Dubbo, NSW 2830

3.9(43 reviews)

Ranked 1st best suburb by locals in North Western Region, NSW

Great for

  • Parks and recreation
  • Neighbourly spirit
  • Schools
  • Safe and sound
  • Lack of traffic

Not great for

    No ratings yet

Who lives here?

  • Families With Kids
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Tourists

Reviews of Dubbo, NSW

1st November 2022

"Not quite as the real estate agents portray it"

Main St and general cbd full of rubbish, needles, dog or human poo, broken shop windows. Lots of hoons on the main st and lots of people illegally "walking" loose dogs. Huge drug problem. Hard to get medical treatment, generally have to go to Sydney or Orange.
On the positive side, daily train to Sydney and an airport. The best part of Dubbo is the river and the walking track along it for a 5km or so circuit. Good food restaurants and plenty supermarkets.

1
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3rd June 2022

"An amazing community & lifestyle"

Working in the Dubbo community as a Real Estate Agent is a pleasure. We have so many amazing families and business owners. Everyday is enjoyable with new experiences to be enjoyed all the time. I'd thoroughly recommend the lifestyle in Dubbo for anyone looking for a change.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
2
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1st June 2022

"Affordable living"

great place to bring up a young family. Affordable living and housing.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
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1st June 2022

"An amazing place to be at"

Dubbo is a great place to be at, you name a thing, they have got everything covered. Great amenities, nice and peaceful, and have enough to tick all your boxes in terms of living and socializing.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
2
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31st May 2022

"A great place to live!!"

Dubbo has been a great place to grow up, and now to raise my own children. Its very family friendly with regular local events. The community has always been a pleasure to be apart of and I cant see myself living anywhere else.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
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Rentals in Dubbo

18th March 2022

"Great place to live."

Dubbo is a great place to live, many opportunities and work life balance. What is with the tree stumps around town though? We have been here 3 years and the stumps are accumulating. Please dont get me wrong trees are lovely but just having the stumps?

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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"Dubbo - the hub of the west!"

Dubbo is a wonderful place to live and raise your family. It is known as the 10 minute City meaning that you can get where you need to be in most instances within 10 minutes and you still do not have to paying for parking in Dubbo !!! Great restaurants, great tourist destination with the Taronga Zoo and plenty of National Parks nearby for those who enjoy bush walking and of course the Macquarie River and Burrendong Dam for the fishing enthusiasts. Dubbo maybe a city but it is still very much a country town where community is still the priority.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
2
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"Lovely place to live"

Dubbo is a nice place to live, never had to deal with any break ins -
neighbours are lovely and always up for a chat. shops and malls are fairly close together which makes shopping easy. Dubbo has great potential to become a larger city imo.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
1
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"Positive review"

Love Dubbo - friendly people with health and shopping facilities closely located.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
2
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"Dubbo"

A great place to raise a family and run a business. A bustling regional city with friendly people and great opportunities.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
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"Great town"

Great pubs, there are several. Great cafes, there are also several. Nightlife is pretty good and there are a ton of restaurants. Sport is big here and culture is evenly cared about. Don’t know what everyone is complaining about, locals are friendly as. We moved from Castle Hill and love it here. Mudgee is very nice too, a bit over an hour away. One criticism is the local council keep cutting trees down and leaving stumps around town.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
0
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"Best town in Australia"

Absolutely amazing town. Perfect for everyone. People saying it is bad are just soft

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
0
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"No place like it"

I couldn’t imagine myself living anywhere else, I’ve moved away for a couple of years but didn’t have the same feel Dubbo does. Such a beautiful place to live with friendly people. Lots of different restaurants and cafes to try.

