The Best Hotels to Book in Dubbo, New South Wales

Dreaming of waking up surrounded by rhinos, zebras and giraffes? Take one nap at Zoofari Lodge, and you’d think you were snoozing in the savannah. Animal-view lodges have your fave creature comforts – like a king bed, mini bar and fridge for easy grub storage. The shaded veranda is your outpost for optimal wildlife sighting, so keep your camera at the ready. Your larger caravan may be more comfortable in the six-sleeper Bushland Lodge, which has a common area for wildlife viewing just a lion’s pounce away.

Glide down the tree-lined street, and cosy into a nest at Pericoe Retreat. A 20-minute drive from Taronga Western Plains Zoo keeps you close – but not too close. A saltwater crocodile won’t wander into the saltwater pool, and you won’t find bipeds except humans monkeying around on the tennis court. Get closer to the locals with a walk around the retreat – but we assure you that you won’t find so much as a finch sleeping in your suite.

Sticking around at one of the hotels in Dubbo? Bluegum’s motel is a solid choice. The executive king has more than enough room for anyone who likes to seat-hop from the bed to the sofa to the office desk. Need more places to place your booty? The premier studio adds in a dining area and a plush sofa footrest, and you’re free to lounge here, there and everywhere. Obviously, there’s a private toilet, too – but we won’t count that throne among the seating chart.

Castlereagh Hotel knows that you don’t want to blow your budget simply on a place to sleep – which is why a no-frills single room was designed to warmly welcome your wallet. A bed and an armoire let you unwrinkle your spine and our suits – while the TV above the small writing desk catches you up on the latest in Dubbo. The squawk box may mention a new exhibit at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, which is only a few blocks away.

Nothing against the other hotels in Dubbo, but it tickles us to think that we could wake up at Rhino Lodge to a kangaroo – not a concierge – outside of our room. This glamping experience in the bush includes the creature comforts you need like air conditioning and a tea maker but leaves you disconnected from the buzz of the real world. Instead of zoning out in front of the TV, lay your head back, and gaze at infinite stars right from your patio. If these black bush skies inspire you to stretch your view deeper into space, the Dubbo Observatory a few minutes away will help.

Hop off the train at Dubbo Station, and take a load off at Endeavour Court Motor Inn. The minibar is pre-stocked with the libations you need after a long day of locomoting around NSW. No worries if you are arriving a little late for breakfast – walk right down to the Wild Bean Cafe for a late-morning pick-me-up while your clothes toss and turn in the laundry machines at the Inn.

Nature lovers, pet owners and small families – is there a guest that Tallarook Motor Inn wasn’t built for? No matter your species of little ones, there’s a bed reserved for them. Your kids will love having their own bedroom in the family room, while your pooch will love the multiple “bathrooms” available at Lions Park just outside. While you’re outside, take the kids to the playground, or follow the riverwalk all the way down to Western Plains Zoo for a wild day outdoors.

Skip sharing beds in the hotels of Dubbo, and rent out a full apartment for your friends at Quest. Two- and three-bedroom units have fully equipped kitchens to cook up a relaxing night in – while eating out is easy with so many restaurants and bars around the corner. Want to see how the not-so-well-behaved gangs of friends spent the night pre-21st-century? Take a tour of the Old Dubbo Gaol, and you’ll never take your ensuite bathroom for granted ever again.

Right off of Mitchell Highway, the Aberdeen Motel has the roadside relaxation you need during a long road trip. Throw the car in park, and leave only to grab some grub – unless you can make new mates with the chef at the cabana barbie. Watch the lads play a game of footy at East Dubbo United FC, or just kick back and toss the ball around in the private saltwater pool.

You’re bound to bump into frequent flyers at the Blue Diamond Motor Inn, and they’ll tell you that the proximity to the best sites in Dubbo is why they’re always keen to return. You can venture anywhere from Taronga Western Plains Zoo to Charles Sturt University in minutes by car. On foot, you’re even luckier – cafes and restaurants are only steps from the comfort of your twin room and the refreshing waves of the pool.