(02) 6882 0900 bookings@patriciacoffee.mom
109 Cobra Street, Dubbo NSW
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Bluegum Dubbo — the closest CBD motel to Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Why stay with us · Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Where to stay for the
Western Plains Zoo.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the reason most visitors come to Dubbo — and Bluegum Dubbo is 4.9 km / 8 minutes by car from the main entrance, the closest CBD motel to the zoo. An early start from Bluegum lets you reach gates as they open at 9:00 am, when the animals are most active.

Check availability for a zoo visit

A morning at the zoo from Bluegum

Wake up. Walk across the road to Good Brew Café (open early, 7 days). Coffee in hand back to your room. Eight-minute drive west on Cobra Street out to the zoo. Park near the gate. Through the turnstiles by 9:00 am as they open.

Now you have a choice: walk the 5.5 km circuit (allow 4–6 hours, plan for a picnic at one of the in-zoo areas), drive your own car around the one-way circuit and park near each exhibit, hire bikes for the family (a long-time local favourite), or rent an electric cart if you have young children, grandparents, or anyone who'd benefit from skipping the walk. Carts seat up to six and book out fast in school holidays — reserve ahead.

Most families spend the full morning at the zoo and head back to Bluegum for a swim in the saltwater pool before lunch. The 5.5 km circuit catches a lot of first-time visitors out: it's a bigger zoo than they expect.

Why Bluegum works for zoo families

  • Kitchenette in every room — pack lunches for the zoo from the in-room fridge instead of paying café prices inside the gates.
  • Saltwater pool — the perfect afternoon decompression after a zoo morning, especially in summer.
  • Free undercover parking — no fight for a shaded spot when you get back.
  • Family-friendly room mix — Deluxe Queen Twin and Executive King Twin sleep three (Queen + King Single, King + King Single); Premier King Studio is our most spacious. Rollaway beds available on request.
  • Old Dubbo Gaol pairing — 2.1 km / 6 minutes from Bluegum. The natural one-day add-on after the zoo.

Booking lead times — honest guidance

From the front desk:

  • Easter school holidays — one of the busiest family travel periods in Dubbo. The zoo increases activities and encounters during school holidays. Book Bluegum 8–12 weeks ahead.
  • September/October school holidays — the sweet spot. Mild weather, zoo activity surge, families travelling before summer. Often books up 6–10 weeks ahead.
  • Long weekends + public holidays — 4–6 weeks ahead is usually enough.
  • Christmas and January — generally quieter in Dubbo than Easter and spring holidays. While the zoo continues to attract family visitors, business travel and events typically pause, making it one of the more relaxed times to visit.
FAQs

Zoo visits — common questions.

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 — an easy early start to catch the animals at their most active.
What's the best time to go to the zoo?
As early as possible. Gates open from 9:00 am and the animals are 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. Buying online beats the morning queue.
How long do I need at the zoo?
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 they can drive the one-way circuit and park near exhibits.
Should we hire bikes or an electric cart?
Bikes are one of the most popular ways to explore and provide access to smaller trails. You can also bring your own. Electric carts are worth the extra cost if you're travelling with young children, grandparents, or anyone with mobility concerns — carts seat up to six people and are consistently in high demand, so book ahead.
Should I eat at the zoo or before going?
There are cafés and picnic areas throughout the zoo, but many guests prefer an early breakfast before they go. Good Brew Café is directly across the road from Bluegum and opens early 7 days — the team's recommended pre-zoo breakfast spot.
When's the busiest period for zoo families?
Easter school holidays are one of the busiest family travel periods of the year in Dubbo — driven largely by zoo visitors. The September/October school holidays are often the sweet spot — mild weather, zoo activity surge, families travelling before the summer heat. Book Bluegum 8–12 weeks ahead for these windows.

Full guest FAQ — check-in, parking, EV charging, breakfast, long stays.

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Start your zoo morning at Bluegum.

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Sources & last verified. Distance to Taronga Western Plains Zoo (4.9 km / 8.4 min by car) re-measured by Jess June 2026 against Google Maps from the building entrance at 109 Cobra Street. Zoo facts (gates 9 am, 5.5 km circuit, cart capacity 6, school-holiday surge pattern) supplied by Werner Eenink & Sarah De Rijk (GMs, Bluegum Dubbo) in the 26 June 2026 ops sheet. Confirm session schedules and ticket releases at taronga.org.au/dubbo. Last reviewed June 2026.