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • Families with kids
2
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"Kid friendly town, fantastic cafes"

Adventure Playground and Victoria park playground are gated so great for kids especially little ones. Wahroonga park on Macquarie street is also a good little park with little riding tracks for scooters and bikes, shelters and bbqs.
Best cafes in town would be: The Gallery, CSC, Alchemy on Victoria.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
2
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"Small town, great community"

I was born in Dubbo and there is no place like it I have traveled and moved to different locations but I always find myself back home, friendly people just a few minutes drive from any area of town to get to where your going, great shops cafes and retailers.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
2
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"Small kid friendly town"

Good public schools for kids.
Shops close by

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
2
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"Built for the tough"

Yes so what I mean in a town that's built for the tough is that the people are not always the most friendly, the weather is extreme, the location is so remote you need to travel 2 hours before you even get somewhere remotely civil, your family will say they'll visit but never will, mostly because the airfares cost you a kidney, and there is very little community spirit here.

There are Dubbonians and there are the non-Dubbonians. If you want the full experience of Dubbonians, go for a job in government. If you get on their good side, they'll never leave you alone. If you get on their bad side, they'll never leave you alone. If you're moving here, move to the ex-pat communities, the newer estates in the west as that's your best chance at feeling like you belong. Only issue is you either send your kid to the Worst school in Dubbo, Dubbo West, or to the most expensive, Macquarie Anglican Grammar, or travel across town and send them to a private school in the South. However, most South and Upper West I would say are quite nice places to live.

The health care is also extremely hit and miss. Mostly miss. I'm yet to have an experienced Doctor but if you're looking for a doctor who will give you what you want, the drug you googled, then here's the place. The dentists are better. But overall, if you want good health care, you go elsewhere. Just ask the Dubbonians who'll travel all the way to Sydney without hesitation, to get the care they need. And if you didn't have a car here, well, I'd be very concerned for you because once you get to the 45 degree days, you'll be in a puddle of your own sweat the minute you step out the door. Which reminds me that the summers here are unlivable with children unless you have a huge house with aircon. Forget the outdoors, when you have mega dust storm after mega dust storm, you will not be able to let them run and play outside even if the temperature was around 40.

The zoo is great but there are only so many times you can do the zoo, goal and whatever the third one is. Who cares! Come for a holiday but not to stay. Why you'd not be at the beach on the holiday though, beats me but it's your adventure.

Overall Dubbo sucks. It isn't as bad as what it used to be or it's reputation, it's civil, half city-half-country and not too up itself (life Orange), but for some it just won't work. I'm one of those people unfortunately, and cannot wait to move. However, it is a pretty safe place, pretty cosmopolitan and a town that is experiencing growth. It could have a vibe, but doesn't.It is too disconnected because the locals don't mix, and the ex-pats are too new to make connections.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
6
Laura Shooter real estate agent
Laura Shooter

Hey Bruce and Joan, you've given people a lot of detail here! Helpful observation about the schools - the zoning is an important factor for a lot of families moving here. Last summer was really tough, the dust storms were unrelenting and the drought was at its peak, and I also noticed community spirit suffered over this time. I've lived her more that 30 years and saw more dust storms in 3 months than I had in my whole life before that! Add to that the sudden severe water restrictions that were put in place in the second half of 2019 and then doomsday media reports saying our river would run dry - it was quite demoralising. Thankful that we've had so much rain this year, everything is looking so fresh and green again, and as I'm writing this, the dam is back over 40% capacity; I'm hopeful when summer rolls in it won't be so harsh this time! We've sometimes joked that the road to Dubbo must be longer than the road out of Dubbo in reference to the promised visits ;) Sorry to hear it wasn't for you. Thank you for sharing your honest experience :)

michaelt44

Couldn't agree more with you Bruce and Joan

jeremym3

This is the most accurate and honest review on here.

leea33

Thank you Bruce & Joan for your honesty. Very insightful. Best of luck to you.

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"I really like Dubbo"

I like visiting Dubbo.. I enjoy getting away from Sydney from time to time and Dubbo has a great feel about it.

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"Three Reasons Moving To Dubbo is a Solid Choice"

When I tell someone I’m from Dubbo, this universally prompts a guttural echo, “Duuuubbbbbooo”, and usually some comment about the Zoo, with or without an attempt at humour.

It’s true, most people have heard about Dubbo, and have their own ideas about what it’s like here. We’ve seen our fair share of headlines, but I want to tell you three reasons why Dubbo is up there with the best of places to call home!

