Good to know Frequently asked
Frequently asked
questions.
Quick facts
Bluegum Dubbo — quick facts.
- What
- 23 guest rooms across six types — Deluxe Queen, Deluxe Queen Twin, Executive King, Executive King Twin, Premier King, Premier King Studio. Every room has a kitchenette (sink, mini-bar fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle). Saltwater pool, 2× Tesla EV chargers, on-site meeting room (seats 7), pillow menu, in-room yoga mats.
- Where
- 109 Cobra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830 — central Dubbo, the closest CBD motel to Taronga Western Plains Zoo (4.9 km / about 8 min by car).
- Check-in / out
- From 2:00 pm · by 10:00 am. Early check-in 1pm and late check-out 11am are book-direct benefits. Reception Mon–Fri 7:30 am–8:00 pm, Sat–Sun 8:00 am–8:00 pm. After-hours arrivals receive an email with check-in instructions before arrival.
- Parking
- Free, off-street, undercover, CCTV-monitored — more spaces than rooms. Designed for standard passenger vehicles only. Not suitable for trailers, boats, caravans, trucks or oversized work vehicles — guests with larger vehicles may use street parking nearby (subject to local restrictions and availability). Please contact us prior to arrival with any parking questions.
- EV charging
- 2× Tesla chargers on site for guest use.
- WiFi & TV
- Free fast NBN WiFi throughout. 50–55" Smart TVs with streaming (incl. Netflix) in every room. Air-conditioning in every room.
- Best for
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo families · Junior sport carnival teams · Livestock event visitors (National Shorthorn, Hereford, Merino and Dorper shows, Jun–Sep) · Theatre & Convention Centre delegates · Dubbo Base Hospital visiting families and locums · EV-driving travellers · Regional drive-through stops.
- Indicative rate
- Rooms from $170 per night, booked direct (Deluxe Queen, two guests, low-season midweek). Best-rate guarantee — the same room is never cheaper on a booking site.
- Book direct
- Lowest rate guaranteed when you book with us directly. Book online, call +61 2 6882 0900, or email bookings@patriciacoffee.mom — we’ll always reply.
Booking & rates
Booking & rates.
How do I get the best rate?
Book direct at book-directonline.com. Direct bookings carry our best-rate guarantee — the same room is never cheaper on a booking site — and there are no booking fees or third-party change penalties. Use code DIRECT10 for 10% off your first direct booking.
What is your cancellation policy?
Standard bookings can be changed or cancelled free of charge up until 2 pm property time on or before 48 hours before arrival. After that, a one-night accommodation fee applies; no-shows are charged in full. Non-Refundable rates can't be changed or cancelled. Long-stay 7+ day rates carry a 2-night cancellation fee inside 48 hours; long-stay 30+ day rates carry a 7-night fee. Group and meeting bookings are handled case-by-case under the booking contract. Third-party bookings follow that party's terms.
Do you offer weekly or long-stay discounted rates?
Bluegum mainly caters for short stays, but we offer discounted rates on selected stays of 2, 3, or 5 nights. These rates are subject to availability and may vary throughout the year. For the best available rates, book directly through our website or contact us before making your reservation.
Do you offer corporate rates and direct billing?
Yes. We regularly accommodate corporate travellers and business guests visiting the Dubbo region. Companies requiring multiple rooms or direct billing arrangements can contact us directly or book through RMS Siteminder. Bluegum is part of Travellers Group, so one corporate account can cover all five group properties across regional QLD and NSW.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, EFTPOS and cash. Photo ID and card are required at check-in. Card surcharges apply in line with RBA guidelines — EFTPOS (cheque/savings) no fee, Visa/Mastercard (credit & debit) 1.95%, American Express 3.95% — and end on 1 October 2026 under the RBA’s card payment reforms.
Can I get a tax invoice for work travel?
Yes — a tax invoice is issued for every stay, showing the property's ABN and your booking details. If you need a specific cost code, PO reference or department billing reference, tell us at booking and we'll set the invoice up that way.
Arrival & check-in
Arrival & check-in.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 2:00 pm and check-out is by 10:00 am. Early check-in from 1:00 pm and late check-out until 11:00 am are included with every direct booking as a book-direct benefit (subject to availability).
Can I check in early or check out late?
