We decided to visit Dubbo as part of a Winter Road Trip. Dubbo is most famously known for the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. While the Zoo is definitely a highlight, I reckon Dubbo is a hidden gem. It had some great Cafe's and there is plenty to do around town.
"Sabbi" was a rather playful juvenile Elephant. He seemed to love the attention and would run around the enclosure while letting out the occasional trumpet.
However, the Zoo is the main attraction and I must say it's a good one. I've visited all of the major zoo's in Australia and I have to say that the Dubbo Zoo is easily one of the best, particularly for non-native animals. For us Aussies we see plenty of Kangaroos, Koalas, Snakes and even Crocodiles (depending on where you live). The zoo is setup with large enclosures where the animals have room to roam. But the best part is the viewing experience.... views are unobstructed by cages, fences or glass. It's like being on Safari.
The Zoo is split into four main areas, Africa, Asia, Australia and the "Pride Lands". You can drive your car through each of these areas, hire a golf-buggy (like we did), cycle or even walk (it's about 5km from the entry gate to the exit). You also get two-days entry with your tickets so if you have the time you can see what the animals are up to the next day.
The "Big Cats" have always fascinated me. The strength and grace of these animals makes me wonder how we could possibly be at the point that many of the species are endangered. The "Asian" section of the Zoo very much focussed on conservation and awareness about the threats posed to the animals of the region. Loss of habitat to Palm Oil plantations is a major one. How prevalent Palm Oil is in everyday products is quite shocking. However, it's great to hear some of biggest brands signing on to using only sustainably grown Palm Oil.
There is something special about all of the "Big Cats". But I could've watched this Tiger for hours. There is just something mesmerising about his eyes.
One of the other attractions that I highly recommend in Dubbo is the Observatory. Peter, who runs the Observatory, clearly loves what he does and on a clear night viewing of the Moon, Planets, Stars and other parts of the Galaxy is simply amazing.
Being able to hook up the DSLR to one of the Telescopes and capture my first "Astro" shot of Orion's Nebula was definitely a highlight. Just a word of advice, if you are heading to the Observatory in Winter, wear something warm...very, very warm. We went to the early session which finished about 8:45pm and by the time we left it was "freezing".
Victoria Park contains Dubbo's Anzac Memorial and was stunning on this Winter's morning. The contrast of the "Warm" morning sun and the "Cold" frosted grass caught my attention.
As I said at the start, Dubbo has a lot to offer. The "old" part of of town is steeped in history. From beautiful historic parklands, to houses constructed in a bygone era, to the down-town area, or the banks of the Macquarie River there is heaps to see and explore.
Dubbo's The Exchange Clock Tower
Banks of the Macquarie River at Dawn
Street Art is something that I've always been drawn to... not that I condone vandalism, but street art that conveys a message or supports a cause is something I see as Art. I didn't expect to find a stunning mural in a rural town such as Dubbo.... However, this piece that I found by chance, pays tribute to a past Australian, Indigenous Activist, Pearl Gibbs. Gibbs spent many years, through the mid-1900s, living in Dubbo and established hostels and facilities that supported Indigenous people, particularly Women.
"Will my appeal for practical humanity be in vain?" - Pearl Gibbs