1 – If it’s good enough for Meghan and Harry, it’s good enough for you!
The Royal tour had the nation abuzz in 2018, and Dubbo was chosen to be visited by the couple of the moment. Dubbo was the scene of the precious exchange between a young boy and the couple that ended in a little cuddle, and captured the hearts of the world.

2 – OK, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo really does deserve a special mention.
Imagine being able to watch King Julian and his cronies frolic whilst you catch up with a friend during your lunch break. Or being able to take the kids to see a different animal every weekend of the year. When the wind is blowing in the right direction, you can hear the distant calls of the Siamang Apes from South and West Dubbo. It never gets old.

3 – It’s going places.
There’s an air of anticipation here about our future. We’ve always enjoyed a good mix of industry, but more recently have had unprecedented investment in our infrastructure. We’re the HQ for many government and non-gov organisations and we’re on the doorstep of the outback, yet only a 1 hour flight from the major cities. It’s cliché, but we truly are the hub of the West.

At the end of the day, the place you live is often what you make it. We have cinemas, amazing eateries, beautiful open spaces and huge diversity of interest groups and faith communities, and I know that if you take a risk and put yourself out there, you’ll find your people here.

PS, if you do move here, you’ll get precious about your commute. It’s only a matter of time before people who used to drive an hour each way for work start eye rolling if they need to drive 10 minutes across town. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
2
monm1

Hello Laura, just to answer quickly your points. Firstly, I do not understand why when writing not favourable review one has to write about schools ( your answer to bruce and joan); however people who were writing good ones wrote very general opinions without details that you are demanding from the former. Secondly , going back to specific points 1. Yes, Meghan and Harry visited Dubbo but for one hour so you can't really compare it to making a life changing choice of moving your whole life there. Besides, what is it really their choice to go there? 2. I agree with you about the zoo but at the same time that was the only unique, valuable and somehow educational experience that I could offer to my children. Again, is that a reason to make a life changing decision based on that only? 3. You also made a point about commuting which is true that it takes maximum 10 minutes to get to your destination ( depending where you live in Dubbo and where do you want to go of course); at the same time what is the point of the short commute if you have nowhere to go really ( apart from work and the zoo; shopping can be delivered). Dubbo is only good community for certain people. Prices of houses are going ridiculously up ( something that is definitely in your favour). If you are different, you are not accepted. It is a rough town. Walking on the high street through the cigarettes fumes ( telling your children to run and try not to breath that in) does not really make it a pleasant shopping experience. Overall it was not a good experience for our family and I am happy we are not there anymore. Lastly, being a director of one of the real estate agencies in Dubbo makes your review rather biased.

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Kim Hamilton real estate agent
Kim Hamilton
Raine & Horne Dubbo

"Great place to live or visit"

Dubbo is a city in the Orana Region of New South Wales, Australia. It is the largest population centre in the Orana region, with a population of of approx 42,000. The city is located at the intersection of the Newell, Mitchell, and Golden highways. The nearest city, Orange, is about 144 km away.

With interstate highway links, plus daily air and rail services, how you arrive in the Dubbo Region is simply a matter of choice.

Once you arrive, getting around is a breeze with simple to navigate roads, free parking, access to public transport and car hire in Dubbo, and many accommodation options within a short walking or driving distance to attractions, conference venues, shops and restaurants.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
4
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Amy Sanderson real estate agent
Amy Sanderson
LJ Hooker Corporate

"Awesome road trip"

We live in sydney and love Dubbo as a road trip destination. There are fab places along the way to visit and culminations g in Dubbo - the zoo is the main attraction for us, but we have also found many other great things to do too - including “glamping”
Amy Sanderson, LJ Hooker 0403 851 003 or [email protected]

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
2
Karen Chant real estate agent
Karen Chant

So glad to hear that you loved Dubbo as much as us locals do, Amy! The zoo is a great desination. We regularly head out there and grab a coffee from the cafe and drive around to check out what the animals are up to. Our zoo friends pass allows us to visit as many times as we like and so we generally only visit a few of the animal exhibits at a time as there are so many to watch and enjoy.

