Explorer
Country
Features the areas of Bathurst, Blayney, Canowindra, Coolah, Coonabarabran,
Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo, Forbes, Gilgandra, Hill End, Mudgee,
Narromine, Orange, Parkes, Wellington, West Wyalong.
Explorer
Country offers a diverse range of discovery-type experiences,
a highlight of which is the famous Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.
There's also amazing caves, spectacular National Parks, like the
Warrumbungles, and observatories where you can watch and learn
about the stars.
Western
Plains Zoo, Dubbo. This open range wildlife zoo is home to
more than 800 animals from 5 continental zones, and 1,000 native
animals. Many are endangered and are part of special preservation
programs by the zoo. Guided walks are held each Wednesday, Friday,
Saturday, Sunday during school holidays and Saturday and Sunday
only out of school holidays. You are free to ride or bike or drive
you own car around the zoo seven days a week between 9am and 5pm.
Old
Dubbo Goal, Dubbo. See the authentic gallows where eight men
were hanged for murder. Listen to eight world-class animatronic
models tell haunting tales of murder, the hardships of prison
life and the deeds of desperate bushrangers. Hear the story of
the woman who shot the magistrate. This is better than a boring
history lesson at school.
Fossils are always intriguing for children. At the Age of Fishes
Museum, in Canowindra, you will see one of the world's great
fossil discoveries - a special rock containing fish fossils. The
learning centre also has other rare fossils and heaps of information.
The National Motor Racing Museum, Bathurst, Mt Panorama
Racing Circuit. Male members of the family will enjoy seeing a
selection of race-winning cars and motor bikes from years gone
by. Other features include a superb display of photographs and
paintings, trophies, helmets and memorabilia of the great race.
Bathurst Sheep and Cattle Drone. Just 8 minutes drive from
the centre of Bathurst you can see and learn about the leading
sheep and cattle industry. Join in and milk a cow, or watch the
show which includes sheep shearing and wool classing. There's
also a train, merry-go-round, tractor hay ride, friendship animal
nursery, barbecue facilities and sheep dog trials.
Burrendong Arboretum, Mumbil, via Wellington. Gardening
families will enjoy one of the largest collections of Australian
plants in cultivation. There's over 50,000 flowering plants, shrubs
and trees from more than 2,000 different species in just 167 hectares.
The Japanese Garden, at Cowra. Award-winning internationally
renowned landscape architect Mr Ken Nakajima has recreated the
landscapes of Japan with hills, mountains, streams, rivers, ponds,
inland lakes and a sea. There's also a traditional Japanese Tea
House and air-conditioned restaurant, Bonsai House, Raked Pebble
Garden, Pottery House and colourful Koi Carp. If your children
are about to study Japan at school this is the place to get a
head start on Japanese culture.
The giant Parkes Radio Telescope. Since commissioning in
1961, Parkes Observatory has been responsible for many world firsts
in radio astronomy. As movie goers who saw the Australian film
The Dish know, Neil Armstrong's history-making first steps on
the moon were transmitted via the Parkes Radio Telescope. The
onsite Visitors Discovery has a range of interactive astronomy
displays and resource material.
Motor Museum and Craft Corner, Parkes. Vintage cars from
as early as 1912 are displayed in this amazing motor museum. Entry
to the museum through the Craft Centre or Garden Centre.
Honey Haven, Mudgee - A working honey processing plant
with pottery and souvenirs for sale. A special glass hive allows
the children to watch the bees at work. Staff explain the process
of honey collection with practical demonstrations.
The Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition, at Coonabarabran
Visitors Centre. See the skeleton of a giant Diprotodon, the largest
marsupial to have ever lived. This specimen was found in the creek
bed of Cox's Creek at Tambar Springs, half an hour east of Coonabarabran.
This is a truly significant display.
Siding Springs Observatory, Coonabarabran, is one of the
world's major optical observatories. The viewing gallery in the
telescope building allows visitors to observe some of the workings
of this immense piece of equipment. Outside a lookout gives spectacular
views over the Warrumbungles National Park with views in
excess of 100km. A map of walking tracks in this famous park is
available at the visitor centre.
Wellington Caves. The world famous Bone Cave contains fossilised
skeletons of many giant animals which roamed the Wellington valley
millions of years ago. It is now reserved for the exclusive use
of scientists from all parts of the world.
The Cathedral Cave (open for inspection) is a vast area where
visitors are confronted by a truly gigantic stalagmite, regarded
as one of the largest in the world. It rises from the floor to
a height of about 15m and measures about 32m around the base.
Illuminated by hidden lights, it has a majestic appearance and
is popularly known as 'the Madonna'. The Gaden Cave (also open)
is smaller in comparison to the Cathedral Cave, but has unusual
and exquisite formations.
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