Direct bookings include early check-in from 1:00 pm and late check-out until 11:00 am, subject to availability on the day. If you need more flexibility, message reception in the morning of arrival or before check-out and we'll do our best to accommodate.
What if I arrive after reception closes?
Reception is open Monday–Friday 7:30 am–8:00 pm and Saturday–Sunday 8:00 am–8:00 pm. After-hours arrivals receive an email with check-in instructions before arrival — no late-night lockouts. Tell us your expected arrival time when you book so we can have everything ready.
Where is reception located?
Reception is at the front of the property at 109 Cobra Street — clearly signed from the street and from the on-site car park.
Can I store luggage before check-in or after check-out?
Yes — complimentary luggage storage at reception during opening hours. Useful if you're arriving early before zoo gates open or have a late flight out of Dubbo Airport (DBO).
Rooms & facilities
Rooms & facilities.
How many rooms does Bluegum Dubbo have, and what types?
23 guest rooms across six types — Deluxe Queen, Deluxe Queen Twin, Executive King, Executive King Twin, Premier King and Premier King Studio. Plus an on-site meeting room seating 7. See accommodation for room sizes, sleeping configurations and inclusions.
Does every room have a kitchenette?
Yes — every room has a kitchenette with sink, mini-bar fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle. Useful for early-start breakfasts and late returns from the zoo or sporting carnivals.
Do you have family rooms or interconnecting rooms?
The Deluxe Queen Twin and Executive King Twin sleep three (Queen + King Single, or King + King Single). The Premier King Studio is our most spacious room with a King bed and dining table for longer stays. We can also place a rollaway bed in eligible rooms on request (we have two rollaways on site). Interconnecting rooms: let us know your group size at booking and we'll match you to the best layout.
Can I request a ground-floor room or a specific room number?
Absolutely. We're happy to note requests for ground-floor accommodation or a preferred room number where possible. While we can't guarantee specific room allocations, we do our best to accommodate all requests based on availability at the time of check-in.
Are there quiet rooms available?
All rooms at Bluegum Dubbo are set back from the highway, helping to minimise road noise. Guests seeking the quietest stay are welcome to request a room in a quieter area of the property when booking.
Is the property wheelchair accessible?
Please contact reception before booking to discuss specific accessibility needs — we'll match you to the most suitable room and the easiest access path through the property.
Can I add an extra bed or a cot to my room?
Yes — we have two rollaway beds available on site. Tell us at booking and we'll add one to the room. Cots: contact reception in advance to confirm availability.
Can I get extra towels?
Of course — just ask reception during opening hours, or leave a note on the room phone after hours.
What TVs are in the rooms?
Every room has a 50–55" Smart TV with streaming, including Netflix. Sign in with your own account during your stay; we automatically reset to factory state at check-out.
Is the WiFi free, and what are the WiFi details?
Yes — free, fast NBN WiFi throughout the property, no data limits. Network name and password are printed on the in-room card; reception will resend if you need them.
Does the motel have a swimming pool?
Yes — a saltwater swimming pool open to all guests. Gentler on skin and eyes than chlorinated pools, and a favourite after a day at the zoo.
Do you have a gym, spa, or restaurant?
No on-site gym, spa or restaurant. We focus on what we do well — comfortable rooms, the saltwater pool, the meeting room, EV charging, and free undercover parking. For dining and breakfast, see the questions below.
Are pets allowed?
No pets — with the exception of assistance / support animals, which are always welcome with the relevant documentation.
Parking & EV charging
Parking & EV charging.
Is there parking available, and is it free?
Yes — free, off-street, undercover, CCTV-monitored parking on site. We have more spaces than rooms.
Can I park a trailer, boat, caravan, or large work vehicle on-site?
Our on-site parking is designed for standard passenger vehicles only and is not suitable for trailers, boats, caravans, trucks, or oversized work vehicles. Guests travelling with larger vehicles may be able to utilise street parking nearby, subject to local parking restrictions and availability. We recommend contacting us prior to arrival if you have any questions about parking arrangements.
Do you have EV charging on site?
Yes — two Tesla EV chargers on site for guest use. Useful for road-tripping through regional NSW.
Dining & breakfast
Dining & breakfast.
Is breakfast included? Do you offer breakfast on-site?
We do not currently offer breakfast on-site. However, there are a number of cafés, restaurants, and takeaway options located nearby. Our team will be happy to recommend local breakfast options during your stay. (We have 'Good Brew' Café which opens early mornings, 7 days a week, across the road, and guests can order breakfast from Short Street Café which we pick up and deliver to room for $18.)
