So, you must go to Dubbo.

A two-night, three-day getaway is just enough time for a mix of activities and relaxation.

The highlight is The Western Plains Zoo but of course, there are so many other surprising delights.

You must book to stay at the luxury boutique accommodation The Repose. A super cute and stylish (lots of white), cottage. My dream home! If only for two nights. You have to check out the photos online. It is a stunner. Not really for kids, more of an adult treat. No television, because who has time for watching tv, but you have an indoor and outdoor fireplace and a claw foot bath to soak in. It is central to town and all activities.

Staying at Taronga Western Plains Zoo would be a pretty cool option too, staying in an Zoofari Lodge, it was just a little pricey for me. The other cute place I found was the Lazy River Estate Boat House Villa. It is 5km out from Dubbo with views over the vineyard and Macquarie River.

Your itinerary should look something like this;

• Leave home on Friday morning, heading to Dubbo, only a four and half hour drive. Stopping off at Bathurst for lunch and at Orange for a bit of look, see. Then checking out Wellington Caves before making it to Dubbo in the afternoon.

• Visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo on Saturday morning, which is open 8:30am - 5 pm but you must book The Early Morning Walk. You get to the zoo at 6:30am and do a two to three hour walk with a guide. We had Bob. He was awesome. Only an additional $15 . Buy your tickets online rather than at the gates, it’s cheaper. Hiring bikes to get around for $17 is an option or pack your own. Driving your car around is an option too. There is an option of doing the Savannah Safari for $10 a pop. We did it. It was worth having the opportunity to be up close to the animals

• And if the zoo doesn’t tickle your fancy you always have the Dubbo Farmers Markets on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month

• For some fun at night, go to Dubbo Ten Pin Bowling or Dubbo Observatory which is open 7:30 - 10:30pm

• On your way back to The Repose, make sure to do the drive down the main street at night. They have fairy lights wrapped around the trees and gorgeous street lights which are so pretty

• For dinner book at table at Down The Lane, then for breakfast on Sunday morning or to pick up your morning coffee on the go, make sure to drop into Press cafe

• On Sunday morning visit the Western Plains Cultural Centre which has a gallery and museum. Open from 10am - 4pm. Then go back in time at Dubbo Gaol, it’s right in the middle of town on the main street. You almost don’t see it.

• There is also Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens and the Royal Flying Doctor Service to visit if you can fit it in.

• On the way home, stop off in Mudgee, for lunch before arriving home on Sunday afternoon

That will keep you busy. Dubbo is huge though and there are plenty of things to do.

Is there anything else you can suggest others do while in the area? I would love to hear your recommendations. Feel free to join the conversation and leave a comment below.