With less than one week left until back to school, it’s time to head out on a Regional Road Trip for 4 days as a family to the great Central West.
Just over the mountains but not too far away, there are plenty of kid tested and approved activities such as the Bathurst Winter Festival, Wellington Caves, and Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Read on for a special discount on the major attractions in this itinerary to make this memorable family trip even more enticing!
Day One
Your first stop is Bathurst, 3 hours drive west of Sydney, and 3 from Canberra.
The Bathurst Winter Festival is on until 16th July. Enjoy ice skating, carnival rides, illuminations after dark, live music, loads of free activities, and more.
Visit the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre for more ideas on what to do while you’re travelling back through Bathurst on day four of your adventure. Grab breakky at Harvest Cafe and Store before heading off on your next leg further into the Central West to Wellington!
Day Two
Less than 2 hours drive from Bathurst is the charming town of Wellington – home to the astounding Wellington Caves and the expansive Burrendong Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
After you discover the underground, stop in town for a replenishing (and tasty) lunch and burn off some energy at the playground in Cameron Park, before you continue on to Dubbo.
Dubbo is less than 40 minutes drive from Wellington, so for the afternoon, head back in time for a wander at the heritage listed Old Dubbo Gaol – or for the bravest visitors, take a twilight or night tour and experience the Gaol at its eerie best!
Day Three
Time for an unforgettable safari adventure at Taronga Western Plains Zoo! See hundreds of rare and endangered animals exploring by car, on foot or ride around on hired bikes or carts. Don’t miss the new Wildlife Hospital where you can discover first-hand how the Zoo’s expert team heals the wild.
After your wild zoo adventure, spend your afternoon deep in the rich history of the beloved Flying Doctor at the immersive Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience.
Day Four
As you make your way home again via Bathurst, don’t forget to do a hot lap around Mount Panorama/ Wahluu, visit the National Motor Racing Museum and get up close to forgotten Fossils at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum.
And if you’re still hungry for more, skip back through the winter festival and celebrate artistic and cultural diversity with sculptures standing, hanging and hidden through Machattie Park.
As you make your way out of the mountains and back into the city, share your Regional Road Trip with us by tagging @BathurstWinterFestival and @DubboCity on your socials and #WinterRegionalRoadTrip.
Special Offer
Looking for a great family holiday AND great value? Holidays should be enjoyable, so turn off the stress and dial up the fun with the Dubbo Region Great Big Adventure Pass! The Great Big Adventure Pass is a multi-ticket to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience and the Wellington Caves – and best of all the Pass gets you 20% off your entry to all four attractions. Plus, show this pass at the Museums in Bathurst and receive a 10% discounted entry during July 1-16, 2023.
More itinerary inspo…
There are plenty of accommodation options in Bathurst and Dubbo for a cozy stay, from all the convenience of a modern motel, to a country cottage or farmstay.
Browse places to rest your head and more ideas for your Regional Road Trip on the Dubbo Tourism Website, and the Bathurst Region Tourism Website.
