards. Good educational value. Gives a clear insight into the important service that is provided for remote communities.
Family Eating Out:
Dubbo RSL Club Resort Bistro – Cnr Brisbane and Wingewarra Sts, Dubbo. Ph: 02 6882 4411. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Our family have been here a couple of times and find it a relaxed atmosphere with a great view. The food is served promptly and is reasonably priced.
Westside Hotel Bar and Bistro – 22 – 30 Whylandra St, Dubbo. Ph: 02 6882 3500 Open daily from 10am until late.
Milestone Hotel – 195 – 197 Macquarie St, Dubbo Ph: 02 6884 8230. Open from 11am to 11pm. Affordable adults meals and children's meals available.
Toongi Hall:
Obley Rd,(honesty box $5 per night) About 25 km from Dubbo on the way to Yeoval. We stayed for one week. Has toilet block and drinking water tap. Plenty of grassy space to camp and for the children to run around. Plenty of shade. We used our generator. There were no other closer cheap accommodation alternatives. We highly recommend this camp spot.
Places to visit:
Taronga Western Plains Zoo ($): Obley Rd, Dubbo. Ph: 02 6881 1400. Drive, walk or cycle around the zoo. Electric carts & bikes can be hired. Kids enjoyed the feeding shows. We rode our bikes around, which was a great way to see the animals. There were two day tickets which worked well for viewing animals one day and focussing on the animal shows the next day. The children really enjoyed watching the shows. There is a kiosk and cafe there. We brought our own picnic esky due to cost. Bring plenty of cool water!Tahlia aged 3 reported tired legs from sitting in the toddler seat on the back of my bike!
Old Dubbo Gaol ($): 90 Macquarie St, Dubbo. Ph: 02 6801 4460. Day or night tours available. You may need to talk your younger children through this experience so they do not feel scared. We found that it was a valuable educational experience for all.
Western Plains Cultural Centre (free): 76 Wingewarra St, Dubbo. Ph: 02 6801 4444.
Dubbo Flying Doctor Base Visitor Education Centre (free): At the Dubbo Airport. All the children from oldest to youngest enjoyed this visit and talked about it afterwards. Good educational value. Gives a clear insight into the important service that is provided for remote communities.
Family Eating Out:
Dubbo RSL Club Resort Bistro – Cnr Brisbane and Wingewarra Sts, Dubbo. Ph: 02 6882 4411. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Our family have been here a couple of times and find it a relaxed atmosphere with a great view. The food is served promptly and is reasonably priced.
Westside Hotel Bar and Bistro – 22 – 30 Whylandra St, Dubbo. Ph: 02 6882 3500 Open daily from 10am until late.
Milestone Hotel – 195 – 197 Macquarie St, Dubbo Ph: 02 6884 8230. Open from 11am to 11pm. Affordable adults meals and children's meals available.