Where do you send guests for an early breakfast or coffee?
Good Brew Café is directly across the road and opens early 7 days — the easiest option. The team also recommends Press, Short Street Store Café, Village Bakehouse, and Dahab Café in the Dubbo CBD.
Where do you recommend for dinner in Dubbo?
The team's honest picks — Asian cuisine: Royal India Restobar, LingLing Thai, Okami Japanese Restaurant, The Vietnamese House. Pubs: Devils Hollow Microbrewery, Pastoral Hotel, Club Dubbo (Bowls Club — great for groups and families). Restaurant: One7Eight at Dubbo RSL (groups, family, couples). Bars: The Establishment (Wed–Sat), The Monkey Bar (Tue–Sat) — groups and couples. Take-away / quick: Sip'n'Smash, and all the major fast-food chains nearby. See the full restaurant guide for more.
What's open late in Dubbo — food, pharmacy, fuel?
After 8 pm the best food options are the local pubs. Chemist Warehouse is open until 9 pm on weekdays. Several 24-hour fuel stations including Ampol Foodary, BP Truckstop and Mobil for fuel, snacks and essentials.
Distances & getting around
Distances & getting around.
How far is Bluegum Dubbo from Taronga Western Plains Zoo?
4.9 km / about 8 minutes by car. Bluegum is the closest CBD motel to the zoo — ideal for an early start to catch the animals at their most active. See the full Location & distances page for every Dubbo destination measured.
How far is Dubbo Airport (DBO) from Bluegum?
About 7 km / 10 minutes by car. Direct flights from Sydney + Brisbane via QantasLink and Rex Airlines. We don't operate an airport shuttle but the team can happily recommend a local airport travel service on request.
Is there public transport nearby?
Dubbo's central location means most major destinations are within walking distance or a short drive from Bluegum. For airport transfers and broader regional travel, ask reception for current recommendations — the local options change occasionally.
How close is Dubbo Base Hospital?
About 3 km / 5 minutes by car. Many hospital visitors, locum doctors and agency nurses stay with us — quiet rooms set back from the road, free parking, and a kitchenette in every room for medication, meal storage and quick breakfasts before morning appointments.
How close is the CBD and the Old Dubbo Gaol?
The Dubbo CBD heart (Macquarie Street) is about 1 km / 3 min drive / 12 min walk from Bluegum. Old Dubbo Gaol (90 Macquarie Street) is 2.1 km / 6 min drive / 23 min walk. The Western Plains Cultural Centre — in central Dubbo, despite the name — is just 0.7 km / 3 min drive / 15 min walk.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
What's the best time to go to the zoo?
As early as possible. Gates open from 9:00 am and the animals are generally most active in the cooler morning hours, especially in summer.
Should I buy zoo tickets online beforehand?
Yes — recommended, particularly during school holidays and long weekends.
Can I do the zoo in half a day?
Most families spend 4–6 hours. The zoo covers a 5.5 km circuit, so it's much larger than many first-time visitors expect.
Can we drive our car around the zoo?
Yes. Many visitors are surprised to learn they can drive the one-way circuit and park near exhibits.
Should we hire bikes at the zoo?
For many families, yes. Bikes are one of the most popular ways to explore the zoo and provide access to smaller trails and paths. Guests can also bring their own bikes.
Should we hire an electric cart at the zoo?
If travelling with young children, grandparents, or anyone with mobility concerns, an electric cart is often worth the extra cost. Carts seat up to six people and are consistently in high demand, so book ahead.
What about food at the zoo?
There are cafés, picnic areas and food outlets throughout the zoo, but many guests still prefer an early breakfast before they go. Good Brew Café (across the road from Bluegum) opens early 7 days.
Hospital & medical stays
Hospital & medical stays.
How far is Dubbo Base Hospital and how long does it take to drive?
About 3 km / 5 minutes by car. Easy run via Cobra Street and the connecting CBD roads.
Is parking available at Bluegum for hospital visitors?
Yes — free, off-street, undercover, CCTV-monitored. No additional charge for the duration of your stay.
Where can I get coffee early, before morning appointments?
Good Brew Café across the road opens early 7 days — the easiest pre-appointment coffee option.
