Dunedoo

Things to do

Dunedoo is quiet – and that’s just the way locals like it. You’ll quickly fall into the slower rhythm of life here, particularly when browsing objects from Talbragar Country Antiques. The store is packed with pieces ranging from retro furniture to jewellery and other collectables. The Dunedoo Museum and Historical Society contains intriguing artefacts and stories of the region, including mining, agricultural and military history and Aboriginal artefacts. The building also houses a library with a collection of local history books and photos. 

More of the town’s heritage is celebrated at the Dunedoo Silo, where artists Daniel Krause, Jarad Danby and Peter Mortimore have painted a number of scenes, including a larger-than-life portrait of Winx, a retired champion Australian thoroughbred racehorse, and her famous rider Hugh Bowman, who was born in Dunedoo.  

Silo art, Dunedoo - Credit: Dunedoo

Outdoor adventures 

The Warrumbungle Range is a dramatic chain of mountains that cuts through this part of the state. Follow the trail of colonial explorer and botanist Allan Cunningham and stop at the Cunningham’s campsite before discovering Pandoras Pass, a natural break he found through the chain of peaks. It’s a distinctive sight in Warrumbungle National Park, a hauntingly beautiful reserve that was named Australia's first Dark Sky Park – on clear nights you will encounter the starriest of skies here.

Camping, Warrumbungle National Park

Giant grass trees, tall eucalypt forest and huge snow gums characterise Coolah Tops National Park, where the Warrumbungle and Liverpool ranges meet. There are trails for bushwalking and mountain biking throughout: take on The Falls, Racecourse or Grasstrees tracks to glimpse thundering waterfalls, or explore the Bundella and Mullion tracks on two wheels. Keep watch for  wallabies, eagles, gliders and rare owls. There’s a lot to do, so it’s a good thing there are campgrounds you can linger in and spend the night stargazing.  

Dunedoo is a great base for memorable day trips to other nearby attractions, including Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the Mudgee wine region, which are both just over a one-hour drive away.

Coxs Creek Campground, Coolah Tops National Park - Credit: Nick Cubbin/DCCEEW

Events, eating out & markets

In these parts, events don’t get much bigger than the annual Dunedoo Show. The whole family will be thrilled with the whip cracking, sheep shearing, dog jumping, post splitting and carnival rides. Expect plenty of country swagger. And then look forward to creative swagger at the other big event ticket: Art Unlimited, an exhibition and competition that attracts entries from all over Australia. 

If you’re looking for true blue Aussie country hospitality, you’ve come to the right place. The 1913-built Hotel Dunedoo is legendary in these parts, as much for the local characters you’ll meet inside as for the ice-cold beer on tap. The wide wooden verandah is a great place to kick back with a beverage and a hearty pub meal. For fresh produce (and more friendly locals), check out the monthly Made 'n Grown 3 Rivers Region Produce and Artisan Market.

People browsing the stalls at Made 'n Grown 3 Rivers Region Produce and Artisan Market, Dunedoo

Getting there & where to stay

Dunedoo is five hours’ drive northwest of Sydney and to 70 minutes east of Dubbo. You can fly in to Dubbo Airport and hire a car for the drive on to Dunedoo. You’ll find convenient accommodation to suit various budgets, including B&Bs, a motel, a country pub, a converted pub and camping and caravanning options, including a landscaped caravan park.