Amy Sanderson real estate agent
Amy Sanderson

And we will see you soon - I have a trip / bookings on hold from Easter!

Kim Hamilton real estate agent
Kim Hamilton

Hi Amy - glad you love Dubbo also. When you did training in our office years ago you did not have your little family. We also have zoo passes like Karen and can visit anytime. If we just want to go our for a quick visit we can just go out and grab a coffee while the kids have run around and play. There is always something new to look at and it is just one of the many great things to do while in Dubbo.

Amy Sanderson real estate agent
Amy Sanderson

Love it!!!!

Karen Chant real estate agent
Karen Chant

See you at Easter! It will be here before we know it :-)

Nathan Mason
Nathan Mason

Biased rubbish of a review. It is in a real estates interest to give false misleading reviews to try and boost sales. This review is a perfect example. Written by 1 agent and positively commented on by 2 other agents (no doubt friends of the author). This homely site should have an option to exclude real estate agents and just put up the people that live their and do not have an obvious reason to give a false misleading review for the purpose improving their own business opportunities.

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"Efficient commute to the Sydney CBD"

I can't reiterate enough how efficient the commute the Sydney CBD can be from Dubbo. Just half a dozen hours commute, it ranks highly relative to other regions such as the Kimberley, WA and Arnhem Land.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
1
Laura Shooter real estate agent
Laura Shooter

Haha, I couldn't agree more. So much more efficient than a commute from the Kimberley or Arnhem Land!!

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Karen Chant real estate agent
Karen Chant
Chant & Co

"Dubbo - Big Enough to Matter, Small Enough to Care"

Big enough to matter and small enough to care, our wonderful regional city of Dubbo is a great place to live, work and play.

Recognised as the capital of Western NSW, our welcoming community offers a relaxed country lifestyle, affordable housing options and an abundance of services and opportunities. With little to no work commute, quality of life is second to none.

The vibrant business, medical, government and retail service centre is well-equipped to cater for the needs of 39,000 local residents and a regional catchment of 200,000, drawn from throughout the Orana Region.

Ideally located at the intersection of major routes for road, rail and air transport, Dubbo is an easy five-hour drive from Sydney, four hours from Newcastle and Canberra and 10 hours from Melbourne and Brisbane.

One of the first country locations connected to the nbn network, the “hub of the west” has a diverse range of business and health services.

Our education network includes a mix of early childhood, public, independent and tertiary institutions, including Charles Sturt University, TAFE Western and University of Sydney School of Rural Health. The University of the Third Age has a selection of pleasure and study subjects for over 55s.

Cultural facilities include Macquarie Conservatorium, Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, Western Plains Cultural Centre, theatre, music and film making groups, film society and five-screen cinema.

Sporting enthusiasts are well catered for with abundant playing fields, championship level golf course, horse racing and equestrian activities, a variety of bowling and tennis clubs, cycleways and beautiful walking tracks. The Macquarie River provides fabulous opportunities for boating, fishing and picnicking.

Dubbo is well known for its festivals, fresh produce and craft markets, coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, vineyards, live music and art exhibitions.

Locals and tourists alike enjoy the world-famous Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Shoyoen Japanese Gardens, Old Dubbo Gaol and the National Trust’s historic Dundullimal Homestead. Nearby regional attractions include Burrendong Dam, Warrumbungle National Park, Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve and Orange and Mudgee vineyards.

Dubvegas (as we locals call it) has so much to offer. Come and see for yourself. I am sure you will be impressed and will want to stay to enjoy all the Dubbo has to offer.

