Great Spots to Visit

Dubbo has many great spots to experience the local natural history. Many are visited on the monthly field trips. A few of our favourite locations are described below:

Goonoo Forest

Formerly a State Forest, Goonoo is currently a State Conservation Area. It lies approximately 40km north east of Dubbo, with adjoining areas including the Coolbaggie Nature Reserve.

The forest is known for it's expansive Ironbark/Box/Gum woodlands, with areas of Green Mallee and Melaleuca scrub. It contains many significant species of birds, including Malleefowl, Regent Honeyeaters, Turquoise Parrots, Glossy Black Cockatoos and Barking Owls.

Gibraltar Rock

Gibraltar Rock lies about 10km south of the city. The southern side of the rock was declared a Public Recreation Reserve in 1906. Unfortunately Council has advised this Reserve is no longer accessible. 

The peak is a trig reserve with the land around the base is under a grazing lease.

From the trig station on its peak, Gibraltar Rock provides a full 360-degree view of the district. The Rock is a beautiful volcanic formation, an easy climb, and is particularly interesting after rain, when the top is covered with vegetation and small rock pools.

Geurie Bald Hill Reserve and Cemetery

The Bald Hill Reserve is managed by Dubbo Regional Council. It represents an excellent spot to experience grassy box woodland due it's relatively intact grassy understorey. Many great birds can be observed here, including Black-chinned Honeyeaters, Square-tailed Kites, Diamond Firetails and Little Lorikeets. Similarly, the cemetery is excellent for both flora and fauna, with many orchids appearing in the spring.

Dubbo Targona Western Plains Zoo

While being famous for the captive animals, the Zoo also contains a large area of fenced woodlands and constructed wetlands that are fox and cat-free. Keep an eye out for Magpie Geese, Crakes, Grey-crowned Babblers, Little Lorikeets and a range of woodland birds species.

Old Harbor Lagoon

Old Harbor Lagoon lies east of Balladoran/Eumungerie, approximately 40km north of Dubbo. It represents a 'perched lake' wetland and is filled from local rainfall only. Half of the lagoon is dedicated as a Wildlife Refuge, with lakebed cropping and grazing in the other half. Many species of frogs and birds occupy the lagoon when it is full. Access is strictly with landholder permission only.

Mugga Hill

The Mugga Hill  is located 4 km north east of Dubbo along the Dunedoo Road. There is a track around the area, shared with the Dubbo Mountainbiking Club.  

Mugga Hill was declared a Crown Reserve for the Preservation of Flora and Fauna in the 1980s. The reserve is dominated by Mugga ironbarks (Eucalyptus sideroxylon), inland grey box (E. woollsiana), tumbledown red gums (E. dealbata) and cypress pines (Callitris endicheri, Callitris glauca). The ironbarks are distinguished by dark, very rough bark, while the grey box and gums have fibrous grey and smooth grey, white or cream bark respectively. Numerous species of woodland birds inhabit the Mugga Hill area.