Keep it short and sweet on this five-day road trip from Dubbo to Broken Hill, discovering the heart of Central New South Wales’s outback and the charming towns that dot the landscape.

Prepare to uncover Central New South Wales’s hidden history, outback charm and jaw-dropping views on this road trip from Dubbo to Broken Hill. Expansive panoramas will have you admiring the landscape as the sun sets over jagged rock faces, lush bushland and vast desert plains. Moreover, the region’s rich history, combined with its thriving country culture and abundant adventures, makes this road trip through the heart of New South Wales perfect for just about anyone – no matter if you’ve got the kids in tow, you’re enjoying a lover’s getaway, are holidaying with mates or trekking solo.

We start our journey in the wild and wonderful Dubbo, where wildlife – both native and exotic – is ample. The regional city is around five hours from the coast, so if you’re travelling from either Sydney or Newcastle, consider stopping off in the Blue Mountains overnight and brave the trip in two days. Once you arrive in Dubbo, you’ll be met with an action-packed, family-friendly holiday haven that is bound to entertain and delight.

If all that driving has worked up an appetite, head to Press cafe in central Dubbo to enjoy cuisine made with fresh, local produce. All the coffee here is roasted in house, and the menu is adorned with delicious twists on brunch fan favourites – think: cider-braised pork toasted sandwiches with apple jam and sharp cheddar cheese, and fluffy vanilla waffles with cheesecake mousse and house-made lemon curd. Yum!

Once you’ve satiated any hunger pangs, it’s time to dive headfirst into the adventure. If you and your travel companions are wanting to catch a glimpse of epic wildlife in action, then a visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo is essential. The safari-style animal park will have you walking or biking around five kilometres of incredible displays, which are bound to transport you from the Aussie countryside to the stunning plains of Africa. With plenty of interactive fun for the kids (and the young at heart!), the zoo is home to a huge range of endangered species from across the globe, including rhinos, giraffes, monkeys, meerkats, elephants and big cats, as well as native animals like koalas and kangaroos.

If you’d prefer to stay away from the lions but still want to explore Dubbo’s natural wonders, then there are still plenty of outdoorsy adventures awaiting. The Macquarie River snakes through the township, and the adjoining walking track and grassy banks are a perfect place to perch a picnic, or to simply admire the changing leaves on a stroll or bike ride. Similarly, the Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens is home to five different themed gardens abundant with native flora, and even boasts a playground for the kids to go wild on.

This is just a sneak peek! To read about the rest of the journey, check out the Autumn 2023 edition of Caravanning Australia.

_{Image courtesy of Destination NSW}