Where can I get a simple, reliable meal nearby?
Good Brew Café across the road for quick breakfast or lunch. For dinner the team recommends the local pubs (Devils Hollow, Pastoral) or One7Eight at Dubbo RSL for something more substantial.
Can I extend my stay if my hospital plans change?
Yes — medical appointments and admissions often change at short notice, and we can pencil/hold an extension for up to 24 hours where availability allows. Let reception know as soon as you have an update.
Can I check in early or leave luggage at reception?
We can't guarantee early check-in but luggage can be left at reception during opening hours.
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Chemist Warehouse is nearby and open until 9 pm on weekdays.
Can family members visit and return easily?
Yes — we allow family members to visit, as long as they notify management/reception. Many guests spend most of the day at the hospital and simply need a comfortable place to return to.
Working stays & long stays
Working stays & long stays.
Can I extend my stay?
If you would like to stay an extra night or longer, please let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate your request; however, all extensions are subject to availability.
Do you cater for project crews, contractors and corporate teams?
Yes. We regularly accommodate corporate travellers and business guests visiting the Dubbo region. Companies requiring multiple rooms or direct billing arrangements can contact us directly or book through RMS Siteminder / OTAs.
Dubbo events & busy periods
Dubbo events & busy periods.
What are the busiest periods at Bluegum, and when should I book ahead?
The biggest accommodation drivers are: Easter school holidays (driven largely by zoo visitors), September/October school holidays (the sweet spot for Dubbo tourism — mild weather, zoo activity surge, families travelling before summer heat), major junior sporting carnivals (Mar–Oct), livestock sales and agricultural events (Jun–Sep — see below), the Dubbo Show weekend (usually May), and conference and convention weekends. Christmas and January are generally quieter.
When is the Dubbo Show?
Usually May. The biggest traditional community event of the year — rides, showbags, livestock judging, competitions, evening entertainment. Family visitors, regional exhibitors, noticeable lift in city-wide occupancy.
What are the national livestock and agricultural events at the Dubbo Showground?
Dubbo hosts four nationally significant livestock events June–September: National Shorthorn Show & Sale (June), Poll Hereford National Show & Sale (July), National Merino Ram Show & Sale (August), National Dorper Show & Sale (September). These attract breeders, agents, transport operators and rural visitors from across the country and quietly fill accommodation across the city.
When is the Dubbo Stampede?
August. Large running festival centred around Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the Macquarie River precinct. Draws runners and supporters from across NSW and interstate.
Does Dubbo host major sporting carnivals?
Yes — junior representative sport across March–October. Rugby league, netball, touch football, hockey, cricket and school sport carnivals are often the biggest accommodation drivers outside holiday periods. Many visitors don't realise how significant these weekends can be until restaurants and accommodation book out.
Are there conferences and theatre events worth knowing about?
Yes — the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre hosts major touring productions, concerts and conferences year-round. Dubbo also regularly hosts NSW state and regional government, health, education and agricultural conferences because of its central location. Both can bring sudden accommodation demand.
Itinerary & nearby attractions
Itinerary & nearby attractions.
I have one day in Dubbo — what's the team's recommended itinerary?
One day: Taronga Western Plains Zoo (allow 4–6 hours) + Old Dubbo Gaol if time permits. Most first-time visitors only see the zoo and move on — the Gaol is the easy add-on that gives you a real sense of the town.
I have two or three days — what should I add?
Two days: Zoo + Old Dubbo Gaol + the Japanese Garden (part of the Dubbo Botanic Garden). Three days: Add Wellington Caves or an Observatory evening session. That's the itinerary that gives visitors the best sense of what Dubbo has to offer.
Any hidden gems locals don't talk about?
Victoria Park — only a short walk from Bluegum (about 7 minutes). The park features beautiful gardens, a duck pond, picnic areas, a kids' playground, the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre, and one of regional Australia's best skate parks. Great for families winding down after the zoo.
What's at the Western Plains Cultural Centre?
Despite the "Western Plains" name, the Cultural Centre is in central Dubbo — about 0.7 km from Bluegum (15 min walk or 3 min drive). Art gallery, museum, community gallery and café on one site. An easy walk-in option after breakfast or before checking out.
Best rate guaranteed
Still have a question?
Call us on (02) 6882 0900, email bookings@patriciacoffee.mom, or send us a message — we’ll always reply.
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