Karen Chant
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Bob Berry Real Estate
56 Talbragar Street
DUBBO NSW 2830
Mobile: 0448 191167

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
3
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"Life is more leisurely"

Living in DUBBO is the best of both worlds. All the amenities of a big city without the hassle. Friendly people, room to grow a family and still close to major cities through direct flights. Affordable with great cafes and restaurants

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
0
Karen Chant real estate agent
Karen Chant

The short commute, country feel and easy access to all city conveniences is one of my favourite things, Julie :)

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"You make it what you want"

If you want a low key quiet lifestyle, you can do that. If you want to be involved in a strong business sector you can do that. If you want challenges and growth opportunities that happens here too. It’s a town that caters for everyone.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
1
Karen Chant real estate agent
Karen Chant

And caters for all ages and stages of life. So much is on available if you need it.

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"A place where city & country meet!"

One of the best places about Dubbo is the range of eating options available! From unique burgers & take-away, to unique cocktail bars and food from all corners of the world, plenty of vegan/vegetarian options too. Majority of sports and hobbies are available for all interests. Lots of open spaces for walking or running with lots of dog-friendly areas, one of the countrys best Parkrun events! Culture & events in Dubbo keep growing and attracting International artists and unique experiences. Travel from Dubbo to any capital city is easy with direct connections to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Property is very affordable and great bang for your buck, with a variety of home styles available. If you live here, you dont miss out on anything! (Just need a K-Mart!)

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
Karen Chant real estate agent
Karen Chant

Absolutely Jason! And so many great people who make up and contribute to our community :)

Samantha Sims real estate agent
Samantha Sims

You are exactly right Jason! Dubbo has a lot to offer! :)

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"Unfortunately wasn’t the right fit"

Everything I’ve read is true, great for young families and people with some connection with the area. For me moving as a young professional I found it very challenging, for most sport clubs you have to know 12 people to start a team can’t join as a single. There are only 2 new to Dubbo events on and only clubs that are there are croquet and bird watching. Unfortunately couldn’t meet anyone their to make a connection with. Restaurants there to be honest aren’t that good. Any national parks are too far away and there wasn’t any good scenery on the drive to anywhere. Too hot in summer literally had the aircon on for 4 days straight and can drop down to -7 in winter. I m an outdoor person but I have my limits. I didn’t see any crime the local businesses are very professional and helpful. There are big competitions in sports so there are a lot of activities for kids to get into. Came there with the best intentions, but left disappointed. At one of the meet up events one lady said she had live there for 2 years and is still not making connections. Great for young families but for young professionals be prepared if you are considering moving there, it can be very challenging

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
3
michaelt44

most of the positive comments are coming from realestate agents that don't give specific experiences but the generic positive sales pitch. There are positives but noone should be mislead lot of what they say can't be said about every town in Australia

bruceandjoan

Yes - Michael, you're spot on. Everyone else, beware!

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"Nice Place"

Lots of job opportunities if you have the right qualifications eg nurses. Lots to do. Lived here for 4 years and enjoy it. Lots of building and government investment going on.

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"The most Godforsaken place on earth."

Just roll up the windows and keep driving. Don’t make eye contact with anyone, don’t stop for fuel. It is literally hell on earth.

2
Kane Settree
Kane Settree

its not that bad mate

jeremym3

These things are subjective Kane. My view is indeed harsh, but accurate given my experience in the area.

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"Fantastic place to live!"

I moved to Dubbo from Western Sydney over a year ago for work and I have to say that after reading some of the reviews on this website, I was very concerned as to whether I was doing the right thing- it sounded like a nightmare! Let me say this, Dubbo is a great place to live and I don't regret moving here for a second.

Dubbo is a large country town/ small city that has all the facilities one could possibly need. Shopping is excellent; there are great cafes, pubs and restaurants (not as good as a big city but this is not a big city). There are medical services, hospitals, dentists, gyms and sports facilities, mechanics, panel beaters, trades people, government agencies, big banks, car dealerships, real estate agencies, and all related services, white goods and furniture stores, an airport and train station........you name it, Dubbo has it.

Combine all that with some of the most friendly, hospitable people I've met in my life and it makes a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I love it so much that I have committed to the area and I am building a house here for around a third of what I would have to pay in Sydney.

