Roadtrip Sydney to Dubbo – Unveiling Wildlife Wonders & Rural Charm

Roadtrip Sydney to Dubbo packs a punch through scenic landscapes and a mix of treats in store. Soak up stunning views and charming towns like Bathurst, Forbes and Orange, and sip away in the wine country of Mudgee. In Dubbo, get ready for thrills at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo where you can experience an unforgettable African safari adventure right here in Australia and enjoy lots of other attractions. Explore handpicked accommodation by Travellarks in the heart of Central West NSW for a memorable stay along the way.

Here’s your itinerary…

Day 1: Sydney to Lithgow

• Distance: Approx. 139 km
• Drive time: Approx. 3 hr and 24 min
• Welcome to Lithgow – bursting with natural scenery and a proud industrial heritage. See the amazing Blackfellows Hand Cave, walk the town centre and explore its industrial past at the epic Blast Furnace. Hop aboard the Zig Zag Railway for a thrilling ride through lush landscapes and art buffs will love browsing local galleries. If you have more time, venture into the awesome mystical Glow Tunnel. Feeling peckish? Swing over to The Lithgow Tin Shed (Bridge ST), Blue Fox Bar and Kitchen, or Secret Creek in Crane Rd.

• Day 1: Lithgow to Bathurst

• Distance: Approx. 62 km
• Drive time: Approx. 44 min
• Welcome to Bathurst – home of the adrenaline-pumping motorsport action (hope you’ve secured tickets if you arrive when Bathurst 1000 roars to life! If not, look at some cool cars at the National Motor Racing Museum. See the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, Bathurst Rail Museum, Regional Gallery and Chifley Home as well. Travelling with kids? They’ll love the Adventure Playground, Abercrombie Caves, a ghost tour and Annie’s Ice Cream Parlour will become a favourite. If time allows, a visit to nearby wineries or the historic villages of Hill End and Sofala is good. Or catch a show at The Victoria Bathurst, join a bush tucker or truffle hunting tour. When hunger strikes –  Dogwoods BX for sizzling cowboy steaks, Church Bar offers tasty wood-fired pizzas or try The Hub, Porters Cafe, or Piccolos on William for their lumberjack brekkie. Got a sweet tooth?  Head straight to Carah’s Cakes and award winning Pies on George St.
• Looking to stay a few days here? Check out Travellarks accommodation in the Central West.

• Day 3: Bathurst to Orange

• Distance: Approx. 55 km
• Drive time: Approx. 42 min
• Welcome to Orange – land of rolling hills, vineyards, and laid-back vibes. Taste test local wines in any of 30 plus wineries like Mortimers, Philip Shaw and Heifer. Foodies will love the farm-to-table eateries and gourmet markets. Soar in a hot air balloons at sunrise, hike Mount Canobolas, explore the historic charm of the town with boutique shops, art galleries, and cosy cafes. Check out Orange Regional Museum and Art Spaces. regional museums and art spaces. For good eats, try Charred Kitchen, The Agrestic Grocer and Sister’s Rock. You can’t go passed Racine Bakery, Factory Espresso or The Sugar Mill for a sweet treat either. Orange has a couple of shady parks great for kids to burn off some roadtrip energy like Cook Park & Elephant Park and Orange Botanic Gardens.
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  Day 5: Orange to Forbes

• Distance: Approx. 117 km
• Drive time: Approx. 1 hr and 23 min
• Welcome to Forbes – land of bushranger history and camel races! Check out the town and its Historical Museum, Ben Hall’s Cave, Railway Arts and Visitor Info Centre and do the Heritage Walk then brekky at or Farmers Markets should hit the spot. The Lachlan River is a good chill out zone to picnic or throw a line in and then it’s worth seeing the McFeeters Motor Museum – you may be greeted at the door by Mr and Mrs McFeeter! Forbes Observatory will turn the kids into astronomers of the night sky and there’s are guided bushranger themed tours that bring the Forbes past to life. For nature, there are plenty of bushwalking, birdwatching, or cycling trails, plus the golf club and boutique stores and specialty shops offering unique finds in charming streets.

• Day 5: Forbes to Dubbo

• Distance: Approx. 156 km
• Drive time: Approx. 1 hr and 48 min
• Welcome to Dubbo – home to the renowned Western Plains Zoo, where the wild things are! Sleep among the wildlife at Zoofari Lodge or ride a safari truck through lion pride land! Let the kids loose at Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre while you soar in a hot air balloon. Stargaze at Dubbo Observatory or step into a Flying Doctor aircraft or chill at Shoyoen Japanese Gardens. Explore history at Dundullimal Homestead and amazing artwork at Western Plains Cultural Centre, then unwind on the terrace with a wine at Lazy River Estate. Nature lovers will enjoy Terramungamine Reserve, while foodies will love Dubbo Farmers Market. Hit the Tracker Riley Cycleway for a ride and don’t miss the city’s boutiques. Catch the Dubbo Show for rides and treats, groove at the Jazz Festival, and get creative at the DREAM Festival. You can hear spooky stories at the Old Dubbo Gaol and after all this exploring, you’ll need a bite at Press Cafe or Short Street Store and The Def Chef in Macquarie St.

Now that you’ve wrapped up your Roadtrip Sydney to Dubbo, filled with adventures and good memories, it’s time to get inspired for your next adventure with Travellarks!