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Attractions in Dubbo

 

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Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Western Plains Zoo Dubbo - Country Airstrips Australia

One of the great attractions in Dubbo is the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. You can walk, drive or ride around the Zoo’s five-kilometre circuit. There are bikes or carts for hire to easily take you to see and experience it all.

The Zoo is home to hundreds of rare and endangered animals including giraffes, rhinos, elephants and big cats. Daily keeper activities (included in zoo entry) and special tours deliver magical experiences you will never forget. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days, giving you ample time to experience all that is on offer.

The Zoo’s free access Savannah Visitor Plaza includes a shop, playground and cafe. The cafe overlooks Savannah Lake and Primate Island, home to Black-handed Spider Monkeys and Ring-tailed Lemurs.

For the ultimate zoofari, experience African style Zoofari Lodge, self-contained Savannah Cabins, or go camping at Billabong Camp.

Address: Obley Road, Dubbo, NSW
Phone: (02) 6881 1400

Old Dubbo Gaol

Old Dubbo Gaol, Dubbo

The Old Dubbo Gaol began as a courthouse lockup in 1847. With the selection of the location for a new town along the Macquarie River, it was one of the first government buildings along with the constable’s residence and the post office. The lock-up, which was a slab hut of one main room and two cells, frequently leaked when it rained. It was also not the most secure area as it was not enclosed by walls.

Crimes brought about by greed, hunger and poverty saw many individuals locked away in the small confines of the lock-up. In 1859 Dubbo lock-up was proclaimed a gaol. In 1871 a new gaol was built complete with 4 cells and a bedroom for the gaoler. This new police gaol, along with Dubbo being proclaimed a circuit court in 1874, saw more serious criminals locked away. This included those who had committed such crimes as assault, murder, infanticide and sexual assault. The Dubbo Gaol was provided a gallows for those crimes deemed to warrant the death penalty. The first hanging occurred in 1877. Seven executions would follow including the notorious Jacky Underwood, who was involved in the Breelong Massacres. These crimes were later fictionalised in the novel “The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith” by Thomas Keneally.

The Gaol was upgraded to a Minor Gaol in 1887. The male cell division was expanded to encompass 13 regular cells. A large padded cell for psychiatric prisoners was installed along with two dark cells for the punishment of prisoners. A fully independent female division was erected with separate exercise yard and bathroom facilities. Remand yards nicknamed “the birdcage” were built and an infirmary block with kitchen and food store was installed. The Gaol was then enclosed behind 12-foot high brick walls. An imposing gate entrance was built from the main street into the Dubbo Gaol.

The Gaol was closed on the 31st of August 1966. The 20 remaining prisoners were transported to Gaols around the area and with a laneway, the prison warders were transferred. Many of the fittings and objects were either removed from the site or buried.

The Gaol was re-opened in 1974 as a tourist attraction. The Historical Society and Restoration Committee collected many original artefacts and performed archaeological digs. In 1997 responsibility for the Gaol was vested in Dubbo City Council’s Community Services Division.

Address: 90 Macquarie Street, Dubbo NSW
Phone: (02) 6801 4460