Are there any downsides? Sure. The summers are absolutely brutal and the winters are freezing- there are some rough-nuts around the place but definitely no worse than what you would find anywhere else (try living in Auburn, Bankstown or Granville etc.) and obviously there is not as much to do in a country town as there is in a big city.

On balance though, Dubbo is a wonderful, friendly place to live and I consider myself fortunate to be here. My wife also loves it- she is Filipino and I was concerned about how she would adapt to living in a regional area and how she would fit in but it's been wonderful- she has made more friends and acquaintances here than she ever did in Sydney. My son loves it too and I consider this a far better place to raise a child than a two bedroom apartment overlooking a highway in Western Sydney.

I love Dubbo and I would recommend it to anyone- it's not perfect but nowhere is. It is however, a fantastic place to live and raise a family. Move here with an open mind and a positive attitude and watch your life change for the better!

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
2
runc

Easy to find a job

adamr14
adamr14

Yes. Everywhere I go in Dubbo there are 'Help wanted' signs. There is plenty of work in Dubbo if you are willing.

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"Its Dubbo"

I have been in Dubbo for 3 years for work and have loved it. Locals are really driven and the city has grown so much in the short time ive been here. Growth in Agriculture, Mining, Health, Education, Transport and Tourism. Every pub and restaurant is bustling on a Friday and Saturday night and they have great local produce markets every fortnight. Dubbo is a really diverse place with rich Indigenous culture, talented local artists and a huge sporting culture.

I would encourage anyone or any family to get out in the bush for a bit.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
1
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"Counting down until we leave"

Pros: little traffic, even during "peak hour"; never more than 10 minutes from work (great if you have a young family); property prices reasonable; big backyards for growing families; large open spaces; fresh air; airport - well connected, flights to many different centres.

Cons: youth/indigenous crime/poor judicial response to same; isolation (Orange is 140+km away); no beaches; poor cafe culture/options; weather (Summers are too hot - hitting 40 degree days for weeks on end; Winters too cold - so you end up staying indoors for half the year); poor shopping options (although online shopping has been a saving grace); poor schooling options (most schools perform badly compared to the rest of the State); low standard daycare centres (avoid if you can!); sub-par medical facilities (even if you pay privately, good luck trying to get onto the books of a decent GP/specialist appointments involve months of wait time); very cliquey; lack of multiculturalism (although there is a growing Indian, Chinese population); high welfare-dependant demographic which is very visible and vocal (read: lots of swearing++); high crime rate (break and enters on the increase especially).

If Dubbo was a few hours east towards the Coast and had it a more multicultural element, it would be somewhat more inviting. As it is though, with its current demographic, and its extreme heat, it's quite intolerable. Personally, i am only residing here because it suits me for the time being, and with two young children, being so close to work is a godsend. Once my children are a little older, i will have no issue driving away, watching the 'city' of Dubbo getting smaller and smaller in my rear-view mirror.

Great for

  • No traffic
  • Realistic Real Estate values

Not great for

  • Can be a bit hot in December & January
  • Vandalism and Petty Crime
  • Clique Based/Unwelcoming

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
2
runc

Easy or hard to find a job for a Chinese

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"Moved from South Western Sydney, best thing we ever did"

After years of living in Sydney, Dubbo is just great. We have been here 9 years.
No traffic. Work is a 5 minute commute (no-one gets to work in under an hour in Sydney except those with their own helicopter). I remember the trains in Sydney breaking down and not getting home till 9pm. There was the abuse on the trains by those other "protected" ethnic minorities who we were terrified of offending.
In Sydney, there were the shootings down the road. Compared with Sydney, Dubbo is great, but lock up your houses and be careful where you go.
Locals avoid Macquarie St, which is rapidly becoming a ghost street. We all resent being intimidated by the "protected" little creeps who strut around with silly smirks on their faces, shoplifting and abusing the elderly and vulnerable. This is a recipe for civil unrest. Police do their best but have their hands tied by naive, inner-city "doctors' wives".
We did not know our neighbors in Sydney. Dubbo is considerably more friendly although they don't turn up with an apple pie to welcome you saying "howdy neighbour".
There are some decent restaurants, but many are woeful and expensive.
We miss the Sydney shows, although Dubbo and Orange seem to get a smattering of good acts. We love visiting Orange and Bathurst overnight.

