• Weekend getaways

52 Weekends Away: The best places to stay in NSW and ACT in 2020

From historical homesteads and wildlife retreats to harbourside views and seaside sanctuaries, there are plenty of ways to discover the charming landscapes of NSW and the ACT.

• Country NSW

Old Dubbo Gaol, NSW: Hangman's ropes form grisly new museum exhibit

In Dubbo, news of a state hangman’s “kit”, consisting of 13 ropes, is enough to bring a smile to a museum curator’s face.

• Anthony Dennis

• Country NSW

Dubbo, NSW travel guide and things to do: Nine highlights

Dubbo is the perfect gateway to outback NSW.

• Anthony Dennis

• Family holidays

Glamping at Taronga's Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, New South Wales

It's the luxury safari you can have in your own backyard.

• Michael Evans

• Adventure holidays

Western Plains Zoofari Lodge review: Out of Africa, in Dubbo

Western Plains' Zoofari Lodges takes camping to a new level, writes Tim Barlass.

• Family holidays

Up close at feeding time

Bellinda Kontominas spends a wild night with the who's who of the zoo.

• Hotel reviews

Ranelagh Bed and Breakfast, Dubbo review: Room for Her Maj and the Pope

The potential guest list is one of the surprises awaiting Elicia Murray at a country estate.

• Inspiration

Heavy petting in Dubbo

Bruce Elder enjoys creatures and comfort at a rural B&B.

• Inspiration

The Doctor Dolittle tour

Tom Neal Tacker joins the guides and handlers at Western Plains Zoo who care for some of nature's celebrities.

• Adventure holidays

Road-tripper's guide to the galaxy

Lisa Perkovic finds the best places to star-gaze during the Year of Astronomy.