If you go to Dubbo, I suggest:
Visit the local country towns and get out in the bush. The Warrumbungles are wonderful for a weekend stay in winter. The air is fresh, the sun shines and the sky is nearly always blue.
Locals get great rates at the Zoo, be a Zoo volunteer.
To meet people, there are several very good Rotary Clubs to join. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels. The golf course is A++++. Bowls clubs are good. Hockey. Other sport. CWA. Persevere and you will get enough friends.

Great for

  • No traffic

Not great for

  • Can be a bit hot in December & January
  • Vandalism and Petty Crime

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
0
MiddleA

I have consistently over many years "heard" about the youth delinquent problem particularly that of the indigenous youth problem afflicting Dubbo. My question to what seems to be a constant factor is why is this permitted to continue? Surely strong and assertive policing and judicial action would minimise this problem. All it takes is the will of the local decision makers to take on the problem "children" whether of the indigenous variety or other varieties, to support the Police, to ensure the courts act in a corrective manner and to motivate delinquent parents.

The needs and fears of middle of the road productive citizens must be given priority over those citizens who take and destroy rather than produce.Its not rocket science - All it needs is a backbone and the do-gooders who protect the no-hopers to be marginalised!

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"Family Happy in Dubbo"

I have moved into Dubbo 5 yrs ago it is like most towns it has it good and bad points. I also lived in Gilgandra for 18 yrs. Those that are not happy should move somewhere else & see how they go. I lived down the coast & also the city for years & decided to bring my family up here to grow up as down there you find robbery, drugs & other things more .The thing is that when you live in the country you hear about everything that happens so it seems there are more problems where as in bigger cities you don't hear about these problems as much. So these people who run down Dubbo need to wake up to themselves.

Great for

  • Facilities - Entertainment, Education,Sports and Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Realistic Real Estate values

Not great for

  • Can be a bit hot in December & January

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
0
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"A Great Place for Anyone"

After reading some of the reviews, I would suggest to these people, don't live in the 'slum' areas of a large city. Dubbo has a population of 40,000 approx and a shopping population of up to 130,000 at any one time. This means you don't get all the congestion but you do get all the amentities of a town of 130,000. Lots of shops, lots of real estate choices (1 acre or more to 500m3 blocks), theatre, art gallery, a music conservatory, restaurants, coffee shops, multi screen picture theatre, many private and public schools, multi campus TAFE, private colleges and masses of sports facilities.

Virtually everywhere is air conditioned, so the heat isn't really a worry and it is only hot for about 2 months a year when the temps can stay from 25 to 35 with an odd high 30's day. Winter isn't really that cold and most of the year the temperature is Autumn/spring type temperatures in the low 20's.

I live in a garden suburb, where the biggest problem is where to build a pool, have never been broken into, and have never been in any violent situation (I have lived here 35 years).

If you think you would like to live here, come and visit and see whats available. It's not like most badly planned,dirty cities I've been too. My visitors are always impressed especially with all the happy friendly locals.

Great for

  • Jobs
  • Facilities - Entertainment, Education,Sports and Shopping
  • Realistic Real Estate values

Not great for

  • Can be a bit hot in December & January

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
1
priscilan

Hi there,
Im moving to Dubbo with my husband and 2 children in October. Any suggestions of good suburbs to rent a house? We were looking around south lakes, is that a good area? Thanks!

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"Low class town"

2year living in this town was way to long DANGEROUS place to live you cant even walk down the street with out some bum making you feel unsafe, Sorry Dubbo you need to fix this proplem to get a good review

3
Acanthus

Not according to police statistics. Maybe it was your lifestyle.

CJF34259

I worked here as a police officer. Statistics don't always show a true reflection and do get 'fudged'. Dubbo does have big problems. Obviously don't live near the Apollo Estate, North-East Dubbo and in the vicinity of East Street, West Dubbo.

adriel

I don't know about dangerous but groups of "ethnic" guys staring at you when you walk past them in the street is definitely off putting. I think Dubbo is good otherwise, plenty of options and the shopping centres are good.

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"havn't looked back"

I moved to Dubbo around 7 years ago and have really enjoyed my time here. I have met so many friendly people and enoyed all the facilities Dubbo has to offer.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"I love Dubbo!"

I have found Dubbo brilliant, one of the friendliest City's that I have ever lived in. The facilities are great, my children attend a lovely school and there aren't too many regional Cities that can boast a Myers. Traffic is minimal (some days, I get stuck for 2 minutes on the City's main round-a-bout in the mornings), the city is green and the Council has just opened a new theatre, and are bringing some great shows to town. It truely is a great City to live in.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"No Class!"

Sadly I couldn't recommend Dubbo for anyone who's even remotely progressive. After having lived in Dubbo for two years, I was very saddened to experience first hand, a general apathy from the locals when it come to standards of any kind. Of course, there are individuals & businesses who defy the odds, but unfortunately they are overwhelmed by an extreme underclass of individual who include among other things, unemployed youth in hotted up cars who lap the streets day and night, alcohol fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour EVERY weekend, teenage single mothers moving from one housing unit to another (conversing in charming language) and repeated break ins by those who won't work because its far more convienient to rip off another who will. Sadly, it's these people that out weigh the rest of us by about 10 to 1...such that the moment ones options change, the pleasant folks you want in your town - leave. It's no coincidence that Orange/ Mudgee and other surrounding towns are considered far more salubrious than Dubbo..,,maybe it's because their locals don't put up with the the level of trash that Dubbo does...everyone is simply resigned to the fact that it's because it's 'Dubbo' - South Dubbo/ Old Dubbo Rd, Lazy River Estate/ The Grapevine are lovely and well worth a visit though - it's a pity that the rest of them just can't get it together...,,Oh yes, my street was lovely, lovely trees and wide frontage - and even considered to be one of the more desireable areas to live in town...sadly, it was surrounded by loser individuals..renting...and as you know, it only takes one set of slobs to ruin it for everyone...and they are EVERYWHERE. If you decide to move to Dubbo...make sure you get a house alarm and a dog..but don't let the poor thing off the lead down near the river (the only other nice area of Dubbo)..because typically a ranger will give you a fine! Good luck!

2
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"Nothing to do, too hot to do anything any way"

I’ve lived in Dubbo for 4 years and I wouldn’t recommend it. The main problem is its proximity, being so far inland there’s no nearby beaches or waterways and during summer it’s so hot you just have to stay indoors all day with the a/c. There isn’t anything to do on the weekends so all you can do is to travel somewhere like Newcastle or Sydney, 5 hrs drive though!
It has all the mainstream shops like Big W, Bunnings etc. but nothing special. There are a couple of good restaurants but most places don’t know what there doing. There are problems with crime, one night a mob of drunk kids damaged my car and others in the street and kicked in our fence.
Generally people here are friendly and down to earth, so that’s one good side, but the bottom line is everyone I know who’s left Dubbo said it was the best thing they’ve done.

0
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"I didnt really like living in Dubbo"

Would only recommend it for people working in the area

0
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Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
0
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"Dubbo- Western Plains Zoo is a big attraction."

Located about a 5 hour drive North West of Sydney, Dubbo has become famous for the Western Plains Zoo. Here animals roam free and you can get up close and personal from the safety of your car as you drive through the park. There are some really good wineries here as well as the Old Dubbo Gaol and the Dundullimal Homestead with the oldest Timber slab Hut in Australia dating from the 1840’s. Dubbo has lots of shops, hotel and motels as well as restaurants and fast food outlets. There are numerous walking tracks for the bush walker and for the keen, you can take a glider flight from Narromine.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
Time_to_go

From the safety of your car?? It's a zoo, not a wild safari!
Yes, there is the option to drive around the zoo but the animals are "safely" behind fences and moats. You